A provision in HB1655 will impose recurring annual fees on waterfront and water-access properties near state-impounded waterbodies—and most owners don't know it's coming.
Most New Hampshire real estate and property management professionals have never heard of the waterfront fee buried in HB1655. That's about to change.
Tucked into legislation designed to fund state dam maintenance is a provision that will create a new, recurring annual fee obligation for any small business or property owner with waterfront access or deeded water rights on a state-dam-impounded waterbody. The fee takes effect July 1, 2026, and municipalities will begin collection in spring 2028.
Under Section 1, RSA 77:22(II), municipalities must annually assess qualifying properties at one of two rates:
Municipalities may also add an optional $5 collection fee. These are mandatory assessments—not optional donations or voluntary programs.
The provision applies to "small-business property" near state dams. The specific definition of qualifying properties and which waterbodies are included will be critical details for individual owners to verify with their municipality and the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA).
This isn't a soft assessment. Unpaid fees are enforceable by lien—meaning the municipality can place a legal claim against your property. Additionally, unpaid amounts accrue interest at 8% annually. For a property owing $100 in year one, failure to pay could result in $108 owed by year two, $116.64 by year three, and so on.
For small businesses operating on thin margins, or for property owners managing multiple parcels, these recurring obligations can add up quickly and create compliance risks if overlooked.
July 1, 2026: The provision becomes effective.
Spring 2028: The DRA estimates collection will begin. This means property owners should expect their first bills roughly 18–20 months after the law takes effect.
The lag between enactment and collection gives municipalities time to identify qualifying properties and establish billing systems, but it also means many owners may be caught off-guard when the first bill arrives if they're not tracking this change now.
If you own waterfront property or hold deeded water rights on a state-impounded waterbody in New Hampshire, now is the time to:
This provision won't affect every property owner, but for those it does affect, it's a material change to annual carrying costs. Clarity now prevents surprises—and liens—later.
Source: HB1655, Section 1, RSA 77:22(II), New Hampshire Legislature.