Vermont’s Act 250
Vermont has passed a comprehensive land-use law called Act 250. This occurred in 1970 to protect against substandard or shortsighted development and the burdens it places on water, sewer, utility, police and fire services as well as the impacts to schools and roads. Act 250 was designed to protect air and water quality, to promote soil conservation and to preserve wildlife habitats as well as scenic, historic and archaeological sites.
The following proposals fall within Act 250 guidelines, and are reviewed by one of nin District Environmental Commissions, each with jurisdiction in a particular region:
- commercial projects of 10 or more acres
- developments in elevations above 2,500 feet
- developments with 10 or more units
- roads longer than 800 feet serving subdivisions
- projects of less than 10 acres in towns without zoning and subdivision bylaws
Each development proposal is reviewed against ten criteria specified in the Act. The procedure provides for a public hearing where abutters and interested parties may voice their concerns about the proposal.
Categories: Bennington VT, Environmental
portions from Business People – Vermont, February 2007
