Four communities in the Mount Ascutney region are working to modernize their zoning bylaws.  The Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has funding for municipalities through the Bylaw Modernization Grant Program for land use bylaw updates in support of a pedestrian-oriented development pattern that increase housing choice, affordability, and opportunity in areas planned in accordance with Vermont’s smart growth principles (24 V.S.A. §2791). This funding is intended to help municipalities confront the State’s housing shortage and ready areas for new housing investments.

Ongoing projects include:

  • Chester – The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of January 2024.  For more detail about the project, please visit their project website.
  • Ludlow – The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of January 2024.  The public hearing process is underway.
  • Reading – The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of January 2025.  The Planning Commission has recently begun the process to draft zoning amendments.
  • West Windsor – The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of January 2024.  The public hearing process is underway.

During autumn of 2023, the Town of Windsor applied for Bylaw Modernization funding to revamp their zoning provisions.