Act 181 was enacted on June 17, 2024, making major changes to Vermont’s land use planning and regulatory framework to strengthen place-based regulatory recognition and investments guided by regional planning and municipal action. In addition to changes to regional land use maps, the state designation program and Act 250 jurisdiction, the Act makes technical changes to local zoning pre-emptions made by the HOME Act of 2023. DHCD has prepared a Summary of the Act. If you have questions or need assistance with bylaw updates, please contact Greta Brunswick.

Graphic of the list of Act 181- Key Changes for Regional Plans

Interim Act 250 Exemptions for Housing:

Location-based

Priority Housing Projects + ½ mile (unlimited units)

Maximum dwelling units Unlimited
Availability Through January 1, 2027
Affordability requirements Must qualify as a mixed-income priority housing project
Qualifying locations Within designated downtowns, neighborhood development area, or growth center + ½ mile around these areas
Local regulation requirements Permanent zoning & subdivision
Infrastructure requirements Served by public water and sewer or soils adequate for wastewater disposal

 
Priority Housing Graphic

Type-based

Commercial Conversion (29 units)

Maximum dwelling units 29
Availability Through July 1, 2028
Qualifying locations Statewide

Commercial Conversions Image

Municipal Zoning Changes

Act 181 Municipal Pre-emptions Graphic