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Extensive testimony opposes broad bill to constrain local zoning; municipal leaders warn of legal and infrastructure conflicts
Summary
SB 170 contains a package of changes intended to limit local zoning constraints — from frontage and setback caps to limits on review cycles and where utilities may be sited — but municipal and planning groups gave lengthy, technical opposition at the April 15 hearing.
Senator Keith Murphy framed SB 170 as a package of reforms aimed at removing barriers to housing that can arise in local zoning — provisions discussed included limits on frontage and setback requirements, restrictions on local requirements for septic and well siting, limits on maximum road lengths in subdivision rules, and tighter deadlines for planning board review.
The bill drew extensive opposition from municipal leaders, the New Hampshire Municipal Association (NHMA), and planning officials who told the committee the proposal is too broad, contains statutory and technical conflicts, and would disrupt tools towns already use to shape development and protect natural resources. Brody (Bridal) Deshaies of NHMA said…
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