The main goal of the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act is to protect the quality of New Hampshire’s lakes, ponds, rivers and coastal waters. The Act aims to protect the thin ribbon of land that hugs the lake shore. This lakeside edge is called the “protected shoreland” and includes all the land located within 250 feet of a public water body. Within the protected shoreland certain restrictions and prohibitions apply.

These standards serve to prevent and control water pollution, in addition to conserving shoreline cover and points of access to waters. Further, the standards were designed to conserve natural beauty and open spaces while anticipating and responding to the impacts of development in shoreland areas. A majority of the Shoreland Protection Act deals with leach field setbacks, building setbacks and limits on tree removal.

Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act Website
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