Update: Wetlands Reform

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, together with several environmental organizations, has announced a Joint Statement of Commitment outlining a roadmap to modernize wetlands regulations while supporting much-needed housing production. 

The agreement is designed to help increase housing opportunities in Vermont’s designated growth areas while maintaining protections for significant wetlands that provide flood resilience, clean water, and wildlife habitat.

Among the first changes is a new rule, effective August 8, that reduces wetland buffers from 50 feet to 25 feet within designated growth areas for qualifying projects. The roadmap also includes plans to streamline permitting for housing and mixed-use development, improve wetlands mapping, and create a professional certification program for wetland consultants, all intended to provide greater clarity, predictability, and efficiency in the permitting process.

Update: Act 181 Regional Public Meetings

To help communities understand these and other Act 181 implementation efforts for Tier 1B areas for residential development, regional public meetings are being held across Vermont. These meetings provide an opportunity to learn about the latest updates, ask questions, and hear how the changes may impact housing development and land use planning in your region.

We encourage all REALTORS® to attend a meeting near you and stay engaged as these important housing and land-use reforms continue to take shape.

Upcoming meetings

VAR has information on the following upcoming meetings. For additional information, click below to find your local planning commission schedule.

NVDA 2026 Regional Plan Update Final Public Hearing – Newport and Virtual
September 24 at 4pm
Gateway Center, 84 Fyfe Dr., 1st Floor, Newport
REGISTER for Zoom

Barre Town Zoning Bylaw Update – Barre
Public hearing(s) expected Fall 2026
Barre Town Planning Commission is finishing its rewrite of zoning bylaws to meet Act 47 housing requirements and a goal of Selectboard adoption in September. At least one Planning Commission hearing and additional Selectboard hearings will be held once drafts are ready. There are no confirmed dates.
Project FAQ

Click below to locate your local planning commission schedule.