The bill S.325 seeks to clarify and enhance Vermont's land use review framework, particularly in light of the 2024 Acts and Resolves No. 181. It revises the definition of "development" under 10 V.S.A. 6001 to include the construction of roads and driveways, extends timelines for exemptions related to priority housing projects, and introduces new criteria for housing developments in designated areas, emphasizing mixed-income housing. The effective dates for various provisions are pushed to January 1, 2028, and January 1, 2030, to facilitate smoother implementation. Additionally, the bill requires regional planning commissions to submit draft regional plans to the Land Use Review Board for review, mandates public hearings on proposed plans, and aims to streamline housing approvals by addressing the impacts of discretionary reviews.

Moreover, the bill amends the processes for public hearings and plan amendments by requiring regional planning commissions to hold multiple public hearings on proposed plans, while removing references to "amendments" in several sections to focus on proposed plans. It introduces provisions for minor amendments to future land use maps without necessitating a full regional plan amendment, and grants the Land Use Review Board authority to adopt rules for these minor changes. The bill also establishes a clearer process for amending regional plans, emphasizes smart growth principles, extends expiration dates for regional or municipal plans set to expire in 2026, and modifies eligibility criteria for tax credits under 32 V.S.A. 5930bb to streamline applications for historically significant areas. The bill will take effect upon passage, allowing for immediate implementation of the new guidelines.

Statutes affected:
As Passed By the Senate -- Official: 10-6001(3), 10-6001, 10-6001(35), 10-6081, 10-6025, 10-6034, 24-4460, 24-4348, 24-4348a, 24-4303, 24-5801, 24-5803, 32-5930bb
As Passed By the Senate -- Unofficial: 10-6001(3), 10-6001, 10-6001(35), 10-6081, 10-6025, 10-6034, 24-4460, 24-4348, 24-4348a, 24-4303, 24-5801, 24-5803, 32-5930bb