Bill S.133, introduced by Senators Ram Hinsdale, Chittenden, and Clarkson, seeks to amend Vermont's municipal zoning laws, land use regulations, and brownfields management to promote housing development and enhance environmental protections. Key provisions include 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 updates definitions related to municipal sewer and water infrastructure to ensure these areas can support housing. Additionally, it mandates the Commissioner of Housing and Community Development to report on a density algorithm for inclusionary zoning and potential minimal design standards to streamline municipal permit processing.

In terms of brownfields management, the bill establishes a Brownfield Property Cleanup Program, prioritizing remediation reviews for sites intended for housing development, and includes provisions for managing development soils from hazardous materials sites. It also amends wetland regulations by introducing 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. The bill mandates annual reporting by the Secretary of Natural Resources on wetland gains and losses and requires the Agency of Natural Resources to publish guidance to assist applicants in the mitigation process. 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