Bill S.133, introduced by Senators Ram Hinsdale, Chittenden, and Clarkson, seeks to amend Vermont's municipal zoning laws, land use regulations, and brownfield management. Key provisions include the addition of new sections to 24 V.S.A. that prevent zoning bylaws from prohibiting related occupants from constructing additional dwelling units on the same parcel and require areas rezoned from industrial to residential to allow for five or more units per acre. The bill also revises definitions related to municipal sewer and water infrastructure to ensure that areas with such services accommodate housing without discrimination against year-round residential uses. Additionally, it mandates the Commissioner of Housing and Community Development to report on the development of a density algorithm for inclusionary zoning and the potential adoption of minimal design standards to streamline municipal permit processing.

In terms of brownfield management, the bill establishes a Brownfield Property Cleanup Program to facilitate the remediation of contaminated sites, particularly those planned for housing. It also requires the Secretary of Natural Resources to report on proposals to improve the efficiency of the brownfields program and includes provisions for managing development soils from hazardous sites. The bill amends wetland regulations by establishing stricter requirements for permit applicants whose activities cause significant adverse effects, including a restoration ratio of 2:1 for unavoidable impacts exceeding 5,000 square feet, with a reduced ratio of 1:1 in designated areas. Furthermore, it mandates annual reports on wetland losses and gains and requires the Agency of Natural Resources to publish guidance on the mitigation process by December 15, 2025. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 24-4303, 10-6034, 10-6033, 10-8504, 10-6081, 10-6084(g), 10-6084, 10-6604c, 10-6641, 10-902, 10-913, 10-914, 10-918, 10-919