The housing crisis in New Hampshire has reached a critical juncture, with median home prices soaring and placing immense pressure on young families and retirees. The root cause lies not just in market forces but in restrictive zoning laws that have made it nearly impossible to build affordable homes. This article delves into the implications of these policies and explores potential solutions that could restore balance to the housing market.

Achieve Affordable Homeownership Without Sacrificing New Hampshire’s Natural Beauty

The Impact of Excessive Land Requirements

In many parts of New Hampshire, constructing a home requires owning an expanse of land far larger than necessary. According to data from the Saint Anselm College New Hampshire Zoning Atlas, over 66 communities mandate that homeowners possess more than an acre and a half of land before they can build. To put this into perspective, imagine needing to own a plot larger than a football field just to erect a house. In some areas, the requirement is even more stringent, necessitating ownership of over two football fields' worth of land.This excessive demand for land inflates property values and creates fierce competition for the few available homes. As a result, developers are increasingly focusing on luxury properties, which only exacerbate the issue by encroaching on valuable open spaces. Young families seeking starter homes or educators looking for a place closer to work find themselves priced out of the market. Similarly, retirees who wish to downsize while remaining close to friends and family face the daunting prospect of relocating to less familiar surroundings.

Policy Solutions for Sustainable Development

One promising solution comes in the form of Senate Bill 84, which seeks to establish baseline lot size standards for residentially zoned land. These standards vary depending on the availability of water and sewer infrastructure. For instance, in areas without such infrastructure, the minimum lot size would be set at 66,000 square feet—still substantial but not as prohibitive as current requirements. Importantly, the bill does not override environmental regulations or limit municipalities’ ability to manage construction based on infrastructure capacity.Critics may worry about the potential loss of New Hampshire’s cherished landscapes and agricultural heritage. However, research from the American Farmland Trust suggests that reducing sprawl caused by large lot sizes could conserve up to 13,200 acres of farmland by 2040. Moreover, the bill applies only to a majority of single-family residential zones, leaving nearly half unaffected. This balanced approach ensures that development remains sustainable while preserving the state’s natural beauty.

Economic Benefits of Smaller Lot Sizes

The economic advantages of adopting smaller lot sizes cannot be overstated. By easing restrictions on land use, New Hampshire can foster a more diverse housing market that caters to a wider range of buyers. Young families would have access to affordable starter homes, enabling them to establish roots in their communities. Retirees could downsize without sacrificing proximity to loved ones, enhancing their quality of life.Furthermore, a more accessible housing market would attract new residents, bolstering local economies and supporting essential services like schools and healthcare. Communities thrive when people of all ages and backgrounds can find suitable housing options. The ripple effects of this policy change could be profound, driving growth and stability across the state.

Empowering Municipalities While Protecting Resources

Senate Bill 84 empowers municipalities to make informed decisions about their future while safeguarding vital resources. Local governments retain the authority to halt new construction if existing infrastructure cannot support it, ensuring that development proceeds responsibly. Additionally, the Department of Environmental Services continues to enforce septic and well regulations, maintaining high standards for water quality and public health.Ultimately, this legislation offers a pragmatic path forward, balancing the need for affordable housing with the preservation of New Hampshire’s unique character. It acknowledges that policy choices have contributed to the current housing crisis and provides a framework for meaningful reform. By embracing these changes, New Hampshire can create a future where homeownership is within reach for everyone.