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HB 1303 - AS INTRODUCED
2026 SESSION
26-2875
12/07
HOUSE BILL
1303
AN ACT
authorizing municipalities to adopt zoning ordinances related to the protection, management, or replacement of tree canopy.
SPONSORS: Rep. Vail, Hills. 6; Rep. Caplan, Merr. 8; Rep. Cloutier, Sull. 6; Rep. Haskins, Rock. 11; Rep. Howland, Straf. 20; Rep. Petrigno, Hills. 43; Rep. Spier, Hills. 6; Sen. Watters, Dist 4; Sen. Altschiller, Dist 24
COMMITTEE: Municipal and County Government
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ANALYSIS
This bill authorizes municipalities to adopt zoning ordinances or master plan provisions addressing the protection, management, or replacement of tree canopy.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in
bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [
in brackets and struckthrough.
]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
26-2875
12/07
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six
AN ACT
authorizing municipalities to adopt zoning ordinances related to the protection, management, or replacement of tree canopy.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Statement of Findings. The general court hereby finds that:
I. New Hampshire’s forests and urban trees provide critical benefits, including filtering air and water, intercepting rainfall, and reducing erosion.
II. Local tree canopy contributes to stormwater management and protects the quality of rivers, lakes, and aquifers relied upon for public drinking water.
III. Tree canopy also contributes to property values, neighborhood character, and the health and comfort of residents, including seniors and children, by providing shade and reducing excess heat.
IV. Municipalities across the state have raised concerns about tree canopy loss and requested clear authority to include canopy preservation provisions in zoning and master planning.
2 New Section; Local Land Use Planning; Zoning; Tree Canopy Preservation Authorized. Amend RSA 674 by inserting after section 16-a the following new section:
674:16-b Tree Canopy Preservation Authorized.
I. A municipality may, at its discretion, adopt zoning ordinances or master plan provisions providing for the preservation, management, or replacement of tree canopy. Such zoning ordinances or master plan provisions may address the following:
(a) Retention of existing trees during development;
(b) Replacement or planting requirements where canopy is removed; and
(c) Long-term canopy management goals as part of the municipal master plan.
II. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require any municipality to adopt such ordinances or provisions.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.