Towns would face limits on lot sizes for single-family homes

For most land zoned for single-family homes, towns could not require larger lots than state rules require for individual sewage systems. This applies to lots without municipal or community sewer in a majority of the land area zoned for single-family homes in a municipality. A town may require larger lots if it provides evidence that smaller lots would meaningfully affect community health or safety. When deciding whether the rule covers most residentially zoned land, a town may count areas served by municipal sewer. The proposed section would take effect July 1, 2025.

Towns could not require lots served by municipal or community sewer to exceed 22,000 square feet. This applies to single-family home lots served by municipal or community sewer. The sewer system must have enough capacity for development on those lots. A town may require larger lots if it provides evidence that smaller lots would meaningfully affect community health or safety. The proposed rules would not limit development of lots created before July 1, 2025, or override other municipal zoning rules unrelated to minimum lot size. The proposed section would take effect July 1, 2025. Its rules would not limit development of lots created before that date.