Committee advances SB 110 setting new fees and a ‘permit by notification’ for terrain alteration

Committee members voted in executive session to recommend "Ought to Pass" on Senate Bill 110, a measure that sets application fees for alteration of terrain permits and directs the Department of Environmental Services (DES) to adopt rules establishing a permit‑by‑notification process for some projects.

The bill folds two preliminary reviews into DES as a single point of contact, creates fee tiers and an optional expedited fee track paid by applicants, and is intended by supporters to speed reviews while funding additional staff at DES.

Tricia Malillo, who introduced the bill for Senator Lang, told the committee the Department of Environmental Services worked with the sponsor on the amended language and is prepared to answer questions. "This bill was amended by the Senate and the Department of Environmental Services is here to answer any questions you may have," she said.

Matt Mayberry, CEO of the New Hampshire Home Builders Association, testified in support: "We're in strong support of SB 110," and said the expedited review would be optional and paid by developers. "We're not asking the taxpayers for any money at all," Mayberry added, saying the change consolidates what had been…