Rutland Regional Planning Commission previews 2026 regional plan, asks city to weigh Act 181 opt‑in by July 1

The Rutland Regional Planning Commission (RRPC) on Wednesday detailed the draft 2026 Regional Plan and a new statewide‑compatible regional future land use map and asked Rutland City officials to submit map revisions within about three weeks and to consider a municipal resolution by July 1 on whether to opt into a tier 1B Act 250 exemption.

Devin, executive director and planner for the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, told the Board of Aldermen Community and Economic Development Committee that the plan will be released as a full draft on June 1 for public review and that the third and final phase of public engagement — called “alignment” — is intended to ensure towns see themselves in the plan. “Does the plan reflect the right community and economic development priorities for the Rutland region?” Devin asked, and he invited officials and residents to use an online survey and to submit written comments.

The nut of the presentation was how Act 181 (state statute) changes the land‑use framework used in Vermont and creates new, uniform land‑use categories and a multi‑tier system tied to Act 250 review. Devin said, “Tier 1A is complete exemption from Act 250,” and explained tier 1B would provide narrower exemptions for housing or mixed development of 50 units or fewer on parcels of 10 acres or less. He said a municipality must apply to the Land Use Review Board (the successor to the Natural Resources Board) for tier 1A status; tier 1B is a lower bar but offers narrower relief.

Why the city must decide soon: Devin and staff said the RRPC’s timeline is compressed because the…