TITLE III TOWNS, CITIES, VILLAGE DISTRICTS, AND UNINCORPORATED PLACES
CHAPTER 48-A HOUSING STANDARDS
Section 48-A:8
48-A:8 Additional Provisions of Ordinances, Codes, or Bylaws. –
An ordinance, code or bylaw adopted by the governing body of the municipality may authorize the public agency and its delegated officers to exercise such powers as may be necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purposes and provisions of this chapter, provided that such powers shall not be used to impose any additional restrictions on dwellings used as a vacation rental or short-term rental. Such powers shall include the following powers in addition to others herein granted:
I. To investigate the dwelling conditions in the municipality in order to determine which dwellings therein are unfit for human habitation;
II. To administer affirmations, examine witnesses and receive evidence;
III. To enter upon premises for the purpose of making examinations, provided that such entries shall be made in such manner as to cause the least possible inconvenience to the persons in possession, and to obtain an administrative inspection warrant under RSA 595-B for this purpose from a court of competent jurisdiction in the event entry is denied or resisted;
IV. To appoint and fix the duties of such officers, agents and employees as deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of such ordinance, code or bylaw;
V. To delegate any of its functions under such ordinance to such officers as it may designate; and
VI. To establish penalties for violations of such ordinance, code, or bylaw, which shall be in addition to any other remedies provided under this chapter. The penalty for any separate offense shall not exceed the maximum penalty permitted under RSA 47:17, and may be enforced pursuant to the procedure established in RSA 31:39-c, RSA 31:39-d, or both, subject to the provisions and limitations thereof, or in any other manner authorized by law. For purposes of any fines imposed hereunder, each day that a violation of the ordinance, code, or bylaw continues shall be considered a separate offense.