H.157 is a bill that aims to provide municipalities with the authority to designate Tier 1A and Tier 1B areas that would be exempt from the requirements of 10 V.S.A. chapter 151 until December 31, 2029, provided they have permanent zoning and subdivision bylaws along with an approved town plan. This exemption is intended to streamline land use processes under Act 250, which governs development in Vermont.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Agency of Natural Resources to shift the stormwater permitting process to a delegated model. In this model, professional engineers certified by the State will be responsible for conducting stormwater assessments, designing solutions, and permitting their own work. The State will periodically review the work of these certified engineers and has the authority to revoke their certification if their work does not meet satisfactory standards.