Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act

One of the most popular topics of discussion at the Lakeside Living Expo in Gilford, NH last weekend was the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act (CSPA). Several of our new clients from the show are building in the lakes area and will have to abide by these new regulations.

Since Bonin Architects is currently working with clients who have been affected by this legislation, we have, by necessity, become experts in this area. When considering a new timber frame home or energy efficient home design, contacting an architectural firm with licensed staff and construction managers who have experience in this field is imperative. In many cases, plans with the stamp of a licensed design professional (an architect for example) are required to be submitted for record and permits.

The Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act (CSPA) was first enacted in 1994 and states the common view that "the shorelands of [New Hampshire] are among its most valuable and fragile natural resources." RSA 483-B:1. The Shoreland Protection Act has helped maintain clean lakes and rivers by requiring waterfront landowners to keep specific amounts of vegetation, trees and even stones and boulders on their properties, regulating impermeable surfaces such as pavement and restricting the homes placement on the lot. As of July 1st 2008, revised regulations took effect which include a “Natural Woodland Buffer” as well as requirements for shoreline frontage and other critical guidelines. Bonin Architects & Associates can explain these requirements to our clients when we visit your site and take the measurements for the placement of your new green home.

Kimberly Bonin, Executive Project Manager
Bonin Architects & Associates, PLLC