S 185 Vermont Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An act relating to regional plan maps and Act 250 Tier 1

This bill modifies Vermont's regional plan map categories for Act 250 Tier 1 development. It redefines "Village areas" to require municipal water/wastewater service or suitable soil for septic, and creates "Transition or infill areas" for redevelopment near existing villages - banning new strip commercial development to protect adjacent economic vitality. The bill also establishes "designated neighborhoods" for planned growth/village areas and transition areas within workforce housing zones, requiring approval similar to existing "designated centers." These changes aim to guide higher-density, mixed-use development while preserving downtown vitality and climate resilience.
Bill status introduced 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 6, 2026 Last action Jan 6, 2026
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Full legislative history

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Total actions
1
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Committee
0
Jan 6, 2026
Introduced
Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Alison Clarkson
Alison Clarkson
DDemocratic
VT
Windsor