HB577

As a parent of a child with a disability on the cusp of adulthood I am concerned about affordable housing options for him in our rural community. Currently there is little to no affordable housing options in the small, ski town we reside in, not for people with disabilities, workforce to support people with disabilities nor workforce housing in general to keep our economy healthy in the North Country. While ADU's will not completely solve the housing crisis in New Hampshire done right these units can be a great help and be just right for someone like my child to live on their own with support.

Testimony of support for HB 577: Increasing Accessory Dwelling Units and Promoting Affordable Housing Options Dear Members of the House Housing Committee, I am writing about my story of an ADU from 1985 – before the ADU concept was as popular as it is here in 2025. My family home had an attached two story barn. My mother was living in the main house. My husband and I were looking for a house after renting for 5 years. Mom had an idea to convert the barn into a home for us. We would be the financial investors of the construction. Mom was a widow for over 20 years and living by herself and getting older she knew this would be a great asset for her having us close by. We moved into our home in 1985 – mom passed away in her home in 1995. I was her caregiver for over 2 years. Living right next door to her was our greatest fortune, we had our own space and Mom had her own space. I had the opportunity to live in the “barn ADU” right next door and take care of my mom. Being a caregiver was not new to our family. My mother, a nurse, had taken care of her two Aunts in that same house till they passed. Currently my sister owns the house and “barn ADU” with a tenant living there. She’s getting older now too. Her wish is for her unmarried son to move into the “barn ADU” and be close by for her. I urge you to consider supporting HB 577 and to prioritize policies that promote affordable housing and aging in place. There are many families like mine who wished they had the opportunity to have a “barn ADU” or just a plain Accessory Dwelling Unit. Sincerely, H. Hamer Manchester NH

This bill will help build housing capacity in New Hampshire and will benefit older adults who are increasingly facing homelessness in New Hampshire.

I feel that this will encourage more affordable housing which we so desperately need.

The passage of this bill is important so that we can adequately house newcomers to our community.

I support this bill. It will impact affordable housing in a positive way.

This bill expands the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) law to allow for detached ADUs on any lot with a single-family dwelling. This is a common sense proposal that will help address the state's housing crisis. There are many homeowners who can only accommodate a detached ADU on their property, and they should have the right to build one. This will allow more homeowners to build in-law apartments for their kids or parents or to rent out. This is an important way we can empower NH homeowners to take action to address the housing crisis. Please vote yes on this bill. Thank you.

This bill supports affordable housing and promotes affordable inter generational living arrangements for (young or older)adults who wish to live and work in New Hampshire. In some building situations a detached ADU will look more appropriate. Thank you.

more affordable housing

This amendment is a sensible and modest improvement that expands the right to accessory dwelling units that may improve help seniors avoid institutionalization and may also slightly ease the affordable housing crisis.

This is a small step to alleviating housing crisis in NH. Quite democratic if offered to all residents that meet zoning qualifications. San Diego is underway a massive and productive ADU expansion. Take a look for a good model. Kind regards - Carol

I support this bill because NH residents need affordable housing and creative solutions to increase the pool of homes. Many hard-working adults cannot afford the median home price of $493k. This change would reduce zoning requirements and give property owners the right to build a new "detached" ADU to help a family member or future tenant. Adding ADU (homes) may reduce homelessness and keep rental prices down with more inventory, while keeping more money in people's pockets, to spend elsewhere for a stronger economy.

Additional dwelling units (ADUs) are essential components to resolving the extreme affordable housing crisis in NH. They utilize less materials and land-space to construct, reducing costs to homeowners. ADUs also pose solutions to providing the elderly and sick with access to caregivers on their property while providing students with inexpensive housing. Hence, HB577 should be passed.

We are in the midst of a housing crisis, with a deep deficit of housing units across the state. Allowing stand alone ADUs will remove barriers to building ADUs and update New Hampshire’s existing ADU law to allow for detached ADUs on single-family properties This will not solve the housing crisis by itself, but we need to enable all of our options. Stand alone ADUs will be especially valuable for seniors and people with disabilities.

This bill will help the current housing crisis in our state