This bill amends the requirements for site assessment studies of shoreland septic systems. It changes the definition of "developed waterfront" property to mean any parcel of land with a structure suitable for human occupancy that is contiguous to or within 250 feet (previously 200 feet) of the reference line of a freshwater body, coastal waters, or a river. Additionally, the bill allows local governments to impose more stringent standards for developed waterfront property than those required by state law or departmental rules.

The bill also mandates that before the transfer of any developed waterfront property using a septic system within 250 feet of the reference line, the buyer must engage a New Hampshire licensed septic system evaluator to conduct an evaluation at their expense, although they may accept an evaluation prepared for the seller if it was completed within 180 days of the property transfer. If the septic system is not approved by the department or the approval was before September 1, 1989, the buyer must also hire a New Hampshire permitted septic system designer to assess the system's condition relative to the seasonal high water table. The findings must be disclosed to the buyer but do not prohibit the sale. If the system is found to be failing, the buyer must replace it within 180 days of the transfer and notify the department and local health officer. The act shall take effect on September 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 485-A:29, 485-A:39
As Amended by the House: 485-A:29
Version adopted by both bodies: 485-A:29
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 485-A:29