The destruction of a prominent stone wall in Canterbury has led to a new legislative proposal to build on earlier attempts to protect these iconic symbols of Yankee toil and agriculture.

HB 42 requires municipalities to include a provision in their zoning ordinances that encourages protecting or restoring stone walls. New Hampshire currently has several statutes that offer some protection to stone walls, but the provisions are weak, enforcement is difficult, and fines are negligible. RSA 472:6 is the most useful law already on the books: it makes it a misdemeanor to deface, alter or remove a stone wall that serves as a boundary marker.

HB 42 recognizes that it is more effective to address stone wall protection on the local level. Danbury's Land Use and Zoning Ordinances require consent under certain conditions by the Select Board, Planning Board or Department of Transportation if removal is proposed. Newington has a voluntary program, asking developers to donate removed stones to the town for use in repairing walls.

Learn more about stone wall protection in our Preserving Community Character handbook (a new supply just arrived-call us today!), and come see stone wall demonstrations at our Old House and Barn Expo.