One of the questions I am hearing on the campaign trail is how I will address the housing shortage and the affordability challenges facing Littleton.
Housing supply, construction costs, workforce availability, and regulatory structures all intersect. There is no single solution, but there is one practical step that would immediately strengthen Littleton’s housing environment: Hire a dedicated Building Code Enforcement Officer.
This position exists in municipalities across New Hampshire, yet Littleton currently does not have one.
During a recent meeting with Fire Chief Chad Miller, I proposed the position of a Code Enforcement Officer. We discussed the structural impact this absence has on development and safety in our town.
Chief Miller currently performs Fire Code inspections, and he expressed support for the collaboration that would occur between the Fire Department and a Building Code Enforcement Officer to ensure that homes, apartments, and commercial buildings are constructed and maintained safely.
But the implications go beyond safety.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING?
Several developers have communicated that they are hesitant to pursue projects in Littleton without a formal Building Code Enforcement Officer who can sign off on compliance with New Hampshire’s building codes.
Developers, lenders, and insurers often require clear certification that construction meets applicable standards. Without a designated municipal authority responsible for that oversight, projects can stall or move to other communities that have the proper structure in place.
That means fewer projects, fewer units, and less housing supply. Housing supply is the foundation of affordability.
ACCOUNTABILITY AND COLLABORATION
A Building Code Enforcement Officer would serve as a central point of coordination for:
• Builders
• Homeowners
• Renters
• Commercial property owners
• Contractors
• The Fire Department
Instead of fragmented oversight, residents and developers would have a single knowledgeable official to consult regarding code compliance, safety standards, and construction requirements.
This type of one-on-one guidance can often help property owners find reasonable and cost-effective solutions before problems escalate.
BUILDING CODES ALREADY EXIST
It is important to understand that building codes are not optional and they are not new. Builders, contractors, homeowners, and developers in New Hampshire are already required to follow the State Building Code.
Those standards are based on widely adopted frameworks such as the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), which govern structural integrity, electrical systems, fire safety, accessibility, and overall construction practices.
Hiring a Building Code Enforcement Officer does not create new rules. It creates a clear, professional mechanism for oversight, compliance, and consistency.
Without that oversight, responsibility becomes fragmented. Builders may interpret requirements differently, property owners may not know what standards apply, and problems can surface years later in the form of costly repairs, safety hazards, or insurance complications.
A Building Code Enforcement Officer provides clarity.
Homeowners planning renovations can ask questions before starting a project. Developers have a professional authority who can verify compliance for lenders and insurers. Contractors receive guidance to ensure work meets the standards already required under state law.
In short, the role helps ensure that the homes, apartments, and commercial spaces being built in Littleton today will remain safe, durable, and resilient for decades to come.
Strong oversight protects property values, strengthens public safety, and ensures that the investments people make in Littleton are built on a solid foundation.
ENSURING SAFE AND DURABLE CONSTRUCTION
Another concern raised during discussions with Chief Miller is that many local builders may not be fully familiar with the codes that govern construction in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire municipalities typically enforce versions of the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) through the State Building Code framework.
When those codes are not consistently understood or applied, it creates long-term risks for homeowners, tenants, and property owners. Poorly built structures today become expensive problems tomorrow. A Building Code Enforcement Officer would help ensure that new construction in Littleton is safe, resilient, and built to last.
WHO WOULD PAY FOR THIS?
A reasonable question is how this position would be funded. Like many municipal initiatives, there would likely be an initial investment from taxpayers during the first year to establish the office. However, building code enforcement is commonly paired with permitting systems that generate revenue to support the position and related infrastructure.
Permitting provides a healthy, non-taxpayer revenue stream. The fees are modest and apply primarily to those who are building, developing, or investing in improvements to their property.
Contrary to popular rhetoric, responsible permitting and code enforcement do not discourage development. In fact, they often attract stronger development by providing clear standards, predictable oversight, and professional accountability that developers, lenders, and insurers expect.
In time, those permitting fees can help support the office and reduce the burden on the general tax base.
Littleton needs to explore revenue streams that are not solely dependent on property taxes, and a well-structured permitting system is one practical way to accomplish that while strengthening our building environment.
A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT IN LITTLETON
Housing policy often focuses only on the number of units built. But the quality, safety, and durability of those homes matters just as much.
As Littleton voters head to the polls on March 10, 2026 to decide on a Warrant Article that increases the ability to build in Littleton, this topic is of the utmost importance.
Establishing a Building Code Enforcement Officer is not simply about regulation. It is about creating the professional infrastructure that responsible developers, lenders, and builders expect when choosing where to invest.
If we want Littleton to attract thoughtful development and expand housing opportunities for residents, we must ensure our systems support that growth.
Hiring a Building Code Enforcement Officer is a practical step toward that goal.
December Stands With Littleton
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