Protected Shoreland
Managing vegetation and development in proximity to public waters.
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.
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.
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.
Rules Regulating Accessory Structures Close to Public Waters Changed in December 2019
Changes to the rules regulating accessory structures, such as beaches, patios, sheds, etc., within the protected shoreland were adopted on December 15, 2019. These rules regulate the construction, modification, and expansion of these structures close to public waters.
Work on non-tidal beaches requires permits
Did you know that creating new beaches, expanding existing beaches and replenishing sand in existing beaches require a state permit?
Integrated Pest Management: An Alternative to Pesticides
This fact sheet explains how to manage pests on your property while minimizing negative impacts on the environment.
Native plants protect water quality
Native shoreland plants help reduce water pollution. As communities grow and New Hampshire’s landscape changes, the quality of our public waters depends on each of us managing the trees, shrubs, and low-growing plants on our property.
Resources
Rules and Statutes
Consolidated List of Waterbodies Subject to the SWQPA
NHDES' Consolidated List of Water Bodies subject to the Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act (RSA 483-B) was prepared to provide a list of known reference line elevations for lakes and ponds. This list should not be relied upon to identify all water bodies jurisdictional under RSA 483-B.
New Hampshire Designated River Corridor Web Map
This interactive map is designed to help applicants for permits, licenses and certifications determine if a proposed project falls within a Designated River corridor.
SWQPA Urban Exemption Areas interactive map
This web tool was developed by the NHDES Shoreland Program to assist the public in determining if projects are within areas that have been granted an Urbanized Shoreland Exemption. Areas that have been granted an Urbanized Shoreland Exemption are exempt from the Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act, including the requirement to obtain shoreland permits.
Did you know?
Did you know?
You can find the status of a shoreland or wetlands application through NHDES OneStop. Check application status