Act 250: Alive and Basically Well

Abstract

During the 1960s, Vermont experienced a rapid increase in population and recreational and second home development which was dramatic from any perspective, but particularly so to the average Vermonter. Within ten years, the population of the state increased by 14 per cent. Many social and economic changes also occurred during this period, some of which were to the liking of Vermonters and many of which were not. Perhaps the most telling change came when the number of residents exceeded the number of cows early in the 1960s. In any event, what was happening to the state came to be viewed as a “development crisis,” and the public clamored for action. In response, the 1970 session of the Vermont General Assembly adopted a statewide Land Use and Development Law which attracted national attention. This law, which is more commonly known as Act 250, established an ongoing land planning and regulatory process which applies to all major subdivisions and developments2 proposed anywhere in the state. Although Act 250 was popularly viewed as an environmental protection measure, it charted Vermont on an unprecedented attempt to plan the development and management of its lands and other resources.