Advocacy

Government Affairs

Click here to view the list of Bills the NHHBA Government Affairs Committee is monitoring.

The Government & Legislative Affairs Committee plans, implements, and evaluates a government relations program to respond to and address local, state, and federal legislative and regulatory issues that impact the members and industry. This committee is in charge of helping to direct our staff, find members to testify on select bills, track legislation that is essential to the industry, and advise on agency rulemaking issues.

The Government Affairs Committee invites all other members to join and help develop the association’s government affairs program. The committee meets on a monthly basis for about 1 hour to direct staff and provide the expertise necessary to advocate for and against legislation and agency rules.

The NHHBA is most successful with its advocacy efforts when members are involved in contacting their elected officials on issues that impact the building and remodeling industry.

Legislative Updates

One State One (Building) Code

Signed in July 2025, HB 428 establishes “one state, one code” by prohibiting municipalities from adopting local amendments that go beyond the New Hampshire state building code. For builders working across multiple towns, a single, consistent set of rules cuts compliance costs, eliminates patchwork standards, and makes scheduling and pricing projects more reliable.

Expansion of Accessory Dwelling Units

Signed by Governor Ayotte on July 15, 2025, HB 577 expands New Hampshire’s accessory dwelling unit law to guarantee at least one attached or detached ADU by right in residential zones, with clear size limits and streamlined utility requirements. This gives owners and builders a predictable path to create small infill units, adding flexible, attainable housing while reducing local red tape and permitting risk.

Third-Party Building Inspections

Also signed by Governor Ayotte on July 15, 2025, SB 188 updates the state building code to allow municipalities to use licensed third‑party inspectors and to modernize permitting and enforcement procedures. By opening the door to independent inspections, the law helps communities clear backlogs, shorten approval timelines, and keep projects moving without sacrificing safety.

No Limits on Dead-end Road Lots

Passed in 2026, SB 564 prohibits municipalities from imposing arbitrary caps on road length or the number of lots on dead‑end streets when projects comply with the state fire code, and requires towns to allow placement of utilities in certain open‑space or buffer areas outside wetlands and protected shoreland. The bill opens up more buildable land and subdivision design options, giving builders greater flexibility to design safe, code‑compliant projects while reducing local barriers that drive up costs.

Federal Government Affairs

The NHHBA is in frequent contact with your elected representatives at all levels of government, including your federal delegation. We frequently work with your Congressional Representatives to get you the help that you need!

As an NHHBA member, you also get representation in D.C. from the National Association of Home Builders, which has the backing of all State HBA’s across the United States with the sole purpose of unraveling the red tape that the bureaucrats have placed upon you. 

Visit https://www.nahb.org/advocacy/advocacy-overview to see more about what the NAHB is doing for you!