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Vermont Governor Eases Housing Costs with New Executive Order

Vermont's new executive order aims to cut housing costs by $12,000 per home. It also streamlines the building process to boost local housing supply.

This is an edited image and there is a building.
This is an edited image and there is a building.

Vermont Governor Eases Housing Costs with New Executive Order

Governor Phil Scott has signed Executive Order No. 06-25, aiming to tackle regulatory barriers and energy code standards in Vermont's housing industry. The order, signed on September 17, 2021, is expected to make home construction easier and less costly, benefiting both builders and homeowners.

The 2024 energy code had increased the average home cost by $12,000 compared to the 2020 code, making housing less affordable. The executive order addresses this by allowing builders to choose between the two codes, providing flexibility based on practicality and affordability. This flexibility is expected to reduce the cost of housing for everyday Vermonters.

The order also introduces measures to streamline the building process. Shorter timelines, concurrent reviews, and deemed approvals are set to reduce permitting delays, increasing efficiency. Additionally, wetland changes promote smarter land use, encouraging higher density housing in designated areas. Retroactive coverage resolves uncertainty for projects started since July 2024, clarifying the application of the new standards.

Governor Scott's Executive Order No. 06-25 is a step towards boosting Vermont's local housing supply. By tackling challenges faced by builders since the 2024 Residential Building Energy Standards took effect, the order aims to make homes more affordable and increase the number of homes built in the state.

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