An act relating to development in mapped river corridors

This bill expands state oversight of development in Vermont's flood-prone river corridors by requiring permits for construction projects in these areas, regardless of whether local municipalities have their own flood protection rules. It directs the Department of Natural Resources to create statewide regulations by January 2025 that will take effect in July 2025, ensuring consistent flood management standards across the state. The legislation defines mapped river corridors based on a statewide map layer and applies to properties in flood hazard areas, aiming to reduce flood damage and improve community resilience to climate-related flooding. Local governments that have adopted approved flood bylaws may receive delegated permitting authority, while the state retains oversight for projects exempt from local regulation.