This week, the New Hampshire Senate passed a package of bills aimed at breaking down zoning barriers that limit housing supply. And whether you're in Laconia or anywhere in the Lakes Region, this will likely affect how your town grows.

If you live in Laconia or the Lakes Region, this isn’t just politics—it’s your backyard.

In a bold move, the New Hampshire Senate just passed several bills that override local zoning laws to spur more housing. That’s right: the state is stepping in and telling towns, “Time to make room.”

What just passed the Senate?

A trio of zoning reforms, now heading to the House:

• SB 84 – Caps minimum lot sizes for single-family homes:

  • Max 2 acres if there’s no municipal water/sewer

  • Max half an acre if those services exist
    Towns must change their zoning ordinances by July 2026 to comply.

• SB 282 – Allows 4–6 story residential buildings to have only one stairwell if fire safety standards (like sprinklers) are met.

• SB 284 – Prevents towns from requiring more than one parking space per unit in housing developments with fewer than 10 units.

• SB 81 – Doubles the state’s affordable housing fund from $5 million to $10 million (currently tabled for budget inclusion).

Why this matters for our area: This could unlock development across towns like Laconia, making it easier (and more financially feasible) to build the kind of housing we desperately need—especially for first-time buyers, retirees, and local workers.

But that’s not all…

Coming next to the Senate:
House Bill 631 just passed the House and is now headed to the Senate. This one would require towns to allow multi-family housing in commercial zones—a game changer. (Towns could still block it in industrial areas with issues like noise, odor, or heavy transport.)

So what does all this mean for us?

It means the Granite State is getting serious about housing—finally. Some call it a power grab. Others call it progress. I call it a moment to decide what kind of communities we want to live in.

Because whether we shape these changes—or just react to them—they’re coming.

What Can You Do?

1. Get informed—these bills are public.

2. Get involved—your planning board meetings are about to get interesting.

3. Speak up—whether you're for or against, this is your moment to be heard.

5. Want to know how these changes might affect your property or town?
   I offer personalized market updates and property insights tailored to your area.
   Reach out directly. Let’s chat zoning—without the zoning out.
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