24 V.S.A. § 5001: Legislative findings

The General Assembly finds:

(1) There exist in the various municipalities numerous dwellings and dwelling premises that are substandard due to dilapidation, deterioration and disrepair, structural defects, uncleanliness, lack of adequate ventilation, light, sanitary, heating and hot water facilities, overcrowding of dwellings, occupancy of unfit dwellings, and other conditions and defects which increase the hazards of illness, disease, fire, accidents, and other calamities;

(2) These conditions, singly or in combination, endanger the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the people of the various municipalities and give impetus to the development, continuation, extension, and aggravation of blighted and substandard housing conditions;

(3) The establishment and maintenance of minimum standards for dwellings is necessary to the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare.