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HB 342 · 2025 · House · Housing Committee

Construction approval and clean energy districts

AI-generated

(New Title) relative to the approval process for new construction and to the adoption of energy efficient and clean energy districts by municipalities.

Allows property owners to build without a variance for minimum lot size or lot coverage when proposed density conforms to the surrounding neighborhood, and modifies municipal energy efficient and clean energy district requirements.AI-generated

Status

Recommended for passage but never voted; died at adjournment · May 22, 2025
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓House
  3. ✕Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill allows property owners to build on their property without seeking a variance for minimum lot size or lot coverage if the proposed building density conforms to that of the surrounding neighborhood, as verified by the local planning board.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Patrick LongDPrime
  • Sen. Daniel InnisRChair· Commerce

Public testimony

11 signed in online · 3 wrote testimony

36% support55% oppose9% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“I am opposed to this bill because it would allow the density of every p;art of a community to approach the maximum density anywhere as the 1000-foot distance from the densest area keeps moving out. Should downtown density or an ancient zoning mistake apply everywhere?…”
— Roy Schweiker, Concordopposes
“With "... 10 percent most densely built properties ..." clause, this screws homeowners within 1000ft of existing cluster development, planned unit development, or village plan alternative subdivision ... by targeting his other neighbors for increase redevelopment.…”
— Daniel Richardson, Nashuaopposes
“This usurps local control by requiring a Town to consider situations that are contrary to their Master Plan.”
— Bruce Buttrick, Goffstownopposes

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2025-01-2110:00 amHouse HousingLOB 210-211Public hearingrescheduled
  • 2025-02-112:00 pmHouse HousingLOB 305Public hearing
  • 2025-03-049:00 amHouse HousingLOB 305Public hearing
  • 2025-05-069:30 amSenate CommerceSH 100Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 8, 2025HouseIntroduced 01/08/2025 and referred to Housing HJ 2 P. 15
  2. Jan 21, 2025HousePublic Hearing: 01/21/2025 02:00 pm LOB 210-211
  3. Feb 11, 2025HouseSubcommittee Work Session: 02/11/2025 02:00 pm LOB 305
  4. Mar 4, 2025HouseSubcommittee Work Session: 03/04/2025 09:00 am LOB 305
  5. Mar 4, 2025HouseExecutive Session: 03/04/2025 09:00 am LOB 305
  6. Mar 4, 2025House: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0579h 03/04/2025 (Vote 17-0; CC)
  7. Mar 13, 2025HouseAmendment # 2025-0579h: AA VV 03/13/2025 HJ 8 P. 13
  8. Mar 13, 2025HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2025-0579h: MA VV 03/13/2025 HJ 8 P. 13
  9. Mar 13, 2025SenIntroduced 03/13/2025 and Referred to Commerce; SJ 8
  10. Apr 15, 2025SenHearing: 04/15/2025, Room 100, SH, 09:45 am; SC 17
  11. May 6, 2025SenHearing: 05/06/2025, Room 100, SH, 10:20 am; SC 20
  12. May 22, 2025Sen: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-2155s, 05/22/2025; Vote 6-0; CC; SC 22
  13. May 22, 2025SenCommittee Amendment # 2025-2155s, AA, VV; 05/22/2025; SJ 14
  14. May 22, 2025SenOught to Pass with Amendment #2025-2155s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/22/2025; SJ 14
  15. Jun 12, 2025HouseHouse Concurs with Senate Amendment 2025-2155s (Rep. Alexander Jr.): MF RC 154-195 06/12/2025 HJ 17 P. 12
  16. Jun 12, 2025HouseHouse Non-Concurs with Senate Amendment 2025-2155ss (Rep. Turcotte): MA VV 06/12/2025 HJ 17 P. 14

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.