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Lawmakers, lake advocates and municipal officials seek compromise on ADUs in shoreland protection zone
Summary
During a subcommittee work session on HB 1540, lawmakers weighed an amendment that would restrict accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the 250-foot protected shoreland zone. Advocates and municipal representatives agreed on environmental goals but disagreed over whether the amendment improperly singles out ADUs or strips local zoning discretion.
A House subcommittee on HB 1540 spent a work session debating whether and how to restrict accessory dwelling units within the 250-foot protected shoreland zone, focusing lawmakers on septic-system protections, impervious-surface impacts and municipal authority.
The discussion opened with Rep. Grant proposing a compromise that would allow ADUs in the protected 250-foot area only when they are within an existing building’s footprint, not as new additions. Rep. Reid sought clarification that ‘‘existing’’ means no expansion of the footprint; Rep. Grant confirmed that interpretation.
Andrea Lamoreaux, president and policy advocate of New Hampshire Lakes, told lawmakers the group ‘‘support[s] tweaking this so that ADUs were allowed within the existing footprint,’’ adding that the main goal is ‘‘environmental protection, reducing additional impervious surface’’ that can increase runoff into lakes.
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