New Hampshire § 674-40 - Section 674:40 Improvements in Unapproved Streets.
Full text of New Hampshire New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 674-40 — Section 674:40 Improvements in Unapproved Streets., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 674-40. Section 674:40 Improvements in Unapproved Streets.
I. A municipality which has established and recorded an official map, as provided in RSA 674:10, or has conferred upon a planning board platting jurisdiction in accordance with RSA 674:35 shall not thereafter accept, lay out, open, improve, grade, pave, or light any street or lay or authorize the laying of water mains, sewers, connections, or other facilities or utilities in any street, within any portion of the municipality unless such street: (a) Has been accepted or opened as, or has otherwise received the legal status of, a public street prior to the conferring of platting jurisdiction upon the planning board; or (b) Corresponds in its location and lines with a street shown on the official map, or with a street shown on a subdivision plat approved by the planning board, or with a street on a street plat made by and adopted by the board. II. For the purposes of this section, the word "street" shall not mean or include a discontinued highway. III. The local legislative body may, however, accept, locate and construct any street not shown on or not corresponding with a street on the official map or on an approved subdivision plat or an approved street plat, provided the ordinance or other measure for the accepting, locating, and construction of such street is first submitted to the planning board for its approval and: (a) If approved by the board, be approved by a majority vote of those present and voting at a regular or special meeting of the local legislative body; or (b) If disapproved by the planning board, be approved by not less than 2/3 of those present and voting at a regular or special meeting of the local legislative body. IV. A street approved under paragraph III shall have the status of an approved street as though it had been originally shown on the official map or on a subdivision plat approved by the planning board or as though it had been originally platted by the planning board.
Source: official New Hampshire text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire § 674-40
What does New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 674-40 cover?
Section 674-40 ("Section 674:40 Improvements in Unapproved Streets.") is part of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Hampshire. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Hampshire § 674-40?
A common citation format is "New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 674-40" (New Hampshire). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Hampshire law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Hampshire official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Hampshire attorney.
How does New Hampshire § 674-40 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Hampshire can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Hampshire.