The bill amends the "Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act" to provide specific exemptions for developments along designated commercial corridors in the Highlands Region, while also clarifying the planning and zoning authority of municipalities. It introduces a new definition for "commercial corridor," which encompasses areas along state, county, or rail thoroughfares that are zoned for commercial or industrial use. The legislation updates various terms related to agricultural development and environmental permits, ensuring alignment with the overarching goals of the Highlands Act. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of local government input in the regional master plan and outlines financial considerations for its implementation, including cost assessments and revenue sources.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing provisions to enhance the regional master plan's components, requiring the council to prepare a land use capability map and identify suitable redevelopment areas while considering environmental constraints. It clarifies that municipalities and counties will not face penalties for actions that may be inconsistent with the regional master plan when exercising their planning authority in commercial corridors. The bill also establishes exemptions for certain types of construction, particularly single-family dwellings, under specific conditions, promoting reasonable economic growth while balancing development needs with environmental protection in the Highlands Region.

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