NH House Testimony

HB1652

House · 2026 sessionRepublicanInterim study

Expedited permitting for home improvements

AI

Clarifies procedures for third-party building inspections and approvals, defines 'minor home improvement,' sets insurance limits for approved agencies, and allows expedited software-based review for minor projects.

relative to expedited permitting and third-party inspections for residential and minor home improvements.

Zoning and PlanningProperty - Real and PersonalOccupational Regulation

Status

Referred to interim study (House) · March 5, 2026
  1. Introduced
  2. House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Division of testimony

12 submissions
Support 7Oppose 5Neutral 0
Bruce ButtrickOpposeGoffstown, NHfor MyselfFeb 17, 2026

I oppose HB 1652 as proposed. This proposal is finding a "half baked" solution of a non-existent problem........ Minor Home Improvement definition is flawed. Should be based on the activity/scope of the “improvement” not a monetary value and who is assigning the $ value? A new addition (increased footprint) may need zoning ordinance compliance, possibly a variance due to setback requirements on the lot. Currently under the provisions of the Building Code, the Building Official shall review and issue a permit within reasonable time. Likewise the Building Official shall notify of deficiencies within a reasonable time. Refer to Chapters 1 of the IRC (residential) and IBC (commercial) codes. The proposed 2 day limit is not practical for municipalities with a part time Building Official or when one may be on a week vacation. Certificates of Occupancy may be more complex with other municipal agencies involved and to issue by default of a time limit expiration, is reckless. What if there are unresolved “failed” inspection issues and not ready for a Certificate of Occupancy? The proposed 2 day limit is not practical for municipalities with a part time Building Official or when one may be on a week vacation. I cautiously approve of third party plan review (issuance of permit) and issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, but again with reasonable time allowance requirements.

Daniel RichardsonSupportNashua, NHfor MyselfFeb 17, 2026

Tami Lanzillo ZeimetzOpposeGilford, NHfor MyselfFeb 17, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Georgina LambertOpposeBelmont, NHfor MyselfFeb 17, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Angelique HallOpposeBristol, NHfor MyselfFeb 17, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Jesse MedeirosSupportPlainfield, NHfor MyselfFeb 17, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Jennifer FavreauSupportManchester, NHfor MyselfFeb 17, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Timothy FinneySupportBridgewater, NHfor MyselfFeb 17, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

James GardnerSupportKeene, NHfor MyselfFeb 17, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Curtis HowlandSupportManchester, NHfor MyselfFeb 17, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Pamela HardersSupportManchester, NHfor MyselfFeb 17, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Karen Burnett-KurieOpposeWolfeboro, NHfor MyselfFeb 17, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.