Live Free or Die Legal
This website is not an official source of law. This website does not provide legal advice. For official legal materials, verify against the relevant court, legislature, agency, or other official source. Legal information may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrectly processed. Consult a qualified attorney for advice about a specific legal matter.

This RSA section is an unofficial mirror, is not legal advice, and may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrectly processed.

RSA 483-B:1 · Purpose

Title
L: WATER MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION
Chapter
483-B · SHORELAND WATER QUALITY PROTECTION ACT
Status
current
Official source linked
Yes
Official source Copy section link

483-B:1 Purpose. – The general court finds that:

Copy link
I.

The shorelands of the state are among its most valuable and fragile natural resources and their protection is essential to maintain the integrity of public waters. I-a. A natural woodland buffer, consisting of trees and other vegetation located in areas adjoining public waters, functions to intercept surface runoff, wastewater, subsurface flow, and deeper groundwater flows from upland sources and to remove or minimize the effects of nutrients, sediment, organic matter, pesticides, and other pollutants and to moderate the temperature of the near-shore waters. I-b. Scientific evidence has confirmed that even small areas of impervious surface coverage can have deleterious impacts on water quality and the aesthetic beauty of our lakes and rivers if not properly contained or managed within each watershed. These impacts are known to reduce recreational opportunity, reduce property values, and pose human health risks.

Copy link
II.

The public waters of New Hampshire are valuable resources held in trust by the state. The state has an interest in protecting those waters and has the jurisdiction to control the use of the public waters and the adjacent shoreland for the greatest public benefit.

Copy link
III.

There is great concern throughout the state relating to the utilization, protection, restoration and preservation of shorelands because of their effect on state waters.

Copy link
IV.

Under current law the potential exists for uncoordinated, unplanned and piecemeal development along the state's shorelines, which could result in significant negative impacts on the public waters of New Hampshire. Source. 1991, 303:1. 2002, 263:1. 2008, 171:15, eff. July 1, 2008.

Copy link

Source note

Source. 1991, 303:1. 2002, 263:1. 2008, 171:15, eff. July 1, 2008.

Source history

  • 1991, 303:1
  • 2002, 263:1
  • 2008, 171:15, eff. July 1, 2008

Related materials

Bill relationships

  • 2026 HB1141 reference

    e a public hearing is not required, a copy of the application for issuance of a permit, certificate, or license within the designated river or corridor under RSA 485-C, RSA 485-A, RSA 483-B, [RSA 12-E,] RSA 270:12, RSA 482, RSA 482-A, except notifications for minimum impact activities under RSA 482-A:3, V and XII and for routine roadway maintenance under RSA 482-A:3, XVI on land used for agricultural purpo

  • 2026 HB1141-FN reference

    e a public hearing is not required, a copy of the application for issuance of a permit, certificate, or license within the designated river or corridor under RSA 485-C, RSA 485-A, RSA 483-B, [RSA 12-E,] RSA 270:12, RSA 482, RSA 482-A, except notifications for minimum impact activities under RSA 482-A:3, V and XII and for routine roadway maintenance under RSA 482-A:3, XVI on land used for agricultural purpo

  • 2026 HB1752 reference · effective 2027-01-01

    r associated road or gravel pit construction in wetlands, shoreland protection zones, or other environmentally sensitive areas shall require additional permits under RSA 482-A and RSA 483-B. II. The division of forests and lands shall coordinate with the department of environmental services to ensure compliance. 227-J:21 In-Stream Wood Placement. I. Projects to place wood in streams for habitat enhancem

  • 2026 HB1752-FN reference · effective 2027-01-01

    r associated road or gravel pit construction in wetlands, shoreland protection zones, or other environmentally sensitive areas shall require additional permits under RSA 482-A and RSA 483-B. II. The division of forests and lands shall coordinate with the department of environmental services to ensure compliance. 227-J:21 In-Stream Wood Placement. I. Projects to place wood in streams for habitat enhancem

  • 2026 SB445 amend

    proceeds of administrative fines levied pursuant to this section shall be placed in the nonlapsing fund authorized in RSA 482-A:14, III. 42 Penalties; Wetlands Council. Amend RSA 483-B:18, III(b) to read as follows: (b) The commissioner[, after notice and hearing pursuant to RSA 541-A,] may impose an administrative fine of up to $5,000 for each offense upon any person who violates this chapter. [Reh

  • 2026 SB502 amend

    ulture, markets, and food, shall enforce the provisions of this chapter. 13 Water Management and Protection; Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act; Shoreland Exemptions. Amend RSA 483-B:12, III to read as follows: III. With the advice of the [office of planning and development] division of planning and community development, the commissioner shall approve or deny the request for an exemption and shall i

  • 2026 SB502-FN amend

    ulture, markets, and food, shall enforce the provisions of this chapter. 13 Water Management and Protection; Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act; Shoreland Exemptions. Amend RSA 483-B:12, III to read as follows: III. With the advice of the [office of planning and development] division of planning and community development, the commissioner shall approve or deny the request for an exemption and shall i

  • 2026 SB527 reference

    is not required, shall ensure that a copy of the application for issuance of a permit, certificate, or license within the designated river or corridor under RSA 485-C, RSA 485-A, RSA 483-B, RSA 12-E, RSA 270:12, RSA 482, RSA 482-A is provided, except notifications for minimum impact activities under RSA 482-A:3, V and XII and for routine roadway maintenance under RSA 482-A:3, XVI on land used for agricult

  • 2026 SB564 reference · effective 2027-07-01

    duplicative or more restrictive municipal caps on road length unnecessary and duplicative. IV. Environmental protections for wetlands and protected shoreland under RSA 482-A and RSA 483-B remain vital and are not altered by this act. Allowing utilities in other open space or buffer areas promotes compact development and reduces sprawl, preserving larger tracts of conservation land. V. These provisions

Opinions and discipline decisions mentioning this RSA