The bill H.412 proposes extensive amendments to Vermont's land use and housing development regulations, particularly focusing on Act 250 and regional planning. It deletes specific definitions and criteria related to road construction that previously triggered jurisdiction under Act 250, while introducing new terms like "infill development" and modifying "mixed use" to highlight residential and commercial integration. The bill establishes exemptions for priority housing projects to expedite construction in designated areas, provided they are near public services. Additionally, it restructures the Land Use Review Board to ensure diverse membership and revises the process for municipalities to obtain area statuses, emphasizing adequate planning and capacity for development review.

Moreover, the bill enhances environmental protections by mandating the identification of critical resources and establishing new criteria for Act 250 jurisdiction. It introduces provisions for expedited appeals related to residential housing development, modifies criteria for appealing land use decisions, and increases tax credits for downtown projects. The bill also addresses wetlands management, allowing the Secretary of Natural Resources to classify wetlands and establish buffer zones, while enabling municipalities to oversee potable water and wastewater connections. Furthermore, it creates the Vermont Manufactured Home Improvement and Repair Program and establishes the Strategic Projects for Advancing Rural Communities (SPARC) to support rural development initiatives. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline housing development processes, enhance community investment, and ensure environmental sustainability in Vermont.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-6001, 10-6007, 10-6021, 10-6033, 10-6034, 10-6081, 10-6091, 1-312, 24-5802(f), 24-5802, 24-4348, 24-5803, 24-5804, 10-6089, 24-4465, 24-4471, 10-8504, 32-5930ee, 24-4348a, 10-902, 10-913, 10-914, 10-918, 10-919, 10-1971, 10-1972, 10-1973, 10-1976, 3-2822(j), 3-2822, 10-1628, 10-699, 24-1891, 24-1892, 24-1894(a), 24-1894, 24-1896, 24-1898, 32-5404a, 32-3870, 32-3871, 24-119, 32-5404, 10-29