VT H0042

Establishes a three-member Housing Board of Appeals appointed by the Vermont Supreme Court to hear appeals of municipal zoning decisions on housing projects, including permits, subdivisions, and variances

Board members serve five-year terms, must be experienced in land use law or housing development, with at least one Vermont-licensed attorney and one professional engineer or land surveyor required

Creates expedited timelines requiring hearings within 90 days of appeal filing and decisions within 60 days after hearing, with a $250.00 filing fee for applications

Grants the Board concurrent appellate jurisdiction with Superior Court, with appeals to the Board waiving Superior Court rights but preserving appeal rights to the Vermont Supreme Court

Appropriates $600,000 from the General Fund in fiscal year 2026 for three full-time board members and one staff attorney, with board appointments required by July 1, 2026