The bill S.102, introduced by Senator Beck, proposes significant changes to housing, land use planning, and tax increment financing in Vermont. It removes specific provisions related to road construction from development definitions and introduces new terms such as "infill development" and "Tier 1A" and "Tier 1B" area statuses to promote dense development. The bill also establishes the Land Use Review Board to oversee land use planning and development review, transferring responsibilities from the Natural Resources Board. It modifies criteria for priority housing projects, allowing exemptions from certain regulations based on location and infrastructure, and emphasizes the need for municipalities to demonstrate adequate planning for development.

Additionally, the bill addresses environmental protections by mandating a study to potentially expand Act 250 jurisdiction concerning critical natural resources. It modifies existing permit requirements for housing projects, extends exemption periods for certain developments, and introduces provisions for expedited housing appeals. The legislation also creates the Vermont Infrastructure Sustainability Fund to support public infrastructure improvements, particularly for water and sewer services, and appropriates funding for various housing initiatives. Overall, S.102 aims to streamline housing development processes while balancing environmental protection and enhancing regional planning efforts 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