The House on Monday passed a bill to put in place new statewide shoreland development standards for Vermont’s lakes and large ponds.
The House voted 93-42 in favor of H.526 as amended by a conference committee.
The bill requires the Agency of Natural Resources to approve new building projects that come within 250 feet of the protected shoreland area. The new permit guidelines would go into effect July 1.
The Agency of Natural Resources made shoreland protection one of its top priorities this year. The agency is working on a plan to educate the public on the new permitting standards.
Projects located within 250 feet of the shoreline must not be located on a 20 percent slope; no more than 40 percent of the area can be clear of natural vegetation; and no more than 20 percent of the area can be impervious.
These are baseline standards that the agency has the authority to expand. Towns with similar standards can enforce their own programs.
Rep. Peter Peltz, D-Woodbury, voted to support the bill.
“Woodbury has more lakes and ponds than any other town in Vermont. Lakes and ponds of sufficient size are public domain and the quality of water is the state’s responsibility,” Peltz said.
