Vermont stands with builders’ priorities
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott signed Executive Order No. 06-25 “Promoting Housing Construction and Rehabilitation” to address the concerns and priorities of local builders. The Vermont Builders and Remodelers Association (VBRA) advocated over years to make these changes that addressed their concerns and challenges when building in the state. These changes are a positive sign that local officals are implementing the priorities to make housing strides easier and more efficient for the builders and local community.
Highlights of the the executive order include:
- Reinstatement of 2020 building energy code reform standards for ease in affordability
- Shortened review timelines, with a goal of reducing the timeline by 50% for residential housing and shelter projects
- Fee relief for housing projects which will allow deferred payment of fees until project completion for prioritized housing project
- Environmental review streamlining by implementing a land use permitting system intended to improve and expedite the experience to revitalize or build housing units
“Improved flexibility and clear timelines reduce the cost of housing for everyday Vermonters,” said VBRA member Collin Frisbie, who spoke at the executive order signing at the governor’s request. “Focusing on mapped Class II wetlands and reducing buffers to 25 feet in designated areas will allow for more comfortable density in the areas the state is working to encourage housing.”
