The 2008 Shoreland Protection Act
As of April 1st of 2008 the shoreland protection laws moved forward when the Department of Environmental Services enacted a stricter version of the act even though the New Hampshire State Legislature continues to review amendments, which may or may not be attached to the bill.
The DES issued a statement that the new Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act is in effect and any builder would require a state issued permit to begin work. The legislature continues to review possible changes, which could impact the status of projects, which had been grandfathered under permits issued prior to April 1, 2008.
The purpose of the act is to further protect the public waters of New Hampshire and the adjacent shorelands for the greatest public benefit. The new law will cause some genuine confusion for the waterfront owner as to plans he may have for altering the environment of his property and affecting development plans for builders.
Lake Winnipesaukee as well as all New Hampshire waterfront second homes buyer and owners need to familiarize themselves with the chief components of act RSA 483-B which may be retrieved from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services website.
Amendments proposed to this act might be reviewed via the NEW HAMPSHIRE SHOREFRONT ASSOCIATION website, www.nhshorefront.org, a non-profit corporation which has as its mission to organize support for and conduct lobbying efforts on behalf of waterfront property owners in New Hampshire.
The value of many waterfront properties may be affected positively or negatively by the legislation. A second home buyer considering waterfront property on Winnipesaukee or any other lake or body of water in New Hampshire would be wise to contact a REALTOR® with the Accredited Buyer’s Representative designation and a thorough knowledge of this act. I invite you to make continued use of my website, www.newhampshiresecondhomes.com, as a valuable tool for the out of state second homes buyer and to contact me directly for immediate advice and expertise regarding your interest in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.
