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 or counties will not be denied conformance approval for their planning or zoning actions within these corridors, even if such actions conflict with the regional master plan. Additionally, it establishes exemptions from the Highlands permitting review program for the construction or reconstruction of commercial or industrial developments in these areas.

The bill also revises various terms related to agricultural development, impervious surfaces, and environmental permits to align with the goals of the Highlands Act. It modifies the requirements for the regional master plan, emphasizing ecological sustainability and the preservation of scenic and cultural resources, while mandating a financial component for implementation. The amendments aim to enhance local governance and land use planning, support economic viability, and ensure that existing state and local laws remain unaffected. Overall, the bill seeks to promote reasonable economic growth in the Highlands Region while maintaining environmental protections.

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