Bill H.412, introduced by Representatives McCoy, Bartley, Charlton, and Dolgin, seeks to amend land use and housing development regulations in Vermont, particularly focusing on Act 250 regulations, municipal planning, and tax increment financing. The bill removes specific definitions and conditions related to road construction jurisdiction, introduces new terms like "infill development," and modifies existing definitions to emphasize mixed-use developments. It establishes exemptions for priority housing projects in designated development districts, creates the Land Use Review Board to oversee land use planning, and outlines processes for municipalities to apply for Tier 1A and Tier 1B area statuses to facilitate dense development. The bill also mandates a study to identify critical environmental resources and proposes amendments to existing exemptions from permit requirements for housing projects.

Additionally, the bill introduces significant changes to environmental regulations, particularly regarding wetlands management, and allows municipalities to streamline permitting processes for potable water supply and wastewater systems. It establishes the Vermont Manufactured Home Improvement and Repair Program, provides funding for housing initiatives, and creates the Vermont Infrastructure Sustainability Fund to support public infrastructure improvements. The bill also modifies tax increment financing (TIF) district regulations, requiring approval from the Vermont Economic Progress Council and introducing new criteria for evaluating TIF applications. Overall, H.412 aims to balance environmental protection with the need for housing development, streamline planning processes, and enhance community development efforts in Vermont, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.

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