VT S0266

Department of Environmental Conservation authorized to adopt rules allowing residential housing projects and related linear utilities (electricity, gas, water, sewer, driveways) in wetlands without a permit

No wetland permit required for residential housing construction in unmapped Class II wetlands or their buffer zones

Wetland delineations accepted by the Secretary remain valid for 10 years, eliminating the need for new delineations on permit applications

Secretary of Natural Resources must issue comprehensive guidance on avoidance, minimization, mitigation sequencing, and alternatives analysis by October 15, 2026; applicants cannot be required to consider properties they do not own or control

Establishes Vermont in-lieu fee (ILF) compensation program for wetland impacts, requiring a minimum 2:1 restoration-to-loss ratio for impacts exceeding 5,000 square feet, with five years of post-restoration monitoring