This bill, known as "The HOMEnibus," aims to establish a tax relief program for the conversion of office spaces into residential units and to provide municipalities with additional zoning powers. It amends RSA 79-E:2, VI(a) to ensure that property taxes do not increase as a result of substantial rehabilitation or conversion from office, industrial, or commercial use to residential use. The bill introduces a new section, RSA 79-E:4-d, which allows municipalities to adopt provisions to establish tax relief for owners converting office spaces to residential use, with the governing body designating the applicable areas and establishing criteria for public benefits and eligibility.

Additionally, the bill amends RSA 672:8 to redefine "local legislative body" to include various forms of municipal government and clarifies the term's meaning for the purpose of adopting zoning ordinance amendments. It also introduces RSA 674:18-a, which provides an alternative procedure for the adoption of zoning ordinances, allowing local governing bodies to adopt amendments after a public hearing without a vote by the usual legislative body. The bill further adds RSA 674:16-a, which grants planning boards the authority to consider alternative parking solutions proposed by applicants for residential use, and requires approval if the solution meets the parking demand. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 79-E:2, 672:8, 674:16, 674:21
As Amended by the Senate: 79-E:2, 672:8