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Select Board warns landowners about expanded Act 250 coverage; schedules technical briefing with state advisor
Summary
Board members urged Jamaica landowners to review newly mapped Act 250/Act 181 changes, highlighted an 800‑foot roadway trigger and potential cost/permit implications, and announced a private working session with state advisor Laura Sebelia followed by a public update.
The Jamaica Select Board used its March 23 meeting to brief residents on changes to state land‑use review rules that may expand Act 250 jurisdiction for many open‑land parcels and long driveways.
The chair said the updated maps and new criteria could bring parcels into Act 250 oversight when a development exceeds certain thresholds, noting, "If you are developing a parcel of land greater than 1 acre for commercial use ... you are required to submit your proposal to the state for review and issuance of an Act 250 permit." He warned that once a parcel is subject to Act 250 it can remain subject even if the subdivision is not completed.
Board members described a particular trigger tied to distances from roads (an approximate 800–850‑foot measurement for driveway/roadway length) and said many properties in Jamaica fall inside newly flagged areas. The board announced it will post clearer maps and explanatory materials on the town website and is holding a working session with Laura Sebelia this week; the chair said the meeting was intended as a technical working session (invited participants) and that the town will follow up with a public briefing if appropriate.
The Select Board made Act 250/Act 181 a standing item on future agendas so town staff and residents can receive updates and guidance on when and how to comment to legislators or prepare permit applications.
