This bill amends the definition of "abutter" and modifies the rights of abutters in relation to appeals to the board of adjustment concerning zoning decisions. The bill specifically changes the language in RSA 676:5, I, where it allows appeals to be taken by the applicant or an abutter as defined by RSA 672:3, rather than "any person aggrieved." It also amends RSA 677:2, which pertains to motions for rehearing of board of adjustment, board of appeals, and local legislative body decisions, to allow an abutter as defined by RSA 672:3 to apply for a rehearing, replacing the previous language that permitted "any person directly affected thereby" to do so.

Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "abutter" in RSA 672:3 to include any person whose property is directly across the street or stream from the land under consideration by the local land use board, with specific criteria for determining what constitutes being "directly across." The new definition includes lines drawn perpendicular from the applicant's property to projected points on any property boundary across the street or stream, and any property within 50 feet of these points is considered an abutter. The bill also addresses notification procedures for abutting properties under condominium or other collective forms of ownership, as well as manufactured housing parks. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of September 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 676:5, 677:2, 672:3
Version adopted by both bodies: 676:5, 677:2, 672:3
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 676:5, 677:2, 672:3