Protected Shoreland
Managing vegetation and development in proximity to public waters.
New Hampshire shorelands are among the state’s most valuable and fragile natural resources. Removing natural vegetation from shorelands can impact 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 by state statute and rules. This helps 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 close to public waters. Within this area, vegetation removal, excavation, fill, and development are regulated.
Proposed projects within the protected shoreland typically require a shoreland permit, and proposed projects within the bank of a waterbody may require a wetland permit.
- Watch a short video on Introduction to Protected Shoreland.
- Watch a short video on Permit Tips in Protected Shoreland.
- Watch a short video on Private, Non-tidal Beaches in Protected Shoreland.
- Watch a short video on Vegetation Management for Water Quality in Protected Shoreland.
For other questions on proposed projects within the protected shoreland, please email shoreland@des.nh.gov or call (603) 271-2147 and ask to speak with the Inspector of the Day.
Accessory Structures Near Public Waters
Updated state rules regulating "accessory structures" (such as beaches, patios, sheds, etc.) within the protected shoreland were adopted on December 15, 2019. They regulate the construction, modification, and expansion of these structures close to public waters.
- Watch a short video on Tips for Accessory Structures in Protected Shoreland.
- Watch a 25-minute video on Water Access Structures in Protected Shoreland.
Do you need a Shoreland Permit?
This interactive tool was designed to help owners determine if a shoreland permit is required for a project.
This 10-minute video provides a short introduction to non-tidal beach permitting in New Hampshire.
Resources
Rules and Statutes
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.
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