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HB 1357

permitting in all residentially zoned areas by right the placement of newly constructed manufactured homes.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Alexander and 3 co-sponsors

New Hampshire bill would require all residential zones to permit newly constructed manufactured homes by-right, removing local zoning restrictions and shifting housing decisions from municipalities to state law.

Refer for Interim Study: MA DV 199-142 03/12/2026 HJ 8 P. 81
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Bill Summary · HB 1357

Legislative bill overview

HB 1357 would allow manufactured homes to be placed in all residentially zoned areas as a matter of right, meaning local zoning boards could not deny permits based on the property being zoned residential. Currently, many New Hampshire municipalities restrict or prohibit manufactured homes in residential zones through conditional use permits or outright bans. This bill would override those local restrictions for newly constructed manufactured homes.

Why is this important

Manufactured homes are typically 20-40% less expensive than site-built homes, making this policy relevant to New Hampshire's housing affordability crisis. The change could significantly expand housing supply in residential neighborhoods, but it also shifts land-use control from local governments to state mandate, raising questions about community character and property values in specific neighborhoods.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control vs. state mandate: Municipalities lose zoning authority to regulate manufactured home placement, a traditional local government function that communities may use to protect neighborhood character or manage density
  • Property value concerns: Residents in established neighborhoods may worry about impacts on their home values, though evidence on this is mixed depending on manufactured home quality and neighborhood context
  • Infrastructure readiness: Some residential areas may lack adequate utilities, roads, or septic capacity for additional housing units without costly upgrades that communities may not have budgeted

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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