Bill > S116

This bill, titled the "To Promote Livable Communities and Zoning Reform Act," aims to encourage sustainable development and improve community planning by establishing state-level principles and goals for growth, such as prioritizing development in areas with existing infrastructure and discouraging sprawl. It creates a "Council for a Sustainable Commonwealth" to coordinate state agency capital planning and resolve inconsistencies, and requires agencies to develop sustainable development plans. The bill also mandates that municipalities and regional planning commissions create comprehensive local and regional sustainable development plans, respectively, which must consider environmental protection, housing needs, and economic development. Furthermore, it modifies zoning laws to align with these sustainable development plans, introduces provisions for development impact fees to offset the costs of new development, and streamlines processes for minor subdivisions while also allowing for the inclusion of affordable housing requirements. The bill also introduces mediation as a tool for resolving land use appeals and clarifies rules regarding nonconforming structures and uses in zoning.