This bill aims to enhance housing development and related activities in cities, towns, and municipalities by prohibiting certain restrictions and mandating specific allowances. Key provisions include the requirement for municipalities to permit the placement of utilities such as septic systems, wells, and drainage structures in open spaces or perimeter buffers of subdivisions, as long as these areas are not wetlands or shoreland protected by existing laws. Additionally, the bill prohibits municipalities from enforcing more stringent requirements for septic systems and well-siting than those set by the Department of Environmental Services. It also limits road frontage requirements and setbacks for lot lines to a maximum of 50 feet to promote housing density while ensuring compliance with shoreland protection standards.

Furthermore, the bill explicitly states that municipalities cannot mandate that occupants of housing units be related by blood or marriage, thereby promoting equal housing opportunities. The legislation includes a provision that requires municipalities to stamp and accept changes to development plans within three days of submission, provided that the developer has made the necessary alterations based on initial reviews. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and is expected to have indeterminable fiscal impacts on local expenditures as municipalities may incur costs related to amending zoning ordinances and responding to development plan changes.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the Senate: 354-A:8, 674:17