Bill > H0602

This bill makes several changes to housing and land use laws, primarily to encourage residential housing construction. It repeals certain regulations related to road construction for development, extends exemptions from permit requirements for priority housing projects in designated areas until July 1, 2030, and allows for the construction of accessory dwelling units and the conversion of commercial buildings to housing without permits until the same date. The bill also introduces new provisions for "by-right" housing, meaning certain housing designs approved by the Department of Housing and Community Development will be permitted uses without discretionary review by municipalities, and requires municipal plans to analyze and address constraints to developing sufficient housing to meet regional targets. Additionally, it increases the annual cap on tax credits for certain housing initiatives and authorizes additional funding for the Down Payment Assistance Program, a pilot project for off-site construction, and positions within the Department of Housing and Community Development to support these efforts.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.602