This bill amends existing laws regarding terrain alteration permitting by establishing new application fees and requiring the Department of Environmental Services to create a permit by notification for certain projects. Specifically, it replaces the previous language regarding "review of plans" with "applications" and sets a fee of $3,125 for projects qualifying for a permit by notification that encompass less than 150,000 square feet. For larger projects, the fee structure has been adjusted, increasing the fee for applications covering 150,000 square feet to $6,250, and introducing an additional fee of $2,500 for each additional area of up to 100,000 square feet disturbed. The bill also specifies that for properties subject to RSA 483-B:9, the fee for plans covering 50,000 to 150,000 square feet will be $5,000, while all other projects will incur a fee of $500 plus $0.005 per square foot of disturbance.

The bill mandates that the new fee structure will take effect 60 days after passage and is expected to significantly increase revenue for the Water Resources Fund, with projected revenues rising from approximately $1.4 million to $2.75 million annually. The Department of Environmental Services anticipates no additional costs for implementing the new rules, as they will be managed by existing staff. The fiscal impact on county and local governments is expected to be minimal, with potential expenditures remaining under $10,000 per year, depending on whether these entities apply for permits under the new fee structure.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 485-A:17
As Amended by the Senate: 485-A:17