FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 28, 2024
ICYMI: With Record Increase in Median House Price, Sununu Signs Parking and Zoning Reform Bill
HB1400 makes modest reforms to parking regulations and zoning procedures concerning housing development
CONCORD – On Friday, August 23, Governor Sununu signed into law House Bill 1400, a modest bipartisan parking and zoning reform championed by State Representative Rebecca McWilliams and State Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka. This comes at a time when median home prices are at a record high, vacancy rates are historically low, and rental prices remain considerably high. In response, 603 Forward Advocacy & Engagement Director Matt Mooshian released the following statement:
“It’s encouraging to see the hard work of leaders across the aisle pay off as this hardfought bipartisan policy becomes law. This legislation is a crucial step forward towards making housing more affordable and accessible in New Hampshire. By easing parking mandates and introducing measures to boost housing supply, HB1400 paves the way for more affordable rental options and innovative solutions to meet our housing needs.
We know that when young leaders have a seat at the table, they deliver results on the issues that matter most to our generation. We look forward to continuing our work with young leaders to build a Granite State where everyone has a roof over their head and the opportunity to thrive.”
Background on House Bill 1400
HB1400 will limit parking mandates for multifamily buildings over ten units, and for workforce housing with one bedroom and studio apartments. Parking is a significant driver of high housing costs, with parking spots costing between $17,000 - $35,000 per space, depending on the complexity of the structure. This will allow owners to better assess actual parking needs. These provisions will help free up new land for development and will reduce the cost of housing for renters, who often face bundled parking costs as part of their rent.
HB1400 incorporates three additional provisions to address housing supply: 1) it creates a tax break for the conversion of office buildings, industrial buildings, or commercial buildings to residential use to help create more homes; 2) it allows towns to - at their discretion - streamline zoning processes by vesting authority for zoning changes to the local governing body; and 3) allows for alternative parking solutions to create more flexibility in meeting parking requirements.
603 Forward and The Forward Foundation envision a thriving New Hampshire where people are free to live, work and raise a family. In our New Hampshire: democracy is protected above all else; young people have a voice in government at all levels; and policy changes to help build an inclusive, affordable and resilient state.
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