Regulatory Burdens Boxing Out Builders

In New Hampshire, building permits for new single-family homes have dwindled more than 50 percent over the past 16 years, and local builders say the cost of local regulatory policy is not helping.

Builder and principal at New England Family Housing Kevin Lacasse's latest development had an additional $17,000 tacked onto the overall cost because of state and local regulatory requirements regarding utilities, retention pond, and roads. Lacasse tells The New Hampshire Union Leader that there are fewer builders taking on new home projects as, "there are not many stupid enough to be building houses for 5 to 6 percent profit margins."

"I think everyone knows that one of the challenges is regulatory policies and the need to be sure we're not inadvertently limiting the ability of the private market," NHHA Executive Director Dean Christon said during a break in a conference focusing on housing and the economy last week. By regulatory policies, Christon was referring to local regulations.

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