The bill amends the "Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act" to provide exemptions for certain developments along designated commercial corridors in the Highlands Region, while clarifying the planning and zoning authority of municipalities. It introduces a new definition for "commercial corridor," which pertains to areas along state, county, or rail thoroughfares intended for commercial or industrial use. The bill updates various terms related to agricultural development and environmental permits, ensuring alignment with the overarching goals of the Highlands Act. It also emphasizes the importance of local government input in the regional master plan and outlines financial aspects, including cost assessments and revenue sources, to support transportation and smart growth strategies.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing provisions to enhance the regional master plan's implementation, particularly in preservation areas. It requires the council to prepare a land use capability map and identify suitable redevelopment areas while considering environmental constraints. The bill clarifies that municipalities and counties will not be penalized for actions that may contradict the regional master plan when exercising their planning authority in commercial corridors. It also allows local governments to adopt stricter regulations than the minimum required for conformance with the regional master plan. Overall, the bill aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection in the Highlands Region, promoting development while preserving ecological integrity.

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