The bill amends the "Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act" to clarify municipal planning and zoning authority while providing exemptions for specific developments along designated commercial corridors in the Highlands Region. It introduces the definition of "commercial corridor," which includes areas along state, county, or rail thoroughfares that are zoned for commercial or industrial use as of August 10, 2004. The legislation ensures that municipalities and counties will not be penalized for actions that may be inconsistent with the regional master plan when exercising their planning authority within these corridors. Additionally, it establishes exemptions for the construction or reconstruction of commercial or industrial developments in these areas from the Highlands permitting review program.

The bill also revises the requirements for the regional master plan, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive resource assessment that considers ecological sustainability and cultural preservation. It mandates a financial component detailing costs and revenue sources for the plan's implementation and requires local government input. Furthermore, it introduces provisions for the council to prepare a land use capability map and identify suitable redevelopment areas while considering environmental limitations. The bill maintains that the resource assessment and smart growth components will serve as advisory tools without regulatory effect, thereby enhancing land use planning and environmental protection while promoting economic development 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