Bill H.157 proposes to allow municipalities that have established permanent zoning and subdivision bylaws, along with an approved town plan, to designate specific areas as Tier 1A and Tier 1B. These designated areas would be exempt from the requirements of 10 V.S.A. chapter 151 until December 31, 2029. This exemption aims to streamline land use processes and encourage development within these municipalities.
Additionally, the bill mandates the Agency of Natural Resources to shift the stormwater permitting process to a delegated model. Under this model, certified professional engineers, approved by the State, would be responsible for conducting stormwater assessments, designing solutions, and permitting their own work. The State would periodically review the work of these certified engineers and retain the authority to revoke their certification if their performance does not meet satisfactory standards.