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HB 1496 · 2026 · House · Housing Committee

Repeal of residential parking space cap

AI-generated

repealing the cap on residential parking spaces.

Removes the statutory cap on residential parking requirements, allowing municipalities to require or limit any number of parking spaces per dwelling unit.AI-generated

Status

Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · February 19, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill removes the statutory cap on residential parking requirements, allowing municipalities to require or limit any number of parking space per dwelling unit.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

In the bill's words

Quoted verbatim from the bill as introduced. Passages chosen from the operative text.Computed by this site

“In its exercise of the powers granted under this subdivision, the local legislative body of a city, town, or county in which there are located unincorporated towns or unorganized places may regulate accessory parking for vehicles.”
Section 1

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Louise AndrusRPrime

Rep. Jose CambrilsR, Rep. Barbara ComtoisR, Rep. Sandra PanekR, Rep. Kristine PerezR, Rep. Len TurcotteR

Public testimony

17 signed in online · 3 wrote testimony

29% support65% oppose6% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“Removing parking minimum caps can increase housing density and affordability”
— Hannah Meiselman, Manchestersupports
“I write in strong opposition to HB 1496, which repeals the cap on residential parking spaces and undermines one of the most effective, evidence-based tools municipalities have to promote housing affordability, smart growth, and efficient land use. Parking is not free.…”
— David Preece, Manchesteropposes
“Parking requirements should be evidence based data. Parking for single family homes, differ from multi family etc...I believe the goal is to provide off street parking so vehicles aren't in the street.…”
— Bruce Buttrick, Goffstownneutral

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Votes

yeanay
Starting text: Bill as introduced
  • Jan 22, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendar: Inexpedient to Legislate16–0
    Overall
    100% yea
  • Feb 19, 2026HouseVoice voteInexpedient to Legislateadopted

Hearings and debates

  • Jan 22, 2026Public hearingHouse Housing3:16:47–3:22:586m 11slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate; Public Hearing; Executive Session
  • Feb 19, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamInexpedient to Legislate — adopted, voice vote

Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Housing HJ 1 P. 23
  2. Jan 22, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/22/2026 12:00 pm GP 231
  3. Jan 22, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 01/22/2026 12:00 pm GP 231
  4. Jan 22, 2026HouseCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate 01/22/2026 (Vote 16-0; CC) HC 7 P. 14
  5. Feb 19, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 02/19/2026 HJ 5 P. 23

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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