No House can be built within 50 Feet of the shore.

This act will affect many towns that had a 25 foot set back prior to now, but many customers have asked about the 250 foot protected shoreland. Is this making our land unbuildable? Not necessarily, you will now be required to obtain a permit from the Department of Environmental services, for ANY- construction, excavation or filling activities. Further no Variances or permits from the town where the property is located will exempt the owner from the required state permit. Lastly, money the permit will carry a fee of $100 plus 10 cents for every square foot of affected area, you are seeking to disturb (with a state cap of $3,750 for the largest of project requiring an area of over 25,000 square feet).

The Primary set back rule of 50 feet, will affect tree cutting (in a much stricter way than the previous requirements) no use of chemicals will be allowed, and any pesticides would have to be applied by a licensed applicator. This waterfront buffer, will further require the home owner not remove rocks, ground cover, root systems and any vegetation under 3 feet in height. Views can be maintained and a 6 foot path to the water will be allowed so long as it doesn’t contribute to erosion or funnel storm water.

The Lakes Region Board of Realtors will be sponsoring a Workshop in Meredith NH at can be contacted for available seating for the August 11 2008 all-day seminar.

The DES permit will require additional cost for those proposing work within the 250 shoreland protected area, as many projects “MAY” required to do additional engineering, survey work, wet land studies before a permit may be issued. This will slow proposed project and possibly cancel others all together.

I have read both sides of the debate and do feel that our Natural water resource is important enough to require additional permitting, and if it is required for all we will all have to comply.

Steve@alpinelakes.com , Lakes Region Board of Realtors, member / Managing Broker Alpine Lakes Real Estate Co inc. www.alpinelakes.com