Signed by Governor Phil Scott

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands affordable housing access in the state of Vermont.

Highlights:

• Expands access and supply to affordable housing in the state of Vermont, promotes homeownership across the state, and broadens housing opportunities (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that municipalities may not require more than one parking space in a municipality (Sec. 2). 

• Authorizes the building of 2-unit dwellings in the same dimensional standards as single unit dwellings and multi-unit dwellings less than four units in districts serviced by metropolitan sewer and water services (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that the conversion of a building to a duplex shall not be more restrictive than development for a single unit dwelling (Sec. 2). 

• Prohibits penalties from being doled out to hotels who have individuals in the state general assistance program (Sec. 2).

• Establishes that in districts that promote residential development that dimensions for buildings with five or more dwelling units will not have more restrictive development standards than those with single units (Sec. 2). 

• Prohibits discrimination from municipal water and sewer systems towards year-round residents (Sec. 2).

• Establishes that the planning commission shall develop a report on amendments or changes to housing bylaws (Sec. 5).

• Authorizes any interested person who wishes to appeal any decision made by the municipality administrative officer to file an appeal with the development review board (Sec. 6).

• Specifies that a residential development must not result in any undue adverse effect on the character of the area affected (Sec. 9).

• Specifies that a municipal panel may not do the following (Sec. 10): 

• Require a larger lot size then determined by municipal bylaws; 

• Require more parking spaces;

• Limit the building size regarding height; and

• Disallow the unit to follow standard municipal bylaws and requirements.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands affordable housing access in the state of Vermont.

Highlights:

• Expands access and supply to affordable housing in the state of Vermont, promotes homeownership across the state, and broadens housing opportunities (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that municipalities may not require more than one parking space in a municipality (Sec. 2). 

• Authorizes the building of 2-unit dwellings in the same dimensional standards as single unit dwellings and multi-unit dwellings less than four units in districts serviced by metropolitan sewer and water services (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that the conversion of a building to a duplex shall not be more restrictive than development for a single unit dwelling (Sec. 2). 

• Prohibits penalties from being doled out to hotels who have individuals in the state general assistance program (Sec. 2).

• Establishes that in districts that promote residential development that dimensions for buildings with five or more dwelling units will not have more restrictive development standards than those with single units (Sec. 2). 

• Prohibits discrimination from municipal water and sewer systems towards year-round residents (Sec. 2).

• Establishes that the planning commission shall develop a report on amendments or changes to housing bylaws (Sec. 5).

• Authorizes any interested person who wishes to appeal any decision made by the municipality administrative officer to file an appeal with the development review board (Sec. 6).

• Specifies that a residential development must not result in any undue adverse effect on the character of the area affected (Sec. 9).

• Specifies that a municipal panel may not do the following (Sec. 10): 

• Require a larger lot size then determined by municipal bylaws; 

• Require more parking spaces;

• Limit the building size regarding height; and

• Disallow the unit to follow standard municipal bylaws and requirements.

Full Bill Text