§ 5801. Definitions
As used in this chapter:
(1) “Community Investment Program” means the program established in this chapter, as adapted from the former State designated areas program formerly in chapter 76A of this title. Statutory references outside this chapter referring to the former State-designated downtown, village centers, and new town centers shall mean designated center, once established. Statutory references outside this chapter referring to the former State-designated neighborhood development areas and growth centers shall mean designated neighborhood, once established. The program shall extend access to benefits that sustain and revitalize existing buildings and maintain the basis of the program’s primary focus on revitalizing historic downtowns, villages and surrounding neighborhoods by promoting smart growth development patterns and historic preservation practices vital to Vermont’s economy, cultural landscape, equity of opportunity, and climate resilience.
(2) “Complete streets” or “complete street principles” has the same meaning as in 19 V.S.A. chapter 24.
(3) “Department” means the Department of Housing and Community Development.
(4) “Downtown center” or “village center” means areas on the regional plan future land use maps that may be designated as a center consistent with section 4348a of this title.
(5) “LURB” refers to the Land Use Review Board established pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 6021.
(6) “Infill” means the use of vacant land or property or the redevelopment of existing buildings within a built-up area for further construction or land development.
(7) “Local downtown organization” means either a nonprofit corporation, or a board, council, or commission created by the legislative body of the municipality, whose primary purpose is to administer and implement the community reinvestment agreement and other matters regarding the revitalization of the downtown.
(8) “Planned growth area” means an area on the regional plan future land use maps meeting the requirements of subdivision 4348a(a)(12)(B) of this title and that may be designated as a neighborhood.
(9) “Regional plan future land use map” means the map prepared pursuant to section 4348a of this title.
(10) “Sprawl repair” means the redevelopment of lands with buildings, traffic and circulation, parking, or other land coverage in a pattern that is consistent with smart growth principles as defined in section 4303 of this title.
(11) “State Board” means the Vermont Community Investment Board established in section 5802 of this title.
(12) “Designated Downtown Center or Village Center” or “designated center” means a downtown or village center approved as part of the LURB review of regional plan future land use maps.
(13) “Designated neighborhood” or “neighborhood” means a village area or planned growth area approved as part of the LURB review of regional plan future land use maps that is contiguous to a center.
(14) “Vermont Downtown Program” means a program within the Department that coordinates with Main Street America that helps support community investment and economic vitality while preserving the historic character of Vermont’s downtowns. The Vermont Downtown Program provides downtowns with financial incentives, training, and technical assistance supporting local efforts to restore historic buildings, improve housing, design walkable communities, and encourage economic development by incentivizing public and private investments.
(15) “Village area” means an area on the regional plan future land use maps meeting the requirements of subdivision 4348a(a)(12)(C) of this title and that may be designated as a neighborhood. (Added 2023, No. 181 (Adj. Sess.), § 66, eff. June 17, 2024; 2025, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 17, eff. July 1, 2026.)