NH DES SHORELAND

The shorelands of New Hampshire are among the state’s most valuable and fragile natural resources. The removal of vegetation in our shorelands can deteriorate water quality and affect the beauty of our landscapes. Fill, excavation, and construction can have similar impacts.

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In New Hampshire, shorelands next to public waters are protected through regulations. In turn, protected shorelands ensure greater protection of property, water quality, human health, flora and fauna, and recreational opportunities.

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The Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act (RSA 483-B) and its associated rules, Env-Wq 1400, establish a “protected shoreland.” The protected shoreland is an area close to public waters within which vegetation removal, excavation, fill, and development is regulated. Within the protected shoreland, excavation, fill and construction typically require a shoreland permit. However, if development occurs within the bank of a waterbody, a wetland permit may be required instead of a shoreland permit.

You can contact the Shoreland Program with questions about development within the protected shoreland by email at shoreland@des.nh.gov or by phone at (603) 271-2147.