The new NH work-force housing law will take effect in July 2009. Here’s some of the pertinent information on this law and which small towns in Southern NH have taken steps to implement it.  Larger communities like Manchester and Nashua should not be effected by this new law.

The law says towns must provide the opportunity for developers to build work-force housing – defined in the Nashua region as a home selling for no more than $262,000 or a rental unit priced at $1,180 a month – in more than half of its residential areas. There also must be some place in town allowing multifamily housing with at least five dwelling units.

AMHERST
Minimum lot size: 2 acres for a single-family home, with affordable housing and other exceptions.
Existing multifamily zone: Allowed throughout town.
Ordinance being prepared: Yes.

BEDFORD
Minimum lot size: 1.5 acres in largest zone, the residential-agricultural zone.
Existing multifamily zone: Yes, but basically built out.
Ordinance being prepared: Yes.

BROOKLINE
Minimum lot size: About 2 acres.
Existing multifamily zone: No.
Ordinance being prepared: Yes.

HOLLIS
Minimum lot size: 2 acres.
Existing multifamily zone: Allowed in commercial zoning (A & B zone).
Ordinance being prepared: Yes.

HUDSON
Minimum lot size: Varies depending on zoning district.
Existing multifamily zone: Yes.
Ordinance being prepared: Not this year.

LYNDEBOROUGH
Minimum lot size: 2 acres.
Existing multifamily zone: N/A.
Ordinance being prepared: Not at this time.

MERRIMACK
Minimum lot size: 40,000 square-feet where sewer line is available.
Existing multifamily zone: Yes.
Ordinance being prepared: Not at this time.

MILFORD
Minimum lot size: Varies depending on zoning district.
Existing multifamily zone: Yes.
Ordinance being prepared: Not this year.

MONT VERNON
Minimum lot size: 2 acres.
Existing multifamily zone: No.
Ordinance being prepared: Not at this time.

WILTON
Information not available at this time.

Since 1996, several work-force housing bills have been introduced, although the measure passed last year was the first successful effort.

While the new law doesn’t have any mechanism for the state to compel communities to comply with the law, it does say developers appealing a community’s regulations are entitled to a hearing in court within six months.