Addison County RPC tells Middlebury regional plan near adoption; July hearing set on tiering changes

Adam Lugey, director of the Addison County Regional Planning Commission, provided the select board with a consultation update on the regional plan and legislative changes. He said the commission is close to finalizing the plan but is holding an extra hearing on July 8 to address statutory changes enacted in S-325 and that the commission expects to vote either shortly after the July hearing or at its September meeting.

Lugey described how the regional mapping and plan consultation process incorporated local priorities and said Middlebury is being encouraged to opt into "tier 1B," a designation that would allow certain projects of up to roughly 50 housing units to proceed without Act 250 review under the state process. He said the RPC worked with the town planning commission on maps and transportation and utility sections and that staff will continue to consult with Middlebury as the plan is finalized.

Board members asked how the regional plan interacts with the town plan and zoning; Lugey explained that the commission consults with municipalities to align maps and that conflicts typically arise only in large Act 250 or Section 248 applications, where conformance with town and regional plans is relevant for criteria review.

Next steps: RPC will hold the July 8 hearing; Middlebury delegates and staff may provide comments and the RPC expects to vote on the plan after the hearing.