Housing

S.325 – Regional Planning and Act 250 Tier Jurisdiction

S.325 revises Vermont’s implementation of Act 181, the 2024 law that modernized Act 250. The bill creates a new, temporary Joint Legislative Environmental Oversight Committee with oversight authority over the Land Use Review Board and the permitting processes of the Agency of Natural Resources. The bill revises regional plan amendment requirements related to Tier 1B, repeals Tier 3 and the road rule, and delays several natural resource protection provisions to allow more time for rulemaking and public engagement. It also extends interim housing exemptions for certain housing projects through January 2028 and preserves pathways for development in designated growth areas. It expands the types of accessory on-farm businesses exempt from construction permits.

Status: Signed by Governor Phil Scott on June 16, 2026.

S.328 – Housing and Common Interest Communities

S.328 addresses municipal planning, housing finance, zoning, and common interest communities. It requires municipal plans to include stronger analysis of housing needs, targets, and barriers to development, while expanding financing tools by allowing towns and cities to issue revenue bonds payable solely from special assessments where the bond will benefit only a limited area.

S.328 also establishes a pilot program in the Office of the State Treasurer to demonstrate the possibility of reducing housing development costs through modular construction, codifies the Vermont Housing Finance Agency’s Rental Housing Revolving Loan Program (enacted in the 2023 Big Bill and amended in 2025).

The bill includes provisions affecting condominium and homeowners’ association rules, including family childcare and electric vehicle charging equipment. In addition, it makes zoning-related changes intended to support duplexes and smaller multi-unit housing in areas served by infrastructure.

Status: Signed by Governor Phil Scott on June 18, 2026.

Energy

S.202 – Plug-in Photovoltaic Devices

S.202 creates a legal framework for portable solar energy generation devices, often described as small plug-in solar systems. The bill defines qualifying systems, limits their capacity, exempts compliant devices from certain certificates of public good and utility interconnection requirements, and prohibits fees associated with installation. The legislation explicitly distinguishes plug‑in solar devices from Vermont’s net‑metering program. Customers participating in net metering are not eligible to use portable solar devices under S.202, and compensation for any excess electricity exported from these systems is prohibited.

Status: Signed by Governor Phil Scott on June 16, 2026.

H.527 – Extending the Sunset of 30 V.S.A. § 248a

H.527 extends the deadline for new applications seeking a Certificate of Public Good for communications facilities by three years, from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2029. A Certificate of Public Good is a permit required for certain infrastructure projects, and this bill specifically amends 30 V.S.A. § 248a, which governs these certificates for communications facilities. The bill also clarifies that for applications other than minor modifications or facilities of limited size and scope, the applicant must attend a public meeting with the local legislative body or planning commission within the 60-day notice period before filing, and the Department of Public Service is required to attend these meetings.

Status: Signed by Governor Phil Scott on June 15, 2026.

Environment

S.223 – Water Quality of the Waters of Vermont

S.223 creates a Water Quality, Lake Classification, and Antidegradation Study Group to review Vermont’s existing water quality standards and classification framework. The group is tasked with evaluating whether current statutes, rules, and policies adequately protect lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, particularly in relation to high-quality waters and antidegradation requirements. It brings together legislators, agency staff, environmental advocates, business representatives, and other stakeholders to recommend whether legislative or policy changes are needed. The bill does not enact new rules but directs a review process focused on lakes, rivers, and ponds across Vermont.

Status: As signed by Governor Phil Scott on June 18, 2026.

S.212 – Potable Water Supply and Wastewater System Connections

S.212 updates Vermont’s potable water supply and wastewater permitting framework, especially for connections to existing public systems. The bill authorizes the Agency of Natural Resources to create a general permit for certain connections and allows qualified municipalities to receive partial delegated authority for technical review.

Status: Signed by Governor Phil Scott on June 18, 2026.

If you have any questions about how these changes could affect your project, contact us.

SRH Law employees were all smiles in the rain at the 43^rd Annual Vermont Corporate Cup and State Agency Race on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

The Corporate Cup promotes fitness in the workplace, raises funds for the Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and community grants, and celebrates National Employee Health and Fitness Month.

The event is always a good opportunity to see friends and colleagues, rain or shine, and the SRH team was as impressed as always with the Montpelier cheering section!  

SRH Law PLLC joins the Vermont Bar Association in its Statement in Support of the Rule of Law. Our commitment to our mission, centered around making a difference in our world, is steadfast. As expressed in the VBA’s statement, the current administration’s threats to the legitimacy of our legal system are unconstitutional.

“The VBA condemns acts that undermine our democratic checks and balances and denounces attacks upon the judiciary. We express our unwavering support for an independent judiciary. Respect for the rule of law is essential to the functioning of our democratic society, justice, and the protection of individual rights and liberties. Everyone stands subject and accountable to the law. We remain committed to ensuring all Vermonters have access to the judicial process and that the process remains fair and equitable.”

The unlawful attacks against our peer law firms, many of whom also strive to do mission driven community work, pose a great threat to our democracy and the legal system as a whole.

SRH Law will remain vigilant as the current administration’s actions may impact our areas of practice, including environment law, renewable energy permitting, community development, affordable housing, and nonprofit assistance. SRH Law reiterates our dedication to our clients, our mission, and the rule of law, and stands with the Vermont Bar Association in its recognition of these critical principles.

SRH Law will be joining the Vermont Bar Association on May 3^rd for the Rally for the Rule of the Law.

Burlington, VT – SRH Law PLLC is pleased to announce that Zachary Berger has joined the firm as an associate attorney. Zach’s practice includes guiding clients through regulatory compliance, permitting, and transactional matters critical to renewable energy development. In addition, Zach works with business owners on entity formation, corporate governance, and mergers & acquisitions, helping them structure and execute strategies that drive growth and sustainability.

Before joining the firm, Zach gained extensive experience at another prominent Burlington law firm, where he built a strong foundation in corporate law, mergers & acquisitions, and investment-related activities. While attending law school, he helped develop solar projects — both in-house with a local solar developer and as a clinician with the Vermont Law School Energy Clinic.  Zach earned his law degree and master’s degree from Vermont Law School.

Burlington, VT – SRH Law PLLC is pleased to announce that Rachel Seelig has joined the firm as an Of Counsel attorney.  Rachel is a skilled litigator, advisor and problem solver, with years of experience effecting positive change in the world through her legal work.  In addition to litigation and regulatory law, her legal practice includes providing general counsel services to nonprofit and governmental organizations to help them further their charitable and civic missions.

Prior to joining SRH Law, Rachel spent twelve years at Vermont Legal Aid where she developed expertise in administrative litigation and appeals, and policy advocacy, specializing in disability law.  She also worked for now-Senator Peter Welch for several years, served in AmeriCorps and was a field organizer on numerous political campaigns.  Rachel earned her law degree from Brooklyn Law School and her bachelor’s degree in English from Wheaton College.