STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
SENATE
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE
FOR THE CONSENT CALENDAR
Thursday, April 30, 2026
THE COMMITTEE ON Commerce
to which was referred HB 1079
AN ACT allowing accessory dwelling units to be built within or attached to certain non-conforming structures.
Having considered the same, the committee recommends that the Bill
OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT
BY A VOTE OF: 4-1
AMENDMENT # 2026-1710s
Senator Keith Murphy
For the Committee
This bill would expand the definition of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to allow them to be built within nonconforming structures. If a municipality changes standards, such as setbacks or lot coverage, an existing structure can become nonconforming. This bill would reduce the burden placed on property owners, and make it easier to build detached ADUs, by defining an ADU built before July 1, 2025, as an existing structure. If an individual demonstrated substantial development, they would be able to receive a 7-year exemption from any changes made by a municipality. The Committee Amendment would remove the inadvertent repeal of RSA 674:73 in Section 3.
Aaron Jones 271-2609
FOR THE CONSENT CALENDAR
Commerce
HB 1079, allowing accessory dwelling units to be built within or attached to certain non-conforming structures.
Ought to Pass with Amendment, Vote 4-1.
Senator Keith Murphy for the committee.
This bill would expand the definition of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to allow them to be built within nonconforming structures. If a municipality changes standards, such as setbacks or lot coverage, an existing structure can become nonconforming. This bill would reduce the burden placed on property owners, and make it easier to build detached ADUs, by defining an ADU built before July 1, 2025, as an existing structure. If an individual demonstrated substantial development, they would be able to receive a 7-year exemption from any changes made by a municipality. The Committee Amendment would remove the inadvertent repeal of RSA 674:73 in Section 3.