The bill amends the "Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act" to clarify municipal planning and zoning authority while providing exemptions for specific developments along commercial corridors in the Highlands Region. It introduces the term "commercial corridor," which designates areas along major thoroughfares for commercial or industrial use, and specifies that municipalities or counties will not be penalized for actions that may be inconsistent with the regional master plan when exercising their planning authority in these corridors. Additionally, the bill outlines exemptions for the construction or reconstruction of commercial or industrial developments within these designated areas, promoting economic growth while aligning with the goals of the Highlands Act.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the regional master plan requirements to include a financial component detailing costs and funding sources, as well as a component for local government input. It emphasizes the need for municipalities and counties to align their master plans with the regional plan, allowing the council to review and approve these revisions. The amendments also clarify that resource assessments and smart growth components will serve as advisory tools without regulatory authority, ensuring that local governance is maintained. Overall, the bill aims to balance development needs with environmental protections in the Highlands Region, enhancing local governance while promoting sustainable development.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:20-3, 13:20-11, 13:20-12, 13:20-14, 13:20-15, 13:20-28