New Hampshire Senate Bill SB27

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/7/25
• Refer: 1/7/25
• Report Pass: 2/20/25
• Engrossed: 3/28/25
• Refer: 3/28/25

Caption

Relative to dwellings over water.

Impact

The impact of SB27 centers around the balancing act of preserving existing water-oriented structures and enhancing public safety. By allowing repairs and improvements to these dwellings, the bill aims to protect both the structural integrity of these homes and the surrounding environment. Any alterations made must not increase the existing living space or footprint, which implies a strong focus on maintaining the original ecological footprint of water bodies involved. The bill anticipates involving the Commissioner of the state to waive certain standards where improvements demonstrably offer greater protections to public health and environmental quality.

Summary

Senate Bill 27 (SB27) seeks to amend regulations pertaining to dwellings constructed over water in New Hampshire. The bill allows for certain improvements and repairs to existing water-based dwellings without requiring a permit for routine maintenance. It maintains that these structures may be repaired or reconstructed to comply with relevant state and local building codes, but restricts any expansion of their physical footprint or living space. The management of these structures is positioned in a way that maintains their functional use as dwellings while prioritizing safety and compliance with environmental laws.

Contention

Despite its provisions for repairs and improvements, SB27 raises questions around local oversight and environmental considerations. Some may argue that such regulations could limit local authorities’ ability to impose stricter standards that could be essential for specific local environmental needs. The tension here lies in whether the state’s regulations imposed will adequately address the nuances of environmental protection necessary for water bodies, or if they might undermine local efforts to safeguard these important ecosystems, particularly regarding sewage systems and other infrastructure essential for health and safety.