79:(40,000 m), or more than one acre (4,000 m) for towns that do not have permanent zoning and subdivision bylaws. The law also applies to any development project with more than 10 housing units or housing lots; and may also apply for construction proposed above 2,500 feet (760 m) of elevation. Act 250 also created the Vermont Environmental Board to review appeals coming from District Commission rulings.
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The 10 criteria have changed little since the adoption of Act 250 in 1970. Efforts have been made over the years to make the permitting process work more efficiently, along with performance standards. Today, the
District Commissions receive between 600 and 800 applications per year, and hold hearings
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Commissions to review large-scale development projects using 10 criteria that are designed to safeguard the environment, community life, and aesthetic character of the state. They have the power to issue or deny a permit to real estate developers for any project that encompasses more than 10 acres
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Act 250 jurisdiction attaches forever to permits, except to permits for quarries and logging at elevations over 2,500 feet (760 m). These permits are allowed to close when the work required to complete them is complete. There is not sufficient funding to support personnel to verify proper
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Conforms with the
Capability and Development Plan which includes the following considerations: (A) The impact the project will have on the growth of the town or region: (B) Primary agricultural soils; (C) Productive forest soils; (D) Earth resources; (E) Extraction of earth resources; (F) Energy
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The intent of the Act was to create a more esthetic
Vermont by protecting rivers, air, the forest's ability to support wildlife, and to preserve Vermont's natural resources. One concern was forest conservation, and the prevention of excessive clear cutting.
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in 1969 to develop a statewide law to address these concerns, as no environmental regulations or land use controls existed. A major contributor to the construction of the law was Laura G. Wheeler, in consultation with then
Vermont Attorney General
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Will not result in undue water or air pollution. Included are the following considerations: (A) Headwaters; (B) Waste disposal (including wastewater and stormwater); (C) Water
Conservation; (D) Floodways; (E) Streams; (F) Shorelines; and (G)
53:) made access to the state much easier for year-round visitors, creating community concerns including road congestion, increased environmental problems, burden on local services, and rising taxes. Governor
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Will not have an undue adverse effect on aesthetics, scenic beauty, historic sites or natural areas, and 8(A) will not imperil necessary wildlife habitat or endangered species in the immediate area.
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on an average of 20% of these. They have an approval record of 98%, but this rate includes plans modified during the hearing process, with conditions typically attached to permits when granted.
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legislature designed to mitigate the effects of development through an application process that addresses the environmental and community impacts of projects that exceed a threshold in size.
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conservation; (G) Private utility services; (H) Costs of scattered developments; (J) Public utility services; (K) Development affecting public investments; and (L) Rural growth areas.
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law passed in 2000. She claimed that the law brought about the number one challenge
Vermont faces which is whether it wants to be a "state or a theme park".
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The law has been controversial since its implementation. It is often costly to implement restrictions placed on commercial projects.
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Times Argus news story illustrating some of the pitfalls of Act 250 and the pervasive legislative opposition to ACT 250 reforms.
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completion of the required activity, so the Act 250 office must rely on the permit applicant to truthfully verify completion.
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Will not cause unreasonably dangerous or congested conditions with respect to highways or other means of transportation.
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ACT 250: A Guide to
Vermont's Land Use Law. State of Vermont Environmental Board, Montpelier, VT (USA), November 2000
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Will not create an unreasonable burden on the municipality in providing governmental services.
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Act 250 creators included Laura G. Wheeler of Barre Town, Vermont; then
Attorney General
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Will not cause unreasonable soil erosion or affect the capacity of the land to hold water.
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Will not create an unreasonable burden on the educational facilities of the municipality.
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It has been known as the "third rail" of
Vermont politics. In 2023, state senator
342:"Assessing Priorities Act 250 for Vermont or Local Permit Reform for Middlebury?"
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Is in conformance with any local or regional plan or capital facilities program.
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Has sufficient water available for the needs of the subdivision or development.
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305:"Environmental Control Legislation Expected to be Tailored for Davis"
363:"Vermont This Week | March 31, 2023 | Season 2023 | Vermont Public"
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pressures resulting from the opening of two interstate highways (
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appointed a study commission chaired by state representative
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argued that it has been more controversial than
Vermont's
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ran on a platform that included restructuring Act 250.
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Will not unreasonably burden any existing water supply.
415:United States state environmental legislation
242:In his 2002 gubernatorial campaign, Governor
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223:, Howard Rusk of New York; Jeanne Garvin of
313:. Vermont Press Bureau. January 15, 1970
107:District 3: northern Windsor County and
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227:; and Lawrence Gurnette of Michigan.
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344:. The Middlebury Campus. 2003-04-23
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174:The 10 Criteria are as follows:
291:"Conservation and Development"
87:The district commissions are:
74:The law created nine District
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310:Barre Montpelier Times Argus
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383:External links and sources
430:United States energy law
267:United States energy law
410:1970 in the environment
425:Environment of Vermont
83:District Commissions
225:Montpelier, Vermont
158:Bennington County
115:Chittenden County
16:(Redirected from
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64:James Jeffords
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370:. Retrieved
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317:February 18,
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272:Green Up Day
255:civil unions
251:Ann Cummings
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170:Ten Criteria
162:District 9:
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130:District 6:
119:District 5:
113:District 4:
97:District 2:
91:District 1:
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244:Jim Douglas
235:Controversy
59:Arthur Gibb
43:Development
404:Categories
372:2023-04-02
348:2016-09-24
136:Grand Isle
121:Washington
38:Background
179:Wetlands.
143:Caledonia
261:See also
153:counties
138:counties
132:Franklin
127:counties
125:Lamoille
147:Orleans
70:The law
32:Vermont
28:Act 250
18:Act 250
278:Notes
151:Essex
319:2023
149:and
134:and
123:and
51:I-91
49:and
47:I-89
367:PBS
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