FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 13, 2024

603 Forward Statement on Bipartisan Housing Legislation Advancing to Governor Sununu

NH House and Senate advance modest, bipartisan parking and zoning reform 

CONCORD – Following the New Hampshire House and Senate voting to advance House Bill 1400, which will make modest reforms to parking regulations and zoning procedures concerning housing development, 603 Forward Advocacy and Engagement Director, Matt Mooshian, released the following statement:

"We applaud the House and Senate in working together to reach a compromise and advance House Bill 1400 to address our state’s crippling housing shortage. While these improvements are just the beginning of reforms necessary to truly tackle the issue – we’re proud of the hard work, leadership, and determination of young leaders in both chambers, and we look forward to our continued work together building a New Hampshire where every Granite Stater has a safe, affordable place to call home."

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. 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 envisions 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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