Bill > S0325

This bill establishes a nine-member task force composed of legislative members, representatives from various planning, development, and housing organizations, and a town planner, to develop a detailed proposal for creating "residential opportunity overlay districts." These districts would be governed by a set of model zoning bylaws, which are essentially a standardized set of rules for land use and development, designed with clear and objective standards, incorporating New England town-building principles, and including protections for flood and historic areas. Once these model bylaws are created and published, municipalities would have the option to adopt them in specific areas, allowing for residential development that meets the code's requirements to be approved by a zoning administrator without the need for public hearings or appeals. The task force, with assistance from the Department of Housing and Community Development, will also propose how these codes would be administered and overseen, and the process for municipal adoption, with grants potentially available to help municipalities implement the model code. The task force is mandated to submit a report with its findings and recommendations by December 1, 2026, and will cease to exist at the end of that year.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Natural Resources and Energy (Senate)

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.325