What are the different types of local government law?

Local government law in New Hampshire consists of several types of laws that govern different municipalities and areas of the state. The most common types of local government law include zoning, land use, planning and development, municipal finance, taxation, elections, appropriations, public safety, and labor relations. Zoning laws control how land can and cannot be used in a given area. For example, zoning regulations can dictate the maximum height of structures, the type of activities that can take place in an area, and the distance that certain structures must be from nearby residents. Land use laws address the usage of land and its resources, including such things as protection of natural resources, public access to parks and beaches, and the use of hazardous materials. Planning and development regulations concern the development of local communities—such as the location of residential and commercial streets and the design of the landscape. Municipal finance law governs the budget and fiscal policies of local governments. This includes how funds are allocated, how taxes are levied, and how debt is managed. Taxation law controls how municipalities assess taxes on homes and businesses. It also sets out who is liable for taxation and what exemptions can be applied. Elections law regulates the process of voting and other aspects of an election. This includes the frequency of elections, regulations for registering to vote, and campaign finance rules. Appropriations law outlines how the government should be spending money, such as how funds should be allocated and when funds can be borrowed. Public safety law regulates how local governments deal with public safety issues, such as fire and police protection, building codes, and health and safety regulations. Finally, labor relations law concerns the relationship between the local government and its employees. This includes such things as bargaining agreements, collective bargaining, and labor disputes.

What are the different types of local government law?

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