The bill S.24, introduced by Senator Chittenden, aims to amend the permitting requirements for stormwater systems in Vermont. Key provisions include extending the deadline for owners of impervious surfaces subject to the three-acre permit from July 1, 2027, to July 1, 2036, and allowing municipalities that take full legal responsibility for stormwater systems to impose municipal impact fees on users. Additionally, the bill establishes the Local Community Implementation Special Fund to provide grants to municipalities for stormwater permitting related to residential subdivisions or orphan systems. The bill also modifies the clean water surcharge on property transfer tax, extending its assessment period.

The bill includes specific legal language changes, such as the insertion of provisions that require individual permits for discharges from impervious surfaces in the Lake Champlain and Lake Memphremagog watersheds if they have not been previously permitted. It also clarifies that municipalities assuming full legal responsibility for stormwater systems can assess fair impact fees based on the benefits received by users. Furthermore, the bill mandates the Secretary of Natural Resources to adopt rules for managing stormwater runoff and establishes a funding mechanism to support municipalities in meeting stormwater permitting requirements. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-1264, 10-1389(e), 10-1389, 24-3616