HB631
Sponsored By: Alissandra Murray (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
By-right housing on urban commercial sites
Beginning January 1, 2026, in cities with any area marked urban by the Census and population over a set amount, multifamily or mixed-use projects are a permitted use on sites with municipal water and sewer that are zoned commercial, office, retail, or parking. Permitted use means no public hearing, variance, conditional use, or other discretionary zoning approval is needed. A site plan still must follow applicable zoning rules. Cities may set siting and design rules, but those rules cannot, alone or together, cause unreasonable costs or delays.
Taller, denser projects allowed in cities
Beginning January 1, 2026, qualifying cities cannot set minimums or maximums on residential density for permitted multifamily or mixed-use projects. They also cannot cap building height below 65 feet. Height limits cannot block bonus units tied to affordable homes: 2 extra units for each restricted‑affordable unit (up to 80% AMI) and 3 extra units for each restricted‑deeply‑affordable unit (up to 60% AMI). Required setbacks cannot exceed the lesser of a utility easement, 10 feet, or the existing setback for adaptive re‑use. Cities also cannot restrict lot size or lot coverage on these projects.
Limited local rules on parking and retail
Beginning January 1, 2026, a qualifying city may require on‑site parking for permitted projects, but the owner decides where it goes and how big it is, subject to federal law. A city may also require ground‑floor retail, but only up to 20% of available ground‑floor space. These limits apply to permitted multifamily or mixed‑use projects on parcels with municipal water and sewer zoned commercial, office, retail, or parking.
Fewer costly site-design mandates
Beginning January 1, 2026, qualifying cities cannot require walls, fences, screening, or impervious outdoor pavement for these projects, unless needed for disability access or proven public health and safety. They also cannot require non‑public open space or private common areas. These rules apply to permitted multifamily or mixed‑use projects on parcels with municipal water and sewer that are zoned commercial, office, retail, or parking.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Alissandra Murray
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Christine Seibert
Democratic • House
David H. Watters
Democratic • Senate
Diane Pauer
Republican • House
Heath Howard
Democratic • House
Jessica Grill
Democratic • House
Jodi K Newell
Democratic • House
Joe Sweeney
Republican • House
Kris Schultz
Democratic • House
Ross Berry
Affiliation unavailable
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor Ayotte 07/15/2025; Chapter 201; eff. 07/01/2026 HJ 18
7/22/2025HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 06/26/2025 HJ 18 P. 58
6/30/2025HouseEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/26/2025); SJ 18
6/30/2025SenateOught to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/08/2025; SJ 12
5/8/2025SenateCommittee Report: Ought to Pass, 05/08/2025, Vote 5-1; SC 20
4/29/2025SenateHearing: 04/10/2025, Room 100, SH, 10:15 am; SC 16
4/3/2025SenateIntroduced 03/20/2025 and Referred to Commerce; SJ 9
3/24/2025SenateOught to Pass with Amendment 2025-0667h: MA DV 204-134 03/20/2025 HJ 9 P. 96
3/20/2025HouseIndefinitely Postpone (Rep. Kuttab): MF RC 128-211 03/20/2025 HJ 9 P. 94
3/20/2025HouseAmendment # 2025-0667h (NT): AA VV 03/20/2025 HJ 9 P. 93
3/20/2025HouseRemoved from Consent (Reps. Kuttab, Bridle, Bordes, Panek, Coker, Popovici-Muller, Tenczar, Seidel, L. Walsh, Perez) 03/17/2025 HJ 8 P. 3
3/17/2025HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0667h (NT) 03/04/2025 (Vote 17-0; CC)
3/10/2025HouseExecutive Session: 02/11/2025 10:00 am LOB 305
3/10/2025HouseFull Committee Work Session: 02/11/2025 10:00 am LOB 305
2/5/2025HousePublic Hearing: 02/04/2025 01:30 pm LOB 305
1/29/2025HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 01/09/2025 and referred to Housing HJ 3 P. 19
1/16/2025House
Bill Text
Enrolled
6/30/2025
Introduced
1/16/2025
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION
Version adopted by both bodies
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