HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - City Council - 06/03/2024CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
JUNE 3, 2024
Participation Options
In Person: 180 Market Street, Main Floor, Auditorium
Assistive Listening Service Devices available upon request
Electronically: https://meet.goto.com/SouthBurlingtonVT/citycouncilmeeting06-03-2024
You can also dial in using your phone (872) 240-3412 Access Code: 227-464-229
Executive Session at 5:45
1.Open Meeting
2.Possible executive session to discuss contract negotiations and real estate options for Hubbard
Recreation Park and Natural Area pursuant to 1 V.S.A. 313(1)(A).
Regular Session 6:30 p.m.
1.Pledge of Allegiance (6:30 p.m.)
2.Instructions on exiting building in case of emergency and review of technology options – Jessie
Baker, City Manager (6:31–6:32 p.m.)
3.Agenda Review: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items (6:33–6:34 p.m.)
4.Comments and questions from the public not related to the agenda (6:35–6:45 p.m.)
5.Councilors’ Announcements and Reports on Committee assignments and City Manager’s Report
(6:45–6:55 p.m.)
6.Consent Agenda: (6:55–7:00 p.m.)
A.*** Consider and Sign Disbursements
B.*** Approve minutes from April 1, 2024, April 15, 2024 and April 24, 2024 CC Meetings
C.*** Authorize the City Manager to execute the “Public Access Agreement and Agreement
Regarding Bridge Easement Interstate 89 Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge” between the City and
Burlington U Mall Owner LLC
D.*** Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Bryx, Inc. for the purchase of
fire station alerting software in FY25 for a contract price not to exceed $150,000, to be paid
out in two installments over FY25 and FY26, as approved in the Capital Improvement Plan.
E.*** Authorize the City Manager to purchase fire station alerting software for the VTANG Fire
Station in FY ‘25 through the use of budgeted FY ’25 Capital Improvement Plan dollars in the
amount of $43,365.
F.*** Adopt the Accounts Payable and Special Warrant Policy as amended
180 MARKET STREET, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT | (802) 846-4107 | WWW.SOUTHBURLINGTONVT.GOV
G. *** Authorize the City Manager to purchase four Nissan Leaf SV Plus vehicles and allocate
FY24 surplus funds for this purpose in an amount not to exceed $22,000
H. *** Approve the submittal of a 2024 Summer Reading Grant to support summer Library
Programming
7. *** Warned for 7:00 p.m.: Hold a Third Reading and Second Public Hearing of an update to the
Sign Ordinance – Paul Conner, Planning & Zoning Director (7:00–7:15 p.m.)
8. *** Potential Action: Approve an update to the Sign Ordinance and authorize the formatting of this
updated Ordinance to incorporate it into the City Code – Paul Conner, Planning & Zoning Director
(7:15–7:30 p.m.)
9. *** Orientation: Presentation of the Planning & Zoning, Community Development, and the Tax
Increment Financing District – Paul Conner, Planning & Zoning Director, and Ilona Blanchard,
Community Development Director (7:30–9:00 p.m.)
10. ***Discussion: Discuss the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to date and future
possible allocations. Provide direction to staff. – Jessie Baker, City Manager, and Martha Machar,
Finance Director (9:00–9:20 p.m.)
11. *** Potential Action: Approve Resolution # 2024-14 establishing a Safe Routes to School Task Force
– Safe Routes to School Task Force (9:20-9:30 p.m.)
12. *** Potential Action: Receive a recommendation from the Safe Routes to School Task Force to create
an Elsom Parkway Greenway to the Middle/High School Campus and potentially support this
demonstration project – Safe Routes to School Task Force (9:30-9:45)
13. *** Convene as the Board of Health: Approve the request that the Vermont Commissioner of
Health appoint Patricia Wehman as a Deputy Health Officer for the City of South Burlington
pursuant to 18 V.S.A. §601 – Steven Locke, Deputy City Manager (9:45–9:55 p.m.)
14. *** Convene as Liquor Control Commission: Consider the following applications for approval:
The Mill Market & Deli, Second Class License; Quarry Hill Club First and Third Class,
Restaurant/Bar License and Outside Consumption Permit; Zen Gardens, First and Third Class
Restaurant/Bar License (9:55–10:05 p.m.)
15. Other Business - (10:05 –10:15 p.m.)
16. Adjourn
Respectfully submitted:
Jessie Baker
City Manager
***Attachments included
PAGE 1
DRAFT MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
1 APRIL 2024
The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 1 April 2024, at
6:30 p.m., in the Auditorium, 180 Market Street, and by Go to Meeting remote
participation.
MEMBERS PRESENT: T. Barritt Chair; A. Chalnick, E. Fitzgerald, M. Scanlan, L. Smith
ALSO PRESENT: J. Baker, City Manager; Chief S. Locke, Deputy City Manager; C.
McNeil, City Attorney; J. Pellerin, Deputy City Attorney; P. Conner, Director of
Planning & Zoning; T. DiPietro, Public Works Director; J. Nadeau, CWD Distribution
Director; B. Fisher, Wastewater Superintendent; M. Rorabaugh, Stormwater
Superintendent; A. Cate, Highway Department; E. Quallen, Deputy Public Works
Director for Capital Projects; M. Machar, Finance Director; J. Hanigan, C. Trombly, R.
Doyle, D. Peters, L. Bresee, D. Wheeler, B. Sirvis, A. Demetrowitz
2. Instructions on exiting building in case of emergency and review of
technology option:
Ms. Baker provided instructions on the emergency exit from the building and
reviewed technology options.
3. Additions, deletions or changes in the order of Agenda items:
No changes were made to the Agenda.
4. Comments and questions from the public not related to the agenda:
No issues were raised.
5. Announcements, councilors reports from committee assignments and City
Manager’s Report:
CITY COUNCIL 1 APRIL 2024 PAGE 2
Council members reported on recent meetings and events they had attended.
Ms. Baker: The Easter Egg Hunt was a huge success with over 400 children and
families participating.
The second vote on the School Budget will be on Thursday, 4 April.
Illuminate Vermont will take place on Friday and Saturday, 5 and 6 April.
Eclipse Day is on Monday April 8, 2024.
Mr. DiPietro and his team have received grant funding for 3 projects.
Today was the first day of service for the second ambulance.
There have been 130 registrations for the Rental Registry. Property
owners will be invoiced shortly.
Chief Locke: There were 22 responses to the RFP for a vendor for the new permitting
software.
There is a GIS/Data Analyst added in the FY24 budget, however the
recruitment efforts have not been successful. The City is hiring a consultant to help in
the interim. The Council will meet with this consultant in May.
This week will be the first time that the Community Outreach Team
(staffed by Howard Center personnel) will be operational from 8:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. every
day.
6. Consent Agenda:
a. Approve and Sign Disbursements
b. Adopt the Local Emergency Management Plan
c. Approve the forgiveness of the historical VCOP loan and accrued
interest for the Queensbury Coop as outlined in the request from
Champlain Housing Trust
d. Approve the grant application to the Northern Border Regional
Commission for $1,000,000 to support the Water Tank Project and
approve the City Manager as the Authorized Official
e. Approve the submission of an application to the State of Vermont
Municipal Highway Class 2 Grant program for Phase 4 of the Dorset
Street paving and authorize the Director of Public Works to sign all
paperwork
CITY COUNCIL 1 APRIL 2024 PAGE 3
Mr. Barritt noted that a resident of Queensbury Coop would like that item pulled from
the Consent Agenda.
Mr. Chalnick moved to approve Consent Agenda item a, b, d, and e. Mr. Smith
seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Demetrowitz then explained how the Vermont Community Development Program
works. Historically funds have come from the municipality as a loan. State officials
recommend forgiveness of these loans as they are intended to be grants to build
affordable housing. The original grant in this case was $87,150. The funds have been
used to maintain their buildings. Ms. Demetrowitz noted that more recently, these
are awarded as grants.
Ms. Baker stressed that it has never been the city’s intention to collect that money.
She added that this is similar to the agreements with Allard Square and the Summit
properties at O’Brien Farm.
In response to Mr. Scanlan’s question, Ms. Machar stated that there are 5 or more of
these grants, and the city confirms the amount annually for the auditor.
Mr. Chalnick then moved to approve Consent Agenda item #c. Mr. Smith seconded.
The motion passed unanimously.
7. Approve Resolution #2024-13 recognizing April as Fair Housing Month:
Mr. Trombly reviewed the history and noted this is an opportunity to explain “fair
housing” to the public. There are 2 events that are being coordinated. The first,
“ADU is That Right for You?” is being co-hosted by the Library and AARP. The
second, “Housing and Homelessness” is a book discussion. Mr. Trombly asked the
Council to approve the Resolution.
Ms. Fitzgerald read the proposed Resolution.
Mr. Smith then moved to approve Resolution #2024-13 recognizing April as Fair
Housing Month. Mr. Scanlan seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
8. Orientation: Public Works:
Mr. DiPietro provided an orientation to the various divisions within the Public Works
Department. He showed a chart of how the various divisions are supported (e.g.,
enterprise funds, special funds, taxes). He then showed a chart of the Department’s
organization. There are 39 positions, 4 of which are currently vacant. A new Parks
CITY COUNCIL 1 APRIL 2024 PAGE 4
person will be coming on this month. Mr. DiPietro also showed an overview of the
city’s infrastructure including miles of pipes, sidewalks, shared use paths, etc.
The Public Works Building on Patchen Road will be upgraded to add an additional
garage bay, electric vehicle charging stations, new windows, roof and HVAC units. In
the future, the salt shed and fueling station will be replaced.
Water Division:
Mr. Nadeau then provided an overview of the Water Division. Water is provided by
CWD which responds immediately to emergencies. It oversees billing, meter reading,
and customer service. Water technicians are on as “as needed” basis, maintaining
water mains, hydrants, etc. Mr. Nadeau said they always have work to do. Funding
comes mainly from water users with occasional grants, when available.
Division successes include near completion of 100% radio-read meters and the
successful bond vote on a second water tank. They have also been identifying and
reducing water loss, upgrading aging water meters, and a lead service line inventory.
Emerging issues include updating the Water Ordinance, construction of the second
water tank, the retirement of CWD’s Director of Distribution at the end of 2024, lead
and copper replacement, aging infrastructure and system growth, and funding for
infrastructure upgrades.
Wastewater Division:
Mr. Fisher noted the CWD won the Regional Water Tasting Award.
The Airport Parkway Treatment Plant is one of the highest rated in the State.
The Wastewater Division manages both the Airport and the Bartlett Bay facilities and
32 pump stations. They produce electricity from the digesters. They have a staff of 8,
and Mr. Fisher reviewed what each person does. He also noted that the City of
Burlington has a staff of 25. He also noted the South Burlington is very good about
professional development.
Recent initiatives include improvements to the allocation process, refurbishment of
the Bartlett Bay facility which will be using efficient heat recovery, and pump station
upgrades which have digitized everything.
CITY COUNCIL 1 APRIL 2024 PAGE 5
Emerging issues include replacing Queen City Park pump stations, biosolids
management, PFA testing, copper testing, and budgetary challenges due to increased
costs.
Stormwater Division:
Ms. Rorabaugh noted that South Burlington’s Stormwater Division was the first in the
state. She then explained their function regarding MS4 Permit compliance and
phosphorus control. They maintain 80 miles of drainage pipes, 210 outfalls, and 3418
structures. They have a staff of 9. They are funded by rate payers.
Successes and goals include $1,200,000 in grants in 2023, and another grant just
received. There are currently 22 projects in various stages of design and
implementation. The main goals are a Flow Restoration Plan and Phosphorus Control
Plan implementation.
Emerging issues include alignment with the new 2023 MS4 Permit requirements,
chloride impaired streams (from road salt) and the requirement for a road salt
reduction plan, implementation of the Flow Restoration Plans.
Mr. DiPietro said there is a lot of outreach/reduction needed so that homeowners use
less salt.
Highway/Parks Maintenance:
Mr. Cate said they have a Parks crew of 16 with one more to be added in 2025 plus 2
mechanics. There are 4 current vacancies.
The Division maintains all sidewalks, roads, signals, and parks including plowing,
pothole repair, tree care, sidewalk maintenance, etc. and plans for yearly paving
projects.
Successes and goals include reducing salt use, completion of a paving condition
inventory, the near completion of the Dorset Street signal project, improved
maintenance of ballfields and parks, and expansion of the DPW facility.
Emerging issues include maintenance agreements for new neighborhoods,
pedestrian and bike safety, phase 4 paving of Dorset Street, chloride regulation
changes, staffing challenges, increased cost (20-40%) of equipment.
Mr. Chalnick asked about green asphalt. Mr. DiPietro said he didn’t think it was
available in Vermont.
CITY COUNCIL 1 APRIL 2024 PAGE 6
Ms. Fitzgerald asked about the timing of when a road comes “online.” Mr. DiPietro
said this is decided based on the Pavement Condition Index or PCI.
Open Space Fund:
Ms. Quallen explained the tax revenue funding and noted that half of the income goes
for management of the fund including improvements at Red Rocks, Wheeler and
Hubbard Parks. Ms. Quallen noted the hiring of Silken Kershner who will be working
on a new Open Space Master Plan.
Successes include the near completion of the Conservation Easement for Wheeler
Nature Park.
Emerging issues include balancing conservation with recreation and bidding and
construction of improvements at Hubbard.
Pennies for Paths:
Ms. Quallen said these funds plan, design and manage construction of paths,
sidewalks crosswalks, etc. They work with the Bike/Ped Committee to determine
policy and safety priorities and funding for new construction and
maintenance/upgrades.
Successes include the Transportation Climate Action Plan, new crosswalks at
Kennedy Drive and Williston Road, grant funding for the Hinesburg Road shared use
path, and restriping of city streets to include 10-foot lanes and bike lanes.
Emerging issues include an increasing need for maintenance of infrastructure, the
active transportation plan including an on-line survey, and data collection for bike/ped
users.
Mr. Barritt noted that tree roots on bike paths are a big problem now.
Mr. Smith asked about interconnecting paths. Ms. Quallen said some of this has been
done and some are in design now.
9. Approve Resolution 2024-12 establishing a School Zone and speed limit on
Dorset Street:
Mr. DiPietro reviewed school zones in the city and said they are similar to those in
other municipalities. The speed limit is 25 mph when the lights are blinking. It will
take 8-10 weeks to get the needed equipment.
CITY COUNCIL 1 APRIL 2024 PAGE 7
Mr. Barritt asked whether there has to be signing to warn the School Zone. Ms.
Quallen said there does, and they will be creating a “School Zone boundary.” Mr.
Barritt asked if this will replace the blinking crossing lights. Ms. Quallen said it will
not.
Ms. Fitzgerald asked if there is flexibility to use those zones outside of the times in the
Resolution for such things as sporting events. Ms. Quallen did not think there was.
Mr. DiPietro noted this would take people to operate the equipment which is currently
not planned.
Mr. Chalnick noted that Hoyle Tanner had indicated that drivers leaving the school
have a problem making left turns. He suggested exploring a traffic light. Mr. DiPietro
said they can do that.
Mr. Chalnick moved Resolution #2024-12 establishing a School Zone and speed limit
on Dorset Street with the proposed amendment to Section F. Mr. Smith seconded.
Mr. Warren thanked the Council for moving this forward. He also asked about paving.
Mr. DiPietro said paving has been delayed to accommodate the request from the
School to make improvements. Paving will take place next summer. Mr. Warren also
noted that on some days school starts at a later time. Mr. DiPietro said that can be
further discussed. Mr. Barritt said the City can investigate additional technology.
Mr. Doyle encouraged having signs on both sides of Dorset St because of large trucks
that drivers may not be able to see around.
In the vote that followed, the motion passed unanimously.
10. First Reading of a Drinking Water Ordinance Update and possibly set a
Second Reading and Public Hearing for 20 May 2024 at 7:00 p.m.:
Mr. Wheeler thanked those who worked on the Ordinance. He said the intent of the
update was to modernize the Ordinance. He then showed a list of the sections of the
Ordinance that have been updated.
Mr. Conner explained the impacts of Act 47 and the need to align our ordinance with
State law. He noted that the Water Ordinance will now contain a “water service area”
which will enable alignment with zoning. He then showed a map of areas now served
by municipal water and those that are not or cannot be. He also noted that there is a
procedure to match habitat blocks and habitat connector modifications approved
through the LDRs and explained the history of this.
CITY COUNCIL 1 APRIL 2024 PAGE 8
Mr. Conner noted that the Planning Commission saw an opportunity to be nimbler in
the use of the Conservation PUDs. If the Conservation PUD area is surrounded by an
area served by municipal water/sewer, Act 47 says the whole area should be served
by water and sewer. This would make a difference of about 30 acres.
Mr. Conner noted that all of the NRP is excluded from the water/sewer area. There
are fewer than 5 parcels where there is a house, and that piece of property has been
cut out of the NRP.
Mr. Wheeler enumerated the water service exclusion areas as: NRP, habitat blocks,
flood plains and river corridors, isolated land areas, and lands above 430 feet in
elevation.
Mr. Wheeler then reviewed changes to the water main construction and
circumstances when the city will maintain a private system during the warranty
period.
In the section on internal piping and owner responsibilities, Mr. Conner noted the City
Center Service Area is lined up with the New Town Center area.
Ms. Baker noted that these changes and the changes to the Sign Ordinance which is
next on the agenda are the first big ordinance changes which have been prioritized
because of Act 47 and the emergence of City Center.
Mr. Scanlan said this was an overwhelming amount of information, and requested
more time to review it, especially the map regarding Act 47 implications. He also
noted that the document for the Water Ordinance had been left out of the Councilors’
briefing package for the meeting.
Mr. Barritt asked about taking fees out of the Ordinance as has been done with other
ordinances. Mr. McNeil said that by State Law the penalties have to be in this
ordinance. Mr. DiPietro said the fees do not change in this Ordinance update.
Ms. Fitzgerald asked what are the most material changes being presented and what
are the pros and cons of those changes. She noted that the proposed map seemed
like a more significant change. Ms. Fitzgerald also cited the intent of S. 100 as
proposing “to increase the supply of affordable housing in this State…” and asked for
clarification on how the proposed water ordinance supported this legislation.
CITY COUNCIL 1 APRIL 2024 PAGE 9
Ms. Baker concluded that indeed a lot of information was being put forward to the
Council in one sitting and agreed to bring it back for another first reading, possibly on
20 May, with more clarity on the issues raised by the Councilors.
11. First reading of an update to the Sign Ordinance and possibly set a Second
Reading and Public Hearing for 6 May 2024 at 7:00 p.m.:
Mr. Conner explained that this ordinance regulates commercial signage in the city.
The focus is on private properties and signage. The Ordinance operates within the
Vermont Billboard Law.
Mr. Conner then reviewed the changes:
a. Simplifies the process
b. Expands permissibility for perpendicular signs
c. Prohibits new free-standing signs in the core of City Center
d. Expands allowances for temporary sidewalk signs and allows for
event signs
e. Prohibits free-standing signs within designated site amenities
f. Clarifies definitions of prohibited signs
g. Expands allowance for wall signs
h. Removes several instances of sign regulating based on content
i. School District signs have the same allowances as City signs
j. Expands allowable size of “Help Wanted” sings
k. Expands allowances for commercial flags
l. Extends compliance period for newly-created non-conformities to
come into compliance from 5 to 7 years
Mr. Scanlan expressed his familiarity with Ordinance, citing the briefing he had
received on it as a member of the Economic Development Committee. He asked Mr.
Connor what had been the reaction of the business community? Mr. Connor said the
City had only just shared it with SBBA and needed more time to gauge the feedback.
Mr. Smith asked if the Ordinance covers political signs. Mr. Pellerin said they have
the same standards as VTrans signs.
Mr. Chalnick said he would like further discussion of yard signs. Mr. Conner said they
are generally prohibited, and staff pick them up when they see them. There can be a
question of whether someone is partnering with the City.
Mr. Barrit expressed his view that the Council should proceed with approving the first
reading. Mr. Chalnick then moved to approve the first reading of the update to the
CITY COUNCIL 1 APRIL 2024 PAGE 10
Sign Ordinance as presented. Mr. Smith seconded. Mr. Scanlan abstained,
referencing Mr. Connor’s request for more time for feedback from the business
community. Motion passed with four yes votes.
Mr. Chalnick moved to set a second reading and public hearing on the update to the
Sign Ordinance for 6 May 2024, at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Fitzgerald seconded. Motion was
passed unanimously.
12. Consider appointing Council Liaisons to Committees:
Mr. Chalnick moved to approve the Council Liaisons to Committees as presented in
the City Manager’s memo. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Baker then reviewed the “outside committees” as follows:
a. Airport Commission: Ms. Riehle’s term as representative ends in
June.
b. Town Meeting TV: Ms. Emery is the current representative
c. CCRPC: Chris Shaw is the current representative and Chair of the
CCRPC Committee with Ms. Emery as alternate. Their terms end in
June
d. CWD: Denis Lutz is the representative with a term ending in 2026
e. Communications District: Mr. Barritt and Ms. Baker are 2024
representatives
f. Green Mountain Transit: Mr. Scanlan is representative through 2026
g. Winooski Park District: Mr. Kupferman is representative through 2026
Ms. Baker noted that Mr. Scanlan could be the alternate to the Airport Commission
which would be a non-voting position until the end of Ms. Riehle’s term. Mr. Scanlan
could also go onto the CCRPC in July.
13. Convene as South Burlington Liquor Control Commission to consider: Club
35, 1st Class Club License; VT Pool & Bar, 1st Class/3rd class Restaurant/Bar
License & Outside Consumption Permit; Sweet G Smoke Shop, LLC,
Tobacco License/Tobacco Substitute Endorsement; Weird Window
Brewing, 1st Class Restaurant/Bar License & Outside Consumption Permit;
Klinger’s Bread Company, 2nd Class Liquor License; Hana Japanese
Restaurant, 1st/3rd Class Restaurant/Bar License; Moose Loyal Order of
Lodge #1618, 1st Class/3rd Class Club License and Outside Consumption
Permit; Champlain Farms South Burlington, 2nd Class Liquor License &
Tobacco License/Tobacco substitute Endorsement; Champlain Farms
Exxon 2nd Class Liquor License & Tobacco License/Tobacco Substitute
CITY COUNCIL 1 APRIL 2024 PAGE 11
Endorsement; Champlain Farms, 2nd Class Liquor License & Tobacco
License/Tobacco Substitute Endorsement; Pulcinella’s LLC, 1st/3rd Class
Restaurant/Bar License; Black Radish Catering, LLC, 1st/3rd Class
Restaurant/Bar License:
Mr. Smith moved to convene the Liquor Control Commission. Mr. Chalnick
seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Chalnick moved to approve the list of Liquor Licenses and Tobacco Licenses as
present. Mr. Scanlan seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Smith moved to reconvene as City Council. Mr. Scanlan seconded. Motion
passed unanimously.
14. Other Business:
Mr. Barritt noted that he would post on Front Porch Forum information explaining the
process for the upcoming school budget vote. He also added that he intended to
share his support for a yes vote. Ms. Fitzgerald sought clarification on the use of
outlets like FPF that were tied to their position as City Council members. Her
understanding is they are to be used to share information with the public, but not to
advertise personal positions on an issue. Mr. Scanlan, who said while he personally
would be voting yes, shared Ms. Fitzgerald’s understanding. Mr. Barritt said he felt it
was his responsibility to have an opinion on something that affects the whole city.
As there was no further business to come before the Council Mr. Scanlan
moved to adjourn. Ms. Fitzgerald seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The
meeting was adjourned at 10:23 p.m.
_________________________________
Clerk
PAGE 1
DRAFT MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
15 APRIL 2024
The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 15 April
2024, at 6:30 p.m., in the Auditorium, 180 Market Street, and by Go to Meeting
remote participation.
MEMBERS PRESENT: T. Barritt, Chair; A. Chalnick, E. Fitzgerald, M. Scanlan, L.
Smith
ALSO PRESENT: J. Baker, City Manager; Chief S. Locke, Deputy City Manager; T.
DiPietro, Public Works Director; J. Murray, Librarian; S. Pete, Library Board of
Trustees; A. Matth, Recreation Director; S. Kirschner, Transportation & Open
Space Manager; D. Albrecht, S. Kershner, P. Weaver, J. Burton, M. Simoneau, S.
Dooley, Cota, L. Norris, J. Holliday, A. Lazarz, L. Bresee, P. Stabler, S. Reeves, J.
Bellevance, B. Sirvis, R. Jeffers, J. Calkin, B. Barnes, H. Hard, C. McDonald, M.
Gratz, G. Green, H. Hall, R. Doyle, L. Bailey, L. Briccetti, F. MacDonald, M. Tedder,
B. Kilian, B. Paine, A. Subin, Lou Bresee
2. Instructions on exiting building in case of emergency and review of
technology option:
Ms. Baker provided instructions on the emergency exits from the building and
reviewed technology options.
3. Additions, deletions or changes in the order of Agenda items:
No changes were made to the Agenda.
4. Comments and questions from the public not related to the agenda:
Mr. Hall said the crosswalk at the bottom of Kennedy Drive is a great
improvement. He asked if anything else is in the works regarding traffic calming.
CITY COUNCIL 15 April 2024 PAGE 2
Ms. Green expressed grave concerns about the pickleball court. She said that
since the tennis courts were turned into pickleball courts, there is activity and
constant noise there 105 hours a week. Cars zoom by at 40 mph, and when she
told one woman who had pulled out and was trying to speed away that this was
dangerous to nearby children, the woman responded, “then you shouldn’t live
next to a pickleball court.” People who are playing also leave their dogs in their
cars, and there is constant barking. Ms. Green said this is a case of “good
intentions in the wrong place. It should be at Veterans Park.”
Mr. Gratz also spoke about the pickleball courts. He said there is haphazard
parking, often blocking resident’s driveways and requiring bikers and walkers to
be in the road. He was concerned with the safety of his children as drivers go
through the neighborhood at high speeds. The children are also exposed to
“volatile language” from the players. There have been times when children were
playing on the courts and were chased away and told the courts were for “adults
only,” which isn’t true. Mr. Gratz invited Council members to come out and see
what is going on.
Mr. Barritt said this is the first time he has heard of this issue, and he will come by
and see for himself this weekend. Ms. Fitzgerald suggested adding this to a future
agenda.
Mr. Suvin, General Counsel for a Middlebury community, asked to make a
presentation at a future meeting regarding retail cannabis and the possibility of a
public vote on it.
Mr. Bresee noted that at the last meeting, there was a presentation on rec paths
and “gaps” in the paths. He showed a map of shared use paths including
proposed paths and cited the need to celebrate the progress in recent years.
5. Announcements, councilors reports from committee assignments and
City Manager’s Report:
Council members reported on meetings and events they had attended in recent
weeks.
Ms. Baker: Thanked staff and the community for a great Illuminate Vermont and
eclipse events.
CITY COUNCIL 15 April 2024 PAGE 3
There is a contract to modernize/update the city’s website. This will take a
number of months to complete.
On 30 May, there will be an evening presentation regarding the possibility
of a “village green.” This will include a walk through the City Center area
between 4 and 6 p.m.
6. Consent Agenda:
a. Approve and Sign Disbursements
b. Approve Minutes from 7 March 2024 City Council meeting
c. Approve an application for a 2024 Library Summer Programming
Grant to purchase materials
Mr. Smith moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ms. Fitzgerald
seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
7. Consider applicants to the Planning Commission (1 vacancy), Economic
Development Committee (2 vacancies) and Public Art Committee (2
vacancies):
The Council interviewed the following applicants:
Colin Laurence ……………… Planning Commission
Helen Riehle …………………. Planning Commission
Luke Briccetti ………………… Planning Commission
Meghan Tedder ……………. Planning Commission or Economic
Christopher Carrigan………… Economic Development Committee
Rebecca Killian ……………… Economic Development Committee
Bettie Barnes ………………… Public Art Committee
Mr. Barritt explained that the Council will meet in executive session to discuss
appointments and will notify applicants who have or who have not been
appointed.
8. Consider the naming of Overlook Park:
Mr. Matth reviewed the history of Overlook Park, particularly regarding the
Underwood family. He also spoke to the service of Richard Underwood to the City
of South Burlington for many years. Because of this history, and to honor Richard
CITY COUNCIL 15 April 2024 PAGE 4
and the Underwood family, there is a recommendation to change the name from
Overlook Park to Underwood Park.
Ms. Weaver, daughter of Richard and Marie Underwood, spoke to the family long-
time farming operation and noted that all the Underwood children were born on
that farm. She said that despite being disappointed at not having the natural park
area named for the Underwood family, they feel this is an appropriate site for
honoring them.
Mr. Chalnick noted he now lives in the home that was the family’s farm, and he
would love to learn more of the history of the area.
Ms. Fitzgerald asked if the city has a naming policy. She felt that was important
as well as a repository for given names. Mr. Scanlan agreed this could provide a
more predictable outcome.
Mr. Barritt supported having this as a Resolution on a future agenda.
9. Orientation: Community Services (Recreation & Parks and Library): and
10. Briefing on the kick-off of the Parks and Open Space Master Plans:
Ms. Murray noted that although the library building is new, the institution itself is
quite old. She then showed the Library’s Mission Statement which was
developed with the Library Board of Trustees.
There are currently 22 people on staff, 9 of them full-time. Ms. Murray showed a
staffing chart. She noted that by Statute, she is accountable to the Library Board
of Trustees and to the city.
Library successes include 95,000 visits last year and 700 attendees at 50 Library
programs. There are currently 10,295 Library card holders.
Emerging issues include the following:
a. 1000 more people who will be living within walking distance of the
library and will result in the need to service more people, more staff,
more hours
b. Making diversity/inclusion a part of everything
c. The need for expertise in the use of the auditorium
d. Changing collection (needing to look at CDs and DVDs)
CITY COUNCIL 15 April 2024 PAGE 5
e. The continued popularity of paper books, particularly for “entertainment
reading”
f. People with “issues” who need a place to be and are in need of help.
Ms. Murray noted that Fletcher Free Library will have an embedded
social worker
Mr. Smith asked whether Library staff can handle the issues. Ms. Murray said this
has a toll on people. It is not what they were trained for, although they are now
getting training. Mr. Smith said they should ask for help before they need it.
Ms. Fitzgerald asked why extended hours could be needed. Ms. Murray said with
UVM housing next door, there will be people who prefer/need longer evening
hours.
Mr. Scanlan cited the problem people have finding parking. Ms. Pete said the
Board of Trustees is working on accessibility issues. She noted the nearest bus
stop is in front of Barnes & Noble, and this does not serve people with
accessibility issues.
Mr. Scanlan also asked if they anticipated challenges accommodating studying
space in the library for the approximate 500 UVM graduate students who will
move into the surrounding buildings. Ms. Murray said they would just need to get
used to being busier. Besides possibly expanded hours they may have to shorten
the time frame people can reserve study rooms.
Mr. Chalnick asked about the ratio of resident to non-resident Library users. Ms.
Murrays said in 2024 it is 84% resident users, 6% home card residents, and 6%
non-resident users. Residents do not get a preference in the booking of rooms.
Ms. Pete noted there were many people from “away” at Illuminate Vermont,
including one woman from Brazil that she met.
Ms. Baker said Library employees are City employees, and the City approves the
Library budget, etc.
Mr. Matth said the Recreation Department is a 5-person team. He then described
what each person does. He then showed a map indicating all of South
Burlington’s parks and reviewed what activities occur at each of them. He
stressed that 90% of the programming is at Veteran’s Park.
CITY COUNCIL 15 April 2024 PAGE 6
The Recreation Department provides programs and events for people of all ages.
Senior Center programming includes weekly lunches. The Department is actively
looking to expand adult events.
Significant events include:
a. A monthly free family event (e.g., painting night, Bingo)
b. Recreation on the Go which provides activities in underserved areas and
includes a barbeque.
c. July fitness programs in parks, free to all (e.g., yoga, dance, tae chi)
d. Park Hop Brews for younger adults involving a “traveling beer garden”
Emerging issues include:
a. Transportation (Veterans Park has no bus service)
b. Costs
c. Lack of indoor recreation facilities
d. Need for increased funding/staffing
e. Lack of scheduling control during winter months at schools
f. Parks Master Plan and the need for resources to meet the
goals/objectives
g. People in multi-family housing with no recreation capability who will be
relying on the city for options
Ms. Kirschner said the Parks Master Plan is part of the City Plan and will address
many of the City Plan’s goals.
Mr. Matth then identified the key questions related to the Parks Master Plan as
follows:
a. Identifying resources
b. Guide for adoption of private parks
c. Guide for future conservation
d. Utilization of open spaces
Ms. Kirschner showed a diagram showing the reasoning behind combining the
Parks and Open Space Plans into one Master Plan. Step 1 of the process will be to
get a consultant on board and to identify stakeholders and under-represented
groups. She then showed a timeline for the project including evaluation of what
CITY COUNCIL 15 April 2024 PAGE 7
exists, identifying needs, usage patterns, site visits, a needs analysis, and a
recreation market assessment.
Parks will be done first, including new locations, retrofitting, and maintenance
standards. Open spaces will be aligned with recreation policies and priorities.
Both will be brought together in a usable “guidebook” that will also coordinate
with the Transportation plan, Climate Action Plan and City Plan.
Mr. Albrecht encouraged the study to address potential uses of school buildings
and places such as UMall and to think of creative ways to use those spaces. He
also stressed the need to address future growth on Shelburne Road and in City
Center.
Ms. Baker noted that ARPA funds have been allocated to the process for a
consultant but not for implementing the plan. She also noted there are no plans
for new parks other than the “village green” concept. Mr. Matth said the next few
years will focus mainly on maintenance.
Mr. Scanlan suggested addressing future school construction along with parks
and possibly having joint funding. Ms. Kirschner said they are not looking at joint
funding but at other municipal facilities that people can use including a link to the
Burlington Bike Path. Ms. Baker noted that the Winooski Valley Park District
maintains a lot of open space in South Burlington, which is part of a regional park
system.
Mr. Chalnick asked whether stewardship would involve attention to wet areas.
Ms. Kirschner said that would depend on ownership and resources.
Mr. Chalnick asked if there is a precedent in Vermont for limiting the pickleball
court to adults. Mr. Matth said there is nothing that he has seen.
Ms. Norris thanked the city for focusing on recreation and open spaces. She cited
continuing problems with indoor recreation space and noted that the Senior
Center is already at capacity. She favored potential focus on an indoor recreation
center.
Ms. Sirvis stressed the need to remember dog parks.
11. Receive the Chittenden Solid Waste District Proposed FY25 Budget:
CITY COUNCIL 15 April 2024 PAGE 8
Ms. Reeves introduced Jen Holliday and Allison Lazarz of CSWD and South
Burlington’s representative to CSWD Paul Stabler. She then explained what
CSWD does and showed a chart of its general revenues including fees from
haulers and the sale of compost.
Ms. Reeves noted that 309,781 tons of solid waste are generated annually, 60% of
which is recycled and 39% goes to the landfill. The majority of expenses go to
payroll and materials management.
CSWD is budgeting a shortfall which will be managed by drawing from the
undesignated reserve. They are underbudgeting on income and overbudgeting
on expenses. Ms. Reeves said they usually end up under budget on both.
There will be an increase to the solid waste management fee from $27/ton to
$30/ton. This is the first increase since 2013 and amounts to about 28 cents a
month to householders.
There is also an increase MRF fee from $85/ton to $90/ton, which is closer to the
regional average.
There is no increase in the fee at the organics recycling facility and no bag fee
increase at drop-off centers.
Ms. Reeves then reviewed the capital projects including the new MRF
construction. The hope is that this facility will be accepting materials by
September 2025. CSWD will also be reviewing stormwater facilities at all facilities
due to the increase in heavy rain events.
Mr. Barritt asked about the lower prices for recyclables. Ms. Reeves said this
comes and goes, depending on buyers. It is out of CSWD’s control.
Ms. Fitzgerald asked the cost to South Burlington residents. Ms. Reeves said this
is hard to answer as they don’t know how much of what is generated comes from
South Burlington because trucks don’t go exclusively on South Burlington routes.
Mr. Barritt urged people to properly sort out recyclables and organics. He said
tons of stuff is being trucked to the landfill for no good reason.
Mr. Stabler expressed gratitude to Ms. Reeves and her staff and said he is very
confident with what staff is proposing.
CITY COUNCIL 15 April 2024 PAGE 9
Mr. Smith moved to accept the proposed CSWD FY25 budget as presented. Ms.
Fitzgerald seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
12. Request from Common Roots for a $400,000 allocation of American
Rescue Plan Act funds to acquire property at Spear St. and Allen Rd.:
Ms. Baker said there is no action recommended at this meeting.
Ms. Jeffers said the request relates to food equity. She showed a photo of the
Common Roots farm and noted it is the only food-producing farm in the city.
They grow organic food which is primarily sold at food stands and given to the
food shelf. They also have a chef who makes food to bring to the food shelf.
Ms. Jeffers cited the challenges they are facing as farms are being lost every year.
She noted that eating the right foods can reverse most chronic diseases.
Common Roots’ plan is to develop a new, year-round market at Spear/Allen. They
would purchase the lot which is zoned for a food hub and build a facility on the
lot. They feel this would bring them a sustainability they are now lacking Ms.
Jeffers noted that 50% of their income comes from 5 food projects including
special events. The remaining 50% is from philanthropy.
Common Roots also provides “farm to food” education to city schools. That
program includes a Middle School activity where students make and take home a
family meal. There is also a summer camp for youngsters.
The purchase price of the land is $400,000. Ms. Jeffers said that the proposed
building would also house a daycare facility on one level of the building.
Mr. Chalnick asked what the total project would cost and how it would be funded.
Ms. Jeffers said the estimate is $4,000,000 of which they have 15-25% raised
without a campaign. They also have “in-kind” commitments. They are currently
in an RFP process for the daycare facility which would be self-sustaining.
Mr. Barritt reminded Council members that ARPA money must be allocated by the
end of the year, and there are still funds to allocate.
Ms. Dooley said noted that food insecurity was a common theme heard by
candidates in the recent election. She asked how this project would help people
CITY COUNCIL 15 April 2024 PAGE 10
and questioned whether it would have a positive impact on those with food
insecurity. She quoted from the Common Roots project outline which cites
“affluent community around the area.” Ms. Dooley also recommended that
Council members see the film “Just Getting By.”
Mr. Simoneau said he hated not being aligned with a Common Roots project as
he is a Common Roots supporter. His concern is that when the city has resources,
those resources should be used more than once. He would not want to see
$400,000 go out the door without being able to leverage them.
Ms. Jeffers said she was fine if the city wants to own the land.
13. Convene as South Burlington Liquor Control Commission to consider
CVS Pharmacy #10690, 2nd Class License, Shaw’s Beer & Wine, 2nd Class
License, Tobacco License and Tobacco Substitute Endorsement:
Mr. Scanlan moved that the Council convene as Liquor Control Commission. Ms.
Fitzgerald seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Chalnick moved to approve the CVS and Shaw’s licenses as presented. Ms.
Fitzgerald seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Smith moved to reconvene as City Council. Mr. Scanlan seconded. Motion
passed unanimously.
14. Other Business:
No other business was presented.
15. Consider entering into executive session for the purpose of discussing
appointments to the Planning Commission, Economic Development
Committee and Public Art Committee:
Mr. Scanlan moved that the Council enter into executive session under 1.VSA51-
3A(3) for the purpose of discussing appointments to the Planning Commission,
Economic Development Committee and Public Art Committee and inviting Ms.
Baker into the session. Mr. Smith seconded. The motion passed unanimously,
and the Council entered executive session at 11:03 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL 15 April 2024 PAGE 11
Following the executive session, as there was no further business to come before
the Council, Mr. Smith moved to adjourn. Ms. Fitzgerald seconded. Motion
passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 11:25 p.m.
_________________________________
Clerk
PAGE 1
DRAFT MINUTES
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL
24 April 2024
The South Burlington City Council held a special meeting on Wednesday, 24 April
2024, at 10:00 a.m., in the Auditorium, 180 Market Street, and by Go to Meeting
remote participation.
MEMBERS PRESENT: T. Barritt, Chair; A. Chalnick, E. Fitzgerald, M. Scanlan, L.
Smith
ALSO PRESENT: Chief S. Locke, Deputy City Manager
1. Additions, deletions or changes in the order of Agenda items:
No changes were made to the Agenda.
2. Comments and questions from the public not related to the agenda:
There were no public comments
3. Convene as Liquor Control Commission to consider the following
applications for approval: Aviation Deli & Fine Foods, LLC, Tobacco
License; Barnyard, 1st & 3rd Class Restaurant/Bar License & Outside
Consumption Permit; Catamount Pickleball, 1st Class Club License;
Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy, 2nd Class License(s), Homewood
Sites, Outside Consumption Permit; Parkway Diner 1st & 3rd Class
Restaurant/Bar License & Outside Consumption Permit; Pulcinella’s,
Outside Consumption Permit; The Rotisserie, 1st & 3rd Class
Restaurant/Bar License; Vermont National Country Club, 1st & 3rd Class
Restaurant/Bar License(s), 2nd Class License:
Mr. Scanlan moved that the Council convene as Liquor Control Commission. Mr.
Chalnick seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL 15 April 2024 PAGE 2
Mr. Chalnick moved to approve the First, Second and Third Class Liquor Licenses
and Tobacco Licenses as presented. Ms. Fitzgerald seconded. Motion passed
unanimously.
Mr. Scanlan moved to reconvene as City Council. Mr. Chalnick seconded. Motion
passed unanimously.
As there was no further business to come before the Council Mr. Chalnick moved
to adjourn. Ms. Fitzgerald seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting
was adjourned at 10:06 a.m.
_________________________________
Clerk
•
Page 1 of 12
PUBLIC ACCESS AGREEMENT AND AGREEMENT REGARDING BRIDGE EASEMENT
INTERSTATE 89 PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE BRIDGE
This Public Access Agreement and Agreement Regarding Bridge Easement (this
“Agreement”) is made effective as of the __ day of ____________, 20__ (the “Effective Date”)
by and between Burlington U Mall Owner LLC with a principal place of business in Boston,
Massachusetts (“Owner”), and the City of South Burlington, Vermont, a Vermont municipal
corporation with a principal place of business at 180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont
05403 (“City”).
WHEREAS, Owner is the owner of that certain parcel of real property and the
improvements situated thereon located at 145-195 Dorset Street, South Burlington, Vermont,
05403 and more particularly described in deeds recorded in Book 1689, Page 38 and Book 1648,
Page 164 among the South Burlington Land Records (the “UMall Parcel”);
WHEREAS, City intends to provide for east-west bicycle and pedestrian access over
Interstate 89 through the construction of a so-called Interstate 89 Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge East
West Alternative Transportation Crossing (the “Pedestrian Bridge”);
WHERAS, at the request of the City and in consideration of the City’s obligations under
this Agreement, Owner has granted to the City that certain “DEED OF EASEMENT, 155 Dorset
Street, South Burlington, [East-West Alternative Transportation Crossing, Parcel 4]” dated as of
even date herewith and recorded among the South Burlington Land Records immediately prior to
the recording of this Agreement (the “Bridge Easement”) to allow, among other things, a portion
of the Pedestrian Bridge to be constructed on the UMall Parcel;
WHEREAS, the City has further requested that Owner allow the general public access to
the Pedestrian Bridge over, through and across the UMall Parcel;
WHEREAS, by this Agreement, Owner agrees to allow City and the general public
access to the Pedestrian Bridge over, through and across the UMall Parcel, and City agrees to
exercise its rights under Bridge Easement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, for Ten Dollars and No Cents ($10.00) and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by the
parties hereto, and in consideration of the mutual agreements and covenants set forth herein,
Owner and City hereby agree as follows:
1. Public Access to Pedestrian Bridge.
a. Access. Subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement, Owner
hereby agrees to allow the City and the general public to cross over, by foot and by
bicycle, those exterior driveways, sidewalks, and trails on the UMall Parcel that are,
from time to time, improved and used by users of the UMall Parcel as such, in order
for the City and the general public to access the Pedestrian Bridge by foot and by
bicycle. Such right of access is for the purpose of allowing the City and the general
public to move through the UMall Parcel and such right of access creates no right
Page 2 of 12
whatsoever in the City or the general public to remain on the UMall Parcel for any
longer than is reasonably required to access the Pedestrian Bridge. Except as provided
with respect to the Bridge Easement, all improvements constructed within the UMall
Parcel shall be and remain the property of Owner.
b. Commencement of Access Rights; Termination. The rights of the City and the general
public set forth in this Section 1 shall commence upon the completion of construction
of the Pedestrian Bridge and the opening of the Pedestrian Bridge for use by the
general public (“Commencement”). The rights of the City and the general public set
forth in this Section 1 shall terminate for the duration of any closure of the Pedestrian
Bridge for use by the general public (“Termination”).
c. Use by Owner. Owner and its successors and assigns shall have the absolute right,
from time to time, to maintain, repair, remove, relocate, replace, and/or reconstruct all
exterior driveways, sidewalks, and trails located on the UMall Parcel and to make use
of the UMall Parcel as Owner sees fit in accordance with applicable law, without
joinder or consent of City hereunder, provided at all times following Commencement
and prior to Termination Owner provides alternate public pedestrian and bicycle
access through the UMall Parcel (or off-site) to the Pedestrian Bridge, subject to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement, except that when it is not possible to provide
an alternative route of access, access to the Pedestrian Bridge may be temporarily
blocked for no more than 20 days in any six-month period. In such instances, Owner
shall provide reasonable advance written notice of the blockage to the City and
coordinate with the City to ensure, if possible, that at least one of the two Pedestrian
Bridge ingress/egress areas on the east side of the Interstate (the other one not on the
UMall Parcel) is open and available to the public.
d. Remedies for Impeded Access. Subject to Section 1(b) above, if access to the Bridge
Easement from the UMall Parcel is totally impeded, City shall contact Owner orally
or electronically by means of a telephone/text number or email address that shall be
provided by Owner to City and request that Owner immediately arrange for removal
of the blockage. If, following such contact, Owner declines to remove/eliminate the
blockage or fails to respond to City within a reasonable time, with the reasonableness
of the time being dictated by the circumstances of the blockage and the need for its
removal/elimination, City may itself undertake such action, in the least disruptive
means possible, to eliminate or remove the blockage. If the blockage was created by
an intentional action of Owner and Owner declines to remove the blockage or fails
respond to City within a reasonable time (with reasonableness as determined above in
the previous sentence), City’s removal/elimination of the blockage shall be at
Owner’s expense. If the blockage was the result of no intentional action by Owner,
City’s removal/elimination of the blockage shall be at City’s expense.
e. Maintenance. Owner shall, at its sole cost and expense (subject to City’s indemnity
obligations in this Agreement and the Bridge Easement), keep and maintain the
exterior driveways, sidewalks, and trails on the UMall Parcel to a high standard
Page 3 of 12
commensurate with the standard of upkeep Owner maintains on the balance of the
UMall Parcel.
2. Bridge Maintenance Access.
a. Access. Subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement, following
Commencement and prior to Termination, Owner hereby agrees to allow the City to
cross, by vehicle, over those exterior driveways on the UMall Parcel that are, from
time to time, improved and used by users of the UMall Parcel as such, for the purpose
of maintaining and repairing portions of the Pedestrian Bridge that are on or adjacent
to the UMall Parcel. Such grant shall include the right of City to park vehicles and
other necessary equipment on the UMall Parcel, on a temporary basis and for such
reasonable time(s) as such maintenance or repair is ongoing. All rights granted by
this Section 2 are subject to the limitation that such access shall not unreasonably
impair Owner’s or Owner’s tenants’ access, use, and enjoyment of the UMall Parcel.
This Agreement does not grant or otherwise allow for construction access to the
Bridge Easement. The rights of access provided to the City pursuant to Section 1(a)
and this Section 2(a) are referred to herein as the “Access Rights”.
b. Access Request. Prior to entering the UMall Parcel pursuant to the access rights set
forth in Section 2(a) above, City shall propose a site logistics plan for Owner’s
approval that identifies the portion(s) of the UMall Parcel that City proposes to utilize
for its maintenance and repair activities and the intensity and duration of City’s
proposed work (an “Access Request”). Owner shall provide City written comments
on City’s Access Request, and City shall respond to Owner’s comments in good faith.
Owner’s prior written approval of an Access Request is a condition to City exercising
its rights under Section 2(a) above for the duration of the work proposed in such
Access Request. The City is not required to submit an Access Request to Owner to
enter the UMall Parcel for maintenance of a routine and non-intensive nature,
including but not limited to landscape maintenance (weedwacking, mowing, planting
etc.), snow clearance, and facility cleaning (painting, graffiti removal, washing, etc.).
All contractors utilized by the City to provide such maintenance services on the
UMall Parcel shall obtain and maintain insurance as required herein, list Owner and
its lender(s) as an additional insured(s), and provide certificates of insurance to
Owner prior to entering the UMall Parcel.
3. Bridge Easement. The City agrees to the following in connection with the Bridge Easement:
a. All structures and landscaping associated with the Pedestrian Bridge work that is
constructed or installed by or on behalf of the City shall be and remain the property of
the City, and the City shall be responsible to maintain the same. This shall not
include areas within temporary easements that are regraded, replanted, reseeded,
resodded or rebuilt (e.g. existing curbs) solely to facilitate construction of the
Pedestrian Bridge, which areas shall be maintained by Owner.
b. City shall be solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining all necessary permits
and approvals from all applicable governing and regulatory bodies to enable the
construction of the Pedestrian Bridge (collectively, the “Permits”). City will cause the
Page 4 of 12
Pedestrian Bridge to be constructed in accordance with the Permits and the Right-of-
Way Plans (as such term is defined in the Bridge Easement). Any material
modification to the Right-of-Way Plans involving either the Pedestrian Bridge
constructed within the Bridge Easement or having a significant impact on the UMall
Parcel is subject to the prior written approval of Owner, which approval Owner
agrees not to unreasonably withhold, condition or delay.
c. City will provide Owner a minimum 90 days prior written notice of City’s intention to
commence work within the Bridge Easement. Thereafter and for the duration of the
work, City will provide regular updates (no less frequently than bi-weekly) to Owner
on the progress of the work.
d. City shall, at its sole cost and expense, keep and maintain the Pedestrian Bridge,
including, without limitation, such portions of the Pedestrian Bridge that are
constructed with the Bridge Easement, to a high standard commensurate with the
standard of upkeep City maintains on all other City Center public infrastructure.
e. City will address and maintain the stormwater permitting needs with respect to the
impervious surfaces created by the Pedestrian Bridge project on the UMall Parcel
within the Pedestrian Bridge project stormwater permit; any other pervious surfaces
within the Easement Area are excluded from the Pedestrian Bridge project stormwater
permit.
f. Owner shall be entitled to use the pervious areas of the Easement Area (as defined in
the Bridge Easement) to achieve compliance with stormwater treatment obligations of
the UMall Parcel, in particular but without limitation in connection with the so-called
“3-acre” rule and permitting requirements.
4. General Conditions:
a. Limitations. The use of the Access Rights and the Bridge Easement shall be subject at
all times to all reasonable rules, regulations, and limitations imposed by Owner for
the safety of the public and the protection of Owner’s access, use, and enjoyment of
the UMall Parcel for itself and its tenants and their customers and invitees. Without
limitation to the foregoing, Owner reserves the right, but assumes no obligation, to
enforce the removal of persons loitering for any longer than is reasonably required to
cross through to the Bridge Easement on the UMall Parcel, and City agrees to
cooperate with Owner and other governmental and private parties in such
enforcement.
b. Owner Reserved Rights. Owner reserves the right to make any use of the UMall
Parcel which may not be inconsistent with the rights of the City for the purposes
expressly set forth in this Agreement.
c. Hazardous Materials.
i. Except with the prior written consent of Owner (which may be withheld in
Owner’s sole and absolute discretion), and so as not to cause any liability for
Owner, City shall not use or bring any hazardous, toxic, dangerous or
deleterious substances or materials or any other substances or materials
(including without limitation soils) subject to regulation under laws related to
Page 5 of 12
protection or regulation of human health or safety, the environment or natural
resources (“Hazardous Materials”) onto or upon the UMall Parcel in violation
of, and City’s use, handling, disposal and treatment of such Hazardous
Materials shall at all times be in compliance with, applicable environmental
laws. Neither City nor any of its employees, contractors, agents or affiliates
shall cause or suffer any spill, release, disposal or discharge of any Hazardous
Materials in, on, under or from the UMall Parcel in violation of applicable
environmental laws and shall immediately notify Owner of the same.
ii. City shall properly handle, sort, and dispose of at its sole cost and expense all
ground water, development water, drill cuttings, or other material (including
without limitation soil), if any, and any Hazardous Materials generated by
City, or by City’s contractors or any other person or entity hired by the City or
City’s contractors during construction, repair, maintenance, removal,
restoration, or operation of the Pedestrian Bridge. City shall also properly
handle, sort, and dispose of at its sole cost and expense all ground water,
development water, drill cuttings, or other material (including without
limitation soil), if any, and any Hazardous Materials on, in, or under the
Easement Area discovered by City, or by City’s contractors or any other
person or entity hired by the City or City’s contractors during construction,
repair, maintenance, removal, restoration, or operation of the Pedestrian
Bridge in accordance with the City’s rights under the Bridge Easement. City
agrees that, as between Owner and City, and unless otherwise directed by
Owner in Owner’s sole and absolute discretion, City shall be deemed the
licensee, generator and/or responsible party with respect to any such material
so generated or discovered as described in this Section 4(c)(ii), and City shall
identify itself as the licensee, generator, and/or responsible party of the same
on any documentation, including without limitation all hazardous waste
manifests, associated with the handling, storage, treatment, disposal or
transportation of such material and shall have the sole responsibility and
resulting liability for the proper handling, storage and disposal of such
material in accordance with law, with the exception of any such material,
including but not limited to Hazardous Materials, placed within the Easement
Area following the Effective Date by Owner, by entities contracted with the
Owner, or through actions of the Owner. In any event of the generation or
discovery of Hazardous Materials, City shall promptly notify Owner of the
same and the parties shall cooperate in good faith to timely respond to such
event, provided such cooperation shall not alter the allocation of liability
among the parties as set forth in this Agreement. In addition, Owner shall
reasonably cooperate with City’s efforts, if any, to obtain environmental
insurance coverage for the Easement Area, provided such cooperation shall
not alter the allocation of liability among the parties as set forth in this
Agreement.
d. Restoration. In connection with any work or use undertaken pursuant to this
Agreement and/or the Bridge Easement, City will restore the applicable portions of
the UMall Parcel (i) to the condition anticipated in the Right-of-Way Plans, including
Page 6 of 12
without limitation, seeding, the planting of trees and installation of landscaping, as
applicable, (ii) in accordance with any other remediation or mitigation required under
applicable Permits, and (iii) to a clean and good condition, with all debris from the
work removed and with trenches and cuts properly filled so that all grades and
landscaping, if any, which have been disturbed by the work are restored to their
former condition as nearly as practicable and with all area within which dirt has been
removed reseeded.
e. Manner of Construction. City will be solely responsible for the cost of all work
required to construct the Pedestrian Bridge. City will cause that work to be performed
in a lien free manner and in accordance the Permits, the Right-of-Way Plans,
applicable law, and good construction practices by a contractor reasonably
experienced in comparable projects and in a manner to minimize any material adverse
effect or interference with the use of the UMall Parcel or any improvements
constructed thereon, including without limitation within existing easements, and on
neighboring properties.
f. Liens. City shall not allow any liens to be recorded against the UMall Parcel in
connection with the construction of the Pedestrian Bridge. If any such liens are
recorded, such liens shall be released of record by City (which may be done by
posting a bond to the extent permitted by applicable law) at City’s sole expense
within 10 days following City’s receipt of written notice thereof (and if City fails to
do so, Owner may, in its sole discretion, do so and in such event, City shall reimburse
Owner for all costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith within thirty (30)
business days following receipt of written demand together with reasonable evidence
of all such costs and expenses incurred. Upon the completion of the work and at the
request of Owner, City will provide copies of final lien waivers to Owner.
g. Insurance. City will cause the contractors hired to construct the Pedestrian Bridge, to
obtain and maintain at all times insurance meeting the requirements of the [Vermont
Agency of Transportation’s Standard Specifications for Construction.]1 City will
cause all contractors hired by the City to perform maintenance of a routine and non-
intensive nature to acquire and maintain commercial general liability insurance with
limits of no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate or
as otherwise agreed by Owner and City. Owner and its lender(s) will be named
additional insured under all such policies, and Owner will be provided copies of
applicable certificates of insurance prior to City or its contractor’s entry onto the
UMall Parcel.
h. Indemnification. City will hold harmless and defend Owner in any matter related to,
arising out of or resulting from (i) any failure of City, its agents or employees to
perform any of its obligations under this Agreement as and when required, (ii) any
release of Hazardous Materials brought onto the UMall Parcel by City, or any
material negligent exacerbation of Hazardous Materials, on, in, under, or about the
UMall Parcel caused by the City, (iii) City’s failure to remediate any such release
Page 7 of 12
according to the standards, laws and regulations as required by any governmental
agency or agencies as those standards, laws and regulations may be changed, revised,
or amended from time to time, (iv) any acts of it, or its agents or employees beyond
the scope of its authority under this Agreement, (v) any disruption of utility service to
Owner resulting from the City’s or the City’s contractor’s performance of work
hereunder or in connection with the Bridge Easement, (vi) any negligence, fraud or
willful misconduct of City, its agents and employees, excepting in any case matters
related to, arising out of or resulting from Owner’s negligence or willful misconduct.
The rights of the Owner under this Section 4(h) will inure to the benefit of any and all
of Owner’s officers, directors, members, partners, employees, agents, advisors and
representatives, and to the benefit of any and all persons or legal entities which are
affiliates of Owner and who are, could be or are alleged to be, liable for the
obligations of Owner and any and all of their officers, directors, employees, members,
partners, agents, advisors and representatives.
i. Self-Help Remedy. In the event City fails in its obligations under this Agreement,
upon thirty (30) days’ written notice by Owner to City of such default and a failure by
City to cure such default during such thirty (30) day period (provided that if such
default cannot reasonably be cured within such thirty (30) day period, then, provided
City is diligently and reasonably continuously working to cure such default, City shall
have such additional time as is reasonably necessary to cure such default), Owner
may, but shall not be obligated to, elect, by written notice to City, to take over the
work or the maintenance or other obligation which City has failed to so promptly
complete or undertake. If Owner takes over the completion of any of the work or
other obligations of City, City shall reimburse Owner the costs therefor within thirty
(30) days of City’s receipt of reasonably detailed invoices therefor.
j. Cooperation with Permit Approvals. Owner agrees to reasonably cooperate, at no
costs to Owner, with City’s efforts to obtain permit approvals as may be required for
the Pedestrian Bridge work, provided that City shall remain obligated for all such
work and the satisfaction of any permit conditions and that provided that City’s
indemnity obligations set forth in Section 4(h) above will extend to any matters
related to such permits.
5. Notices. All notices, demands, consents, and reports provided for in this Agreement will be in
writing and will be given at that address or electronic mail address set forth below or at such
other address as a party individually may specify thereafter in writing:
If to City, at:
Tom DiPietro, Director of Public Works
City of South Burlington
Mail: 180 Market Street, South Burlington, VT 05403
Hand Delivery: 104 Landfill Road, South Burlington, VT
E-mail: tdipietro@southburlingtonvt.gov
Page 8 of 12
If to Owner, at:
c/o Eastern Real Estate LLC
One Marina Park Drive, Suite 1500
Boston, MA 02210
Attn: Andrew Hayes, Director
ahayes@eastern-re.com
6. Headings. Descriptive headings are for convenience only and shall not control or affect the
meaning or construction of any provision of this Agreement.
7. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all such counterparts together shall
constitute one and the same instrument.
8. Interpretation. Whenever the context hereof shall so require, the singular shall include the
plural, the male gender shall include the female gender and neuter, and vice-versa. This
Agreement and any related instruments shall not be construed more strictly against one party
than against the other by virtue of the fact that initial drafts were made and prepared by
counsel for one of the parties, it being recognized that this Agreement is the product of
extensive negotiations between the parties hereto and that both parties hereto have
contributed substantially and materially to the final preparation of this Agreement.
9. Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement
shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, such
invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions hereof, and this
Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had never
been contained herein.
10. Binding Effect. This Agreement shall (i) run with the land and (ii) be binding upon and inure
to the benefit of, as the case may be, Owner, City, and their respective successors and
assigns.
11. As Is. City has accepted the Bridge Easement and its rights under this Agreement in an “as
is, where is, with all faults” condition and without recourse to Owner as to the nature,
condition, or usability thereof. Owner makes no representation as to the state or condition of
title to the any portion of the UMall Parcel. City shall, at its sole cost and expense, obtain any
third-party rights necessary to implement the rights granted in the Bridge Easement or this
Agreement.
12. Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement, together with the Bridge Easement,
embodies and constitutes the entire understanding among the parties with respect to the
matters addressed herein and therein, and all prior or contemporaneous agreements,
understandings, representations, and statements, oral or written, with respect to the subject
matter hereof, excepting the Bridge Easement, are merged into this Agreement. The rights
Page 9 of 12
granted hereby shall run with the respective land of Owner and City burdened and benefited
hereby. Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be waived, modified,
amended, discharged, or terminated except by an instrument in writing signed by the party
against which the enforcement of such waiver, modification, amendment, discharge, or
termination is sought, and then only to the extent set forth in such instrument.
13. Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of Vermont.
[End of Agreement; Signatures Begin on Following Page]
Page 10 of 12
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first
above written.
BURLINGTON U MALL OWNER LLC
By: __________________________
Name: __________________________
Title: __________________________
STATE OF VERMONT
CHITTENDEN COUNTY, ss.
Before me, on this _____ day of _________________, 2023, personally appeared
______________________, Duly Authorized Agent of BURLINGTON U MALL OWNER LLC
known to me to be the person who executed the foregoing instrument, and he/she acknowledged
this instrument, by him/her signed, to be his/her free act and deed and the free act and deed of
BURLINGTON U MALL OWNER LLC.
Before me, ______________________________
Notary Public
Print Name: ______________________________
My Commission number: _________
My Commission Expires: _________
Page 11 of 12
CITY OF SOUTH BURLINGTON
By: __________________________
Name: __________________________
Title: __________________________
STATE OF VERMONT
CHITTENDEN COUNTY, ss.
Before me, on this _____ day of _________________, 20__, personally appeared
______________________, Duly Authorized Agent of the CITY OF SOUTH BURLINGTON
known to me to be the person who executed the foregoing instrument, and he/she acknowledged
this instrument, by him/her signed, to be his/her free act and deed and the free act and deed of
the CITY OF SOUTH BURLINGTON.
Before me, ______________________________
Notary Public
Print Name: ______________________________
My Commission number: _________
My Commission Expires: _________
Page 12 of 12
LENDER’S CONSENT TO PUBLIC ACCESS AGREEMENT AND AGREEMENT
REGARDING BRIDGE EASEMENT
THE UNDERSIGNED, HARBORONE BANK, a Massachusetts cooperative bank (“Lender”), is
a beneficiary, and is the administrator for the benefit of all beneficiaries, under that certain
Mortgage, Security Agreement and Assignment from BURLINGTON U MALL OWNER LLC to
HARBORONE BANK dated March 4, 2022 and recorded in Volume 1648 at Page 172of the City
of South Burlington Land Records (as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise
modified from time to time, including any other instruments executed and delivered in renewal,
extension, rearrangement or otherwise in replacement of such instruments) (collectively, the
“Mortgage”). The Lender hereby consents to the terms and provisions of the foregoing Deed of
Easement, including all exhibits thereto, and agrees that the operation, lien and effect of the
Mortgage shall be subject and subordinate to the operation and effect of the foregoing Deed of
Easement, including all exhibits thereto.
LENDER
HARBORONE BANK
By:_______________________________
Its Duly Authorized Agent
STATE OF _____________
COUNTY OF ___________, ss.
At ________________, _________, this ___ day of ___ 20__, ____________, Duly Authorized
Agent of HARBORONE BANK, personally appeared before me and acknowledged this
instrument, by him/her sealed and subscribed, to be his/her free act and deed and the free act and
deed of HARBORONE BANK.
____________________________________
Print Name__________________________
Notary Public
Commission No.______________________
My Commission Expires: ______________
22409572.8
180 MARKET STREET, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT | (802) 846-4107 | WWW.SOUTHBURLINGTONVT.GOV
180 MARKET STREET, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT | (802) 846-4107 | WWW.SOUTHBURLINGTONVT.GOV
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180 Market Street South Burlington, VT 05403 tel 802.846.4107 fax 802.846.4101 www.southburlingtonvt.gov
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Current Policy - to be updated
June 3, 2024
MEMORANDUM
TO: Jessie Baker, City Manager
South Burlington City Council
FROM: Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning
Jared Pellerin, Deputy City Attorney
SUBJECT: Draft Sign Ordinance Amendments; Second Reading and First Public Hearing
DATE: June 3, 2024, City Council meeting
This evening is the third reading and second public hearing on draft amendments to the Sign
Ordinance, as warned by the Council at your May 6th (and corrected for date on May 20th) meeting.
Enclosed with your packet please find a “redline” version of the Sign Ordinance with the
amendments as voted upon for a second public hearing last month. A “Clean” version of the draft
Ordinance is also posted to the City’s website.
No public comment or additional input has been received by staff as of the writing of this memo
(5/28/2024).
Summary of Amendments:
As discussed, the principal driving force of these proposed amendment are the changes to account
for the construction of City Center, the pending occupancy of new buildings along Market Street
and beyond, the needs of the community, best practices, lessons from the pandemic, and recent
changes in case law. The Sign Ordinance was last amended in 2010.
Alongside these City Center amendments are a number of other proposed changes stemming from
the age of the ordinance. These include amendments to account for more recent decisions of the
United States Supreme Court, greater flexibility in the placement of wall signs and timeframes for
sidewalk signs, as well as overall clarification of provisions.
Key Changes include:
• Perpendicular and Free-standing signs in City Center. New free-standing signs are
prohibited in City Center except along major thoroughfares. Instead perpendicular
projecting signs affixed to buildings are allowed and encouraged. This allowance is
extended city wide as well at the property owner’s discretion. The proposed amendments
would allow a building owner to choose between either (a) one 21 s.f. sign on the building
OR (b) one 5 s.f. sign per first-floor business (as adjusted at your May 6 meeting)
• Sidewalk/Event signs. Current regulations allow each business to install one sidewalk sign
for up to 7 days per month, with receipt of a permit for each time it is installed. The
amendment would allow businesses to maintain one sidewalk sign up to 3’x4’ year-round,
and allow each property to have a larger event sign once per month for up to 7 days.
• Process / design streamlining. In several instances the current ordinance has redundant
standards. These include both the Master Signage Permit (requiring an overall sign package
approval prior to obtaining a permit for individual signs on a parcel) and overlap between
the City Center Sign District and other standards. The Master Signage Permit is proposed to
be removed, while the City Center Sign District’s standards are simplified.
• Lighting of signs. Extends existing standards that internally-illuminated signs must have
opaque backgrounds from City Center to City wide and clarifies that lighting for all business
signs must be turned off at midnight unless the business is open after that time.
• Content-based sign standards. The US Supreme Court issued rulings a few years ago that
severely curtails content-based sign standards. Several updates within these amendments
are intended to move forwards greater compliance with these rulings.
• Interface with Land Development Regulations. The Proposed amendments improve
alignment with standards in the LDRs a variety of spaces.
• Wall sign flexibility. Single-tenant buildings may now have 3 instead of 2 wall signs, using
the same total area
• Nonconforming signs. Updates non-conformity language, creating greater clarity and
slightly adjusting the time period for signs to come into compliance with the new ordinance.
• General clarifications. Several updates provide for improved clarity of the standards.
The amendments were discussed with the Economic Development Committee last fall, which
expressed support for the draft amendments as presented to them.
Staff recommendation:
Staff recommends the Council open the public hearing, take any feedback, and close the public
hearing. Following the public hearing, the Council is invited to discuss next steps. The Council can
choose at that point to (a) adopt the amendments as warned for final passage or, (b) make any
others specific changes it may feel appropriate and warn a fourth reading/third public hearing on
these updated amendments, or (c) table action to a future meeting.
Proposed Motions:
Motion 1: “I move to open the public hearing and waive the formal reading of the duly warned
proposed amendments to the City’s Sign Ordinance pursuant to 24A V.S.A. Chapter 13 Section
106.”
Motion 2: “I move to close the public hearing of proposed amendments as warned, to the City
of South Burlington’s Sign Ordinance pursuant to 24A V.S.A. Chapter 13 Section 106.”
Motion 3:
• Option #1 - To Adopt as proposed on April 1st and with additional amendments on May
6th, 2024, without additional changes:
“I move to pass and adopt the amended Sign Ordinance as publicly warned pursuant
to 24A V.S.A Chapter 13, Section 107 and authorize the formatting of this updated
Ordinance to incorporate it into the City Code.”
• Option #2 - If the Council wishes to make additional amendments or changes:
“I move to consider further amendments to the City’s Sign Ordinance, as discussed
at this meeting and cause all said amendments to be publicly warned and set for
public hearing on XXXX, 2024 at 7pm.
• Option #3 – To table further discussion and any action to a future meeting:
“I Move to table discussion and any further action to a time and date certain of: XXXX,
2024 at XX time.”
Sign Ordinance
DRAFT FOR CITY COUNCIL
SECOND PUBLIC HEARING
JUNE 3, 2024
SIGN ORDINANCE 2
City of South Burlington Ordinance DRAFT FOR COUNCIL HEARING 2024-06-03
Table of Contents
SECTION 1. Authority and Purpose ....................................................................................................... 3
SECTION 2. Definitions .......................................................................................................................... 4
SECTION 3. Permit Required ................................................................................................................ 10
SECTION 4. Permit Fees ....................................................................................................................... 10
SECTION 5. City Center Sign District. ................................................................................................... 10
SECTION 6. Application for Sign Permit ............................................................................................... 12
SECTION 7 Reserved ........................................................................................................................... 13
SECTION 8. Free-Standing Signs .......................................................................................................... 15
SECTION 9. Wall Signs .......................................................................................................................... 25
SECTION 10. Directory and Entryway Signs ...................................................................................... 29
SECTION 11. Incidental and Directional Signs ................................................................................... 29
SECTION 12. Signs in Residential Zoning Districts ............................................................................. 31
SECTION 13. Landscape Feature Signs .............................................................................................. 32
SECTION 14. Airport Signage ............................................................................................................. 33
SECTION 15. Perpendicular Signs ...................................................................................................... 33
SECTION 16. Real Estate and Construction Project Signs .................................................................. 34
SECTION 17. Miscellaneous Types of Signs ....................................................................................... 35
SECTION 18. Temporary Sidewalk and Event Signs ........................................................................... 36
SECTION 19. General Sign Requirements .......................................................................................... 38
SECTION 20. Lighting ......................................................................................................................... 40
SECTION 21. Regulations for Establishments Selling Gasoline .......................................................... 41
SECTION 22. Exemptions ................................................................................................................... 41
SECTION 23. Non-Conforming Signs ................................................................................................. 44
SECTION 24. Unsafe and Unlawful Signs ........................................................................................... 45
SECTION 25. Removal of Certain Signs .............................................................................................. 45
SECTION 26. Revocation of Permits .................................................................................................. 46
SECTION 27. Renewal of Permits ...................................................................................................... 46
SECTION 28. Appeals ......................................................................................................................... 46
SECTION 29. Enforcement ................................................................................................................ 46
SECTION 30. Civil Penalty; Waiver Fee .............................................................................................. 47
SECTION 31. OTHER RELIEF ............................................................................................................... 48
SIGN ORDINANCE 3
City of South Burlington Ordinance DRAFT FOR COUNCIL HEARING 2024-06-03
SECTION 32. Conformity with State Law ........................................................................................... 48
South Burlington
Sign Ordinance
Adopted: June 3, 2002
Amended: April 8, 2003
March 8, 2005
November 22, 2005
June 21, 2006
May 6, 2008
June 1, 2009
July 20, 2009
MAY 3, 2010
AN ORDINANCE TO REGULATE SIGNS IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BURLINGTON
The Council of the City of South Burlington hereby ordains:
SECTION 1. Short Title
This ordinance shall hereafter be known and cited as the "South Burlington Sign Ordinance".
SECTION 21. Purpose and Authority and Purpose
This ordinance is enacted by the City Council under the authority it is granted to regulate signs set forth in 24
V.S.A. Section 2291 and Section 104 of the South Burlington City Charter. The purpose of this Ordinance is to
promote the public welfare and safety by regulating existing and proposed signs. It is intended hereby to reduce
sign distractions and obstructions that may contribute to traffic accidents, to reduce hazards that may be caused
by signs in disrepair or of faulty construction, and to curb deterioration of natural beauty, open space and
community environment.
It is intended that in commercial areas now in existence and in proposed commercial and industrial areas, all
signs within one complex be coordinated with the architecture and surroundings in such a manner that the
overall appearance is harmonious in color, form and proportion.
SIGN ORDINANCE 4
City of South Burlington Ordinance DRAFT FOR COUNCIL HEARING 2024-06-03
It is further intended that the display of signs will be appropriate to the land, building or use to which they are
appurtenant and be adequate, but not excessive, for the intended purpose of identification.
This ordinance is enacted by the City Council under the authority it is granted to regulate signs set forth in 24
V.S.A. Section 2291 and Section 104 of the South Burlington City Charter. This ordinance shall constitute a civil
ordinance within the meaning of 24 V.S.A. Chapter 59.
SECTION 3 2. Definitions
This ordinance is enacted by the City Council under the authority it is granted to regulate signs set forth in 24
VSA § 2291 and Charter § 13-104. This ordinance shall constitute a civil ordinance within the meaning of 24 VSA
Chapter 59.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in
this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
(a) "A-Frame" or "Sandwich Board" as used in this Ordinance shall be interchangeable terms that mean a
moveable sign not secured or attached to the ground or surface upon which it is located, butlocated but
supported by its own frame and most often forming the cross-sectional shape of an “A”.
(b) "Action Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean tThe intentional movement of a sign body or any
segment thereof, such as, rotating, revolving, moving up or down or any other type of action involving a
change of position of the sign body or segment thereof, whether caused by mechanical or any other means.
(c) "Animated Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean aAny lighted sign on an intermittent or flashing
circuit or the movement of any light used in connection with any sign, such as but not limited to blinking,
traveling, flaring or changing degree of intensity.
(d) "Area of Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean:
(A) (1) fFor cut-outCut-Out Letters, the basis for the area of the sign shall be computed by
taking one-half the area enclosed within the smallest regular geometric figure or figures needed to
completely encompass all letters, including vertical and horizontal spacings between letters (see
Illustration 10.1). In no case shall the basis for the resulting area of the sign exceed one hundred (100)
square feet.
Illustration 3-1 Area of a Wall Sign with Cut-Out Letters
SIGN ORDINANCE 5
City of South Burlington Ordinance DRAFT FOR COUNCIL HEARING 2024-06-03
(B) (2) fFor signs other than cut-out letters, the area of the sign shall exclude the supporting
structure and shall be computed by taking the total area within the outer edge of the sign.
(C) (3) sSigns having two (2) parallel and attached faces shall be considered as one sign, and the
area shall be computed for one side only. In the case of an "A-frameA-Frame" or "sandwich board" sign,
the area shall be calculated for one side of the "A-frameA-Frame" or "sandwich board" only.
(D) (4) fFor signs having more than two (2) sides, the relevant sign area shall be the sum of all
areas on which information and/or graphics are displayed.
(f) "Backlighted Letter" as used in this Ordinance shall mean aAn illuminated reverse channel letter with an
open or translucent back so that light from the letter is directed against the surface behind the letter,
producing a halo lighting effect around the letter.
(g) "Banners and Pennants" as used in this Ordinance shall mean aAny advertising device affixed to poles,
wires or ropes, such as Banners, Pennants, streamers, wind operated propellers, string lighting or other
similar advertising media, but not to include properly displayed governmental flags.
(h) "Billboard Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean aAny structure attached or detached from any
building and bearing a sign which is not appurtenant to any business conducted on the property where the
sign is located.
Calculating the Area of a Wall Sign with Cut-Out Letters
JIM’S
STEAKS
h
w
Area = h x w
PAT’S
T
E
A
K
S
C H ESE
w(1)
h(1)
Area = sum (w x h)
For cut-out letter signs, area is calculated by adding up the area of the smallest regular geometric features needed to completely enclose the sign. In the example on the right, the sign area would be the sum of the four rectangles that would be drawn to enclose all of the letters on the sign.
SIGN ORDINANCE 6
City of South Burlington Ordinance DRAFT FOR COUNCIL HEARING 2024-06-03
(i) "Code Officer" as used in this Ordinance shall mean tThe individuals in City Government designatedned
by the City Council to administer and enforce this Ordinance. The Code Officer may delegate his authority
hereunder to such assistants as may be authorized by the City Council.
(j) "Construction or Project Signs" as used in this Ordinance shall mean aAny sign or advertising device
erected on a project site prior to or during a new construction project, substantial renovation project or
exterior painting projectproject.
(k) "Cut-Out" or "Cut-Out Letters" shall mean lLetters, numbers, emblems and symbols which are detached
or separately molded from the material from which they were made.
(l) "Depth" as used in this Ordinance shall mean tThe longest horizontal dimension of a sign and/or support
structure, measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the face of the sign. In the case of signs with
multiple faces, the sign depth shall be the longest of the horizontal dimensions measured for each sign face.
(m) "Directional Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean aA sign designed to direct and inform the public
as to the location of exits, entrances, service areas, loading and unloading areas, and designated parking
spaces or areas, or similar wording of an informational nature.
(n) "Directory Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean Aa sign that identifies the names and locations of
tenants in a multi-tenant building or in a development made up of a group of buildings, andbuildings and
may include identification of incidental services or facilities in the same building or development.
(o) "Erect" as used in this Ordinance shall mean tTo building, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix,
and shall also include the painting of Wall signs.
Feather Flag Sign An upright portable sign that contains a harpoon-style pole or staff driven into the ground
for support or supported by means of an individual stand.
(p) "Florescent Colors" as used in this Ordinance shall mean Ccolors that reflect not only their own color,
but also convert the shorter wave lengths into radiant energy causing them to appear 3 to 4 times as bright
as ordinary color. These colors do not reflect light toward its source in the intense manner that Reflectorized
materials do, but rather in an amount similar to a white painted surface.
(q) "Free-Standing Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean a A sign detached from any building. Vending
machines located outside of a building with images of products for sale that are clearly visible from the
public right-of-way shall be considered free-standing signs and shall be subject to all provisions of this
Ordinance.
(r) "Gross Façade Area" as used in this Ordinance shall mean tThe gross surface area of all exterior Walls of
a building exposed to public view.
(s) "Incidental sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean aA sign, generally informational, that has a
purpose secondary to the Lot on which it is located, such as "no parking," "loading only," "telephone," or
other similar directives. Additional signs that may be considered incidental include but are not limited to
"ice," "bottle return," "vacancy/no vacancy," or "service." Traffic warning signs such as "Stop" or "Right Turn
Only" shall not be considered incidental.
SIGN ORDINANCE 7
City of South Burlington Ordinance DRAFT FOR COUNCIL HEARING 2024-06-03
Inflatable or wind sign Any objects inflated or otherwise supported or moving by air, wind, or other gasses,
used to advertise goods or services or direct attention to the property on which such signit is located,
regardless of whether text or graphics are included.
(t) "Interpretive Signage" as used in this Ordinance shall mean aA sign providing information that interprets
a natural, historical or cultural resource, event or site. Such signs shall be located only on sites directly
related to the information contained in the sign.
(u) "Landscape Feature Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean a A free-standing solid Wall or solid
earthen berm, made of soil or other natural materials as defined in this Ordinance, and not attached to any
building, that has been approved by the South Burlington Development Review Board or Administrative
Officer in accordance with the provisions of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations, as
amended. Fences shall not be considered landscape features for purposes of this ordinance, irrespective of
the material of which the fence is made.
(v) "Logo" as used in this Ordinance shall mean a A symbol or design that represents goods, identity or
service.
(w) "Lot" as used in this Ordinance shall mean a A parcel of land owned by a lot owner, the boundaries of
which are: 1) established by a deed or deeds recorded in the land records of the City of South Burlington,
and the records of any public road right-of-way; or 2) shown on a plat approved by the South Burlington
Planning Commission or Development Review Board pursuant to subdivision regulations, provided such
approval has not expired.
When a lot owner owns a lot which fails to meet minimum lot size requirements under the South Burlington
Land Development Regulations and such lot is contiguous to another lot owned by the same lot owner, such
contiguous lots shall constitute a single lot, except that: 1) contiguous lots which as of June 7, 1947 were
devoted to separate and unrelated uses shall constitute separate lots so long as such lots continue to be
devoted to separate and unrelated uses; or 2) contiguous lots which are devoted to uses approved as
separate uses under the South Burlington Land Development Regulations shall constitute separate lots
provided such uses are conducted in compliance with the terms and conditions of the approvals granted; or
3) contiguous lots which are shown on a plat approved by the South Burlington Planning Commission or
Development Review Board pursuant to subdivision regulations shall constitute separate lots provided such
approval has not expired.
(x) "Lot owner" as used in this Ordinance shall mean tThe record owner of fee title to a Lot.
(y) "Luminescent" as used in this Ordinance shall mean A any light, produced by the action of electricity in
an enclosed gas, such as neon, argon or fluorine.
(z) "Luminous Material" as used in this Ordinance shall mean aA material that stores light and glows in the
dark. The glow can be described as a weak soft light.
Maintain a Sign When the words "maintain a sign" or words of similar effect are used herein in reference to
the ability for a sign to continue in existence, it shall be interpreted as such or when used in a manner
referring to the keeping of a sign in good order, it shall carry such meaning.
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(aa) "Marquees, canopies or awnings" as used in this Ordinance shall mean b Building mounted
fabric and frame constructions or free-standing fabric (or other similar material) and frame that is attached
to a building. and used for seasonal and/or advertising purposes that do or do not contain graphics or sign
information for a particular establishment.
(e) "Marquee, Awning, canopy or marquee Awning sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean lLogos and
lettering on awnings, canopies or marquees, and graphics associated with such Logos and lettering. Such
signs shall be considered Wall signs, incidental signs or directional signs for purposes of this Ordinance,
based on the information conveyed, and shall be counted towards the maximum number and area of signs
permitted for a building or property in accordance with the standards for the applicable type of sign. The
area of the signs shall be calculated using the provisions for Cut-Out Letters in (c)(2) as defined under “Area
of a Sign”above.
(bb) "Mural" as used in this Ordinance shall mean a A purely decorative treatment on the exterior
Wall of a building that does not have the overt intent or effect of advertising a product or service for sale or
an agency, organization or business.
(cc) "Name Plate Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean any sign not more than one (1) square
foot in area used to identify the owner or owners of a private residence.
(dd) "Natural Materials" as used in this Ordinance shall mean iI Indigenous materials such as plants,
shrubs, trees, wood that is stained or painted a neutral brown or grey color, unpainted stone, decorative
textured masonry or concrete, and unpainted brick. "Natural Materials" shall not include glass or smooth
(un-textured) poured concrete for purposes of this Ordinance.
(ee) "Off-Premise Signage" as used in this Ordinance shall mean a Any sign that is not displayed on
the same premises where the goods, entity or services advertised are located.
(ff) "Parapet Wall" as used in this Ordinance shall mean a A low Wall along the edge of a roof, and being a
portion of the Wall which extends above the line of the roof, with the exterior to the extension forming a
continuous plane with the Wall below.
Perpendicular Sign A sign attached to, or hanging from a structure attached to the wall of a building or
structure with the exposed face of the sign in a plane perpendicular or roughly perpendicular to the face of
said wall. A perpendicular sign shall not be considered a wall sign
(gg) "Person" as used in this Ordinance shall mean and include aAny person, individual, firm,
partnership, association, corporation, company or incorporated or unincorporated organization or group of
any kind.
(hh) "Plate Line" as used in this Ordinance shall mean tThe point at which any part of the roof
structure first touches, or bears upon, an external Wall.
(ii) "Point-of-Purchase Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean tThe signage that advertises a product at
its point of sale, or "point of purchase" location.
(jj) "Principal Public façade" of a building, as used in this Ordinance fFor purposes of calculating maximum
total Wall sign area, shall mean the main building façade facing a public street or another façade that
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functions as a Principal façade with an actively used public entryway, subject to the approval and discretion
of the as determined by the Code Officer. There shall be no more than one Principal Public façade per
building.
(kk) "Projecting Sign" or "perpendicular sign" as used in this Ordinance means any sign attached to a
building or other structure and extending in whole or in part more than nine (9) inches beyond the building
line, or more than fifteen (15) inches in the case of raceway sign.
(II) "Raceway Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean a A sign comprised of channel or other cut-out
figures or letters mounted to an electrical enclosure, with the enclosure being smaller than the height of the
attached letters.
(mm) "Reader Board" shall mean a A sign to which letters are not permanently secured or affixed
and/or which is wheeled or otherwise readily moveable. The term "reader board" shall not include "A-
fFrame" or "sSandwich bBoard" signs.
(nn) "Reflectorized" as used in this Ordinance shall mean aAny material that reflects light back
toward its source in an intensity many times greater than would be reflected by a white painted surface.
Reflectorized materials may include but are not limited to reflective sheeting, glass beads and glass or plastic
reflectors.
(oo) "Residential District" as used in this ordinance shall include tThe following zoning districts as
defined as such in the South Burlington Land Development Regulations as presently in force or hereafter
adopted and amended from time to time: Residential 1, Residential 2, Residential 4, Residential 7, Queen
City Park, Lakeshore Neighborhood, and Southeast Quadrant.
(pp) "Roof Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean aAny sign erected in any way upon a building or
structure which extends above the roof line of the building or structure.
(qq) "Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean and include every sign, billboard, bulletin-board,
free-standing sign, wall sign, window sign, roof sign, illuminated sign and projecting sign, and shall include
aAny letter, word, number, model, mural decoration, banner, flag, feather flag sign, pennant, clock,
thermometer, insignia, light or combination of lights, used or placed as an announcement or declaration to
identify, advertise or promote the interest of any person when the same is placed in view of the general
public from outside the structure on which the sign is placed or any sign type identified in this Ordinance.
(rr) "Temporary Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean aAny sign for a limited period of time for
advertising or informational purposes supplementary to or in place of existing permanent signs.
(ss) "Traveled wWay" as used in this Ordinance shall mean tThe paved or otherwise surfaced area of a public
street or road intended for use by vehicular traffic, including aprons, shoulders, and curbing, but not
including a sidewalk or recreation path.
(tt) "Wall Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean aA sign attached to, painted on, and/or erected against
the Wall of a building or structure with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel or roughly parallel to
the face of said Wall (including any interior Wall) whether attached to Windows or otherwise, which is
placed in view of the general public from outside the building or structure.
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(uu) "Wall" as used in this Ordinance shall mean tThe surface area of any major plan unit of any side
or face of a building.
(vv) "Wayfinding" as used in this Ordinance shall mean sSigns with maps or other graphics used to
convey location and directions to travelers, and not used for any advertising purpose.
(ww) "Window" as used in this Ordinance shall mean tThe total area of transparent panes within a
single supporting sash structure, excluding muntins. Panes divided by muntins shall not be considered
individual Windows; the total area of all panes and muntins within a single supporting sash structure shall
constitute the total area of the Window. Transparent panes inside a door frame shall be considered
"Windows" for purposes of this Ordinance, subject to the judgment and discretion of the Code Officer.
(xx) "Window Sign" as used in this Ordinance shall mean a A sign attached to, painted on, or erected
against the interior or exterior of a Window with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel or roughly
parallel to the face of said Window located so as to be readable primarily from the exterior of the Window.
Products for display shall not constitute a Window sign.
(yy) When the words "maintain a sign" or words of similar effect are used herein, the same refers to
allowing the sign to continue in existence and shall not be taken to refer to keeping the sign in good order.
SECTION 43. Permits Required
It shall be unlawful for any person to Erect, alter or relocate within the City of South Burlington, any sign, as
defined in this Ordinance, without first obtaining a sign permit from the Code Officer, in accordance with all the
provisions of this Ordinance. Any sign not expressly permitted by the provisions of this Ordinance is expressly
prohibited.
SECTION 54. Permit Fees
Every applicant, before being granted a permit hereunder, shall pay to the City Treasurer such permit fee or fees
in accordance with the schedule of fees adopted by resolution of the City Council, and as amended from time to
time.
SECTION 65. Dorset Street/City Center Sign District.
(A) Purpose. There is hereby designated and created the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District, the
boundaries of which are shown on a plan map entitledtitled, " Dorset Street/City Center Sign District", dated July
22, 1998, which plan map is incorporated into and made a part of this Ordinance as Appendixces A and B.
This special sign district is designated to reflect the long term goal of the City to develop Dorset Street and the
City Center area as an attractive mixed-use, well-designed, integrated focal point for the City. The area is to be a
mixed use, pedestrian-oriented downtown primarily residential, office, retail and municipal core for the City of
South Burlington. This special sign district is also intended to promote the intended pedestrian orientation for
the future of the district as well as to ensure pedestrian and traffic safety, to encourage the effectiveness and
clarity of sign communication, and to maintain and enhance the aesthetic quality within the district.
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(B) Application Materials: For any Lot in the City Center Sign District on which the owner proposes to erect
one or more signs requiring a permit, the owner shall submit a permanent sign permit application containing the
following information:
(1) An accurate plot plan of the Lot, at such scale as the Code Officer may reasonably require;
(2) Location of buildings, parking lots, driveways and landscaped areas on such lot;
(3) The location, size, date of installation, and status of all non-complying signs on the property, if
applicable.
(4) The design parameters for the City Center Sign District, in accordance with (C) below, including
overall parameters and the design and location of any proposed individual signs.
(5) The location and specifications of all proposed light fixtures and lighting elements, including cut
sheets if applicable.
(1)(6) A proposed general design for any incidental and directional signs on the property, other than those
with designs prescribed by law.
(B)(C) Standards for Design Review. The parameters for the erection, alteration or relocation of any sign,
except for temporary, Wwindow and exempt signs, located within the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District, as
depicted on the above referenced planm, shall require design approval by the Code Officer South Burlington
Design Review Committee and Development Review Board. Such design approval shall be required prior to
issuance of a sign permit by the Code Officer. In reviewing an application for design approval, the Design Review
Committee and Code Officer Development Review Board shall consider the following:
(1) Consistent Design: the design of a sign shall consider and be compatible and harmonious with the
design of buildings on the property and nearby. The design of all signs on a property shall promote
consistency in terms of color, graphic style, lighting, location, material and proportions.
(2) Promote City Center Goals: signs shall be designed and located in a manner which reinforces and
respects the overall stated goals of the City Center Ssign Ddistrict and the design goals for City Center as
outlined in section of the City Plan, including a high aesthetic quality and pedestrian orientation.
(3) Color and Texture: the color and texture of a sign shall be compatible and harmonious with buildings
on the property and nearby. The use of a maximum of three (3) predominant colors is encouraged to provide
consistent foreground, text and background color schemes.
(3) Materials Used: signs shall be designed and constructed of high-quality materials complimentary to
the materials used in the buildings to which the signs are related
(4) Multi-Tenant Buildings: Wall signs attached to multi-tenant buildings shall contain a consistent
mounting (for example, cut out letters, lettering on raceway, etc.) and shall have consistent lighting where
lighting is proposed. Multi-tenant buildings shall display no more than two styles of wall signs at any one
time. Where permitted, free-standing signs associated with multi-tenant buildings shall use signs of the same
size and color design
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(C) Directory Signs. In the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District, the City of South Burlington will establish a
uniform Directory Sign System to be constructed and maintained by the City in the public right of way at
designated locations and designed to serve businesses, offices and entities which share a curb cut, building or
group of buildings. All businesses, offices, services, agencies and entities which share an entry or property are
entitled to participate in this system for a fee as established and adopted by the City Council and included as part
of the Schedule for Permit Fees. The fee will cover the initial cost of sign panel fabrication for the individual
entity, as well as an appropriate percentage of the maintenance and management costs for the directory sign.
Any business or entity participating in this directory sign system is allowed to do so without losing any of its total
permissible sign area. Signs on this directory, therefore, will be in addition to the allowable sign area for the
participating business or entity.
(D) Entry Signs. In the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District, entry signs which contain the words "enter" or
"exit" and or related/similar wording are permitted as ground mounted or post-mounted signs and are not to
exceed three (3) square feet. Included on these signs may be a reference to a business or office or building only
where that business is not directly served by a curb-cut at the property itself and shares a curb-cut with another
or multiple businesses or entities, and when this circumstance occurs the total area of one side may not exceed
four (4) square feet. Such entry signs shall be allowed in addition to permitted free-standing and directional signs
for the property. It is also desirable to coordinate lettering and design of these signs with the overall signage for
the property it serves.
(E) Establishments Selling Gasoline. Establishments selling gasoline located within the Dorset Street/City
Center Sign District shall be subject to all provisions of Section 221 of this Ordinance, and also shall be subject to
the design review standards of this Section 65.
SECTION 76. Application for Sign Permit
(A) Except as otherwise provided, all applications for the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District shall follow
the procedure for Master Signage Permits set forth in Section 87 of this Ordinance.
(B)(A) Applications for all other sign permits shall be made upon forms provided by the Code Officer, and shall
have attached thereto the following information and such other information pertaining to the proposed sign as
the Code Officer may reasonably require.
(1) Name, address and telephone number of applicant and property owner.
(2) Location of building, structure, or lot to which, or upon which, the sign is to be attached.
(3) Position of the sign in relation to nearby buildings or structures.
(4) Plans (drawn to scale) and specifications including size and color of the sign and its various parts, the
style of letter, material of which sign is to be constructed, and the method of attachment to the buildings or
in the ground.
(5) A color sketch of the sign and building as they would appear in relation to each other.
(6) Statement as to method of illumination and intensity of the sign.
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(7) If required by the Code Officer, a copy of stress sheets and calculations showing that the structure is
designed for dead load and wind pressure in any direction in the amount required by this and all other laws
and Ordinances of the City.
(8) Name, address and telephone number of person erecting the sign.
(9) Written consent of the owner of the building, structure, and land to which or on which the sign is to
be erected.
(C)(B) Except as provided in sub-section (d) below, wWithin ten thirty (1030) working days after receipt of all of
the foregoing information, together with the permit fee specified in Section 54 hereof, the Code Officer shall
review the application for compliance with this Ordinance and shall render a decision to approve or disapprove
the application. In rendering a decision, the Code Officer shall determine whether the application complies with
the requirements of this Ordinance, is compatible with surrounding architecture and uses, and does not create
an adverse effect on the scenic or aesthetic quality of the area. In making his determination the Code Officer
shall review each application in light of the purposes of this Ordinance and applicable design standards. . When
the Code Officer deems it necessary, an architect may be retained to assist in the review of individual
applications, at the applicant's sole cost and expense.
(D)(C) If the Code Officer determines that the application for the sign does not comply with all provisions of this
Ordinance, the Code Officer shall, within the period noted above, notify the applicant in writing of the decision
to disapprove the application, which notice shall include a statement of reasons for disapproval, and shall refund
the permit fee in full. Such statement shall include a description of the manner in which the application can be
brought into conformance with these regulations. If an application is approved, a permit shall be issued and
forwarded to the applicant within the time period noted above.
SECTION 87. Master Signage Permits Reserved
(F) At such time as a new or amended permit is sought after the effective date of this Ordinance, all
properties in the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District seeking a sign permit or permits and all multi-tenant
buildings or multi-building complexes located wholly or partially within the R7-NC district shall submit a
complete, new application for a Master Signage Permit Designation to the Design Review
CommitteeDevelopment Review Board, irrespective of the status of past approvals. The new Permit Designation
shall not invalidate the provisions of any existing approval, exemption or agreement with respect to signage;
rather, it is instead intended to clarify the approved parameters for signage subject to a Master Signage
PermitDesignation. Upon approval of a new Master Signage PermitDesignation, permittees shall use the review
and amendment procedures set forth in this Section.
(G) In the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District, no permit shall be issued for an individual sign requiring a
permit unless and until a Master Signage Permit Designation for the Lot on which the sign(s) will be erected has
been approved as conforming with the provisions of this Ordinance. In the case of a planned unit development
(PUD), a Master Signage Permit Designation shall be required for the entire PUD. An owner of a multi-tenant
building or multi-building commercial property located anywhere outside the Dorset Street/City Center Sign
District, and a sponsor of a project involving Interpretive Signage or Wayfinding, also may apply for a Master
Signage Permit Designation as provided herein.
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(H) For any Lot on which the owner proposes to Erect one or more signs requiring a permit, the owner shall
submit an application for a new or amended Master Signage Permit Designation containing the following
information:
(2) An accurate plot plan of the Lot, at such scale as the Code Officer may reasonably require;
(3) Location of buildings, parking Lots, driveways and landscaped areas on such Lot;
(4) Computation of the maximum area, number and height of signs, by sign type (i.e., free-standing,
Wall, etc.) allowed on the property under this Ordinance, and computation of the area and height of each
sign proposed for the property;
(5) The location, size, date of installation, and status of all non-complying signs on the property, if
applicable.
(6) The design parameters for the Master Signage PermitDesignation, in accordance with (Dd) below,
including overall parameters and the design and location of any proposed individual signs.
(7) The location and specifications of all proposed light fixtures and lighting elements, including cut
sheets if applicable.
(8) A proposed general design for any Incidental and directional signs on the property, other than those
with designs prescribed by law.
(I) Design.
(1) The initial application for a Master Signage Permit shall establish a consistent set of parameters for
the shapes, materials, foreground and background color schemes, typefaces, sizes, installations and sign
types to be utilized for a property and shall include color illustrations thereof.
(2) Applicants are strongly encouraged to specify parameters that will lead over time to creating a
strong consistency of shape, foreground and background color scheme, typeface, size, and installation in
order to ensure that all signage on a property is in accordance with the goals of the Dorset Street/City Center
Sign District.
(3) All Master Signage Permit applications shall specify how one or more of these graphic elements will
be used to relate all of the signs to each other visually.
(4) Applicants may request a review and approval of a range of potential sizes for individual signs, so
that an application for an individual sign of approved materials, color and design that is within an approved
size range will require only approval of the Code Officer.
(J) Other Provisions of Master Signage PermitsDesignations.
(1) The property owner of record shall be the principal permittee for a Master Signage Permit.
(2) The Master Signage Permit may contain such other restrictions as the owners of the Lots may
reasonably determine. These provisions, upon granting of a sign permit to the applicant, become
incorporated into the permit and are applicable for the duration of the permit.
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(K) Review and Approvals.
(1) The Design Review Committee shall review the initial application for a Master Signage Permit, or for
an amendment of a Master Signage Permit. Such application must be made and signed by the property
owner. Upon a recommendation for approval by the Design Review Committee, the Development Review
Board shall review and act upon the application for an initial Master Signage Permit or amendment thereof.
(2) Subsequent applications for individual sign permits pursuant to a Master Signage Permit may be
made by tenants, with a property owner signature required for applications. Such applications made
pursuant to a valid Master Signage Permit shall not require review by the Design Review Committee. The
Code Officer shall review each application for its consistency with the approved design and dimensional
parameters in the Master Signage Permit, and for consistency with the applicable dimensional and
administrative standards in this Ordinance. Copies of the Code Officer's permit or denial shall be sent to the
property owner and to the applicant, and shall become part of the Master Signage Permit.
(L) Amendment. Amendment of a Master Signage PermitDesignation, as opposed to approval of signs by
the DRC and Code Officer subject to an existing, effective Master Signage Permit, shall require approval by the
Design Review Committee and Development Review Board in the same manner as for a new Master Signage
Permit.
(M) Existing Non-Conforming Signs on Properties Subject to Master Signage PermitsDesignation
(1) The non-conforming status of other signs on the same property or subject to the same Master
Signage Permit shall not prevent individual tenants from making applications for individual sign permits in
accordance with a valid Master Signage Permit.
(2) Alteration of Non-Conforming Signs. Where there is any change to a non-conforming sign, a permit
must be obtained from the Design Review Committee and Code Officer. To gain approval the sign must be
brought into full compliance with the provisions of the Master Signage Permit for the property on which it is
located and all other applicable provisions of this Ordinance. Routine maintenance of non-complying signs
may be done provided there is no change at all to the color, shape, size, lighting, materials, or any other
design or physical feature of the sign.
(N)(D) Binding Effect. An approved Master Signage DesignationPermit shall be binding upon and run with the
land. No sign shall be erected, placed, painted or maintained except in conformance with such Permit, and such
Permit may be enforced in the same way as any provision of this Ordinance. In case of any conflict between the
provisions of such Permit and any other provisions of this Ordinance, the Ordinance shall control.
SECTION 9 8. Free-Standing Signs
Free-standing signs are permitted only in accordance with the following provisions:.
(A) All free-standing signs and the premises surrounding same shall be maintained by the owner thereof in a
clean, sanitary and inoffensive condition, and free and clear of all obnoxious substances, rubbish and weeds.
Free-standing signs shall be so designed as to be self-supporting without the need for guy wires, cables, chains,
lines, or other similar ancillary supports.
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(B) Number of Signs Per Lot. The maximum number of free-standing signs on a Llot shall be as follows:
(1) Except as provided in Section 23(e) hereof and below, there shall not be more than one free-
standing sign for each separate Llot, regardless of how many businesses or commercial entities are located
on such Llot.
(2) Lots on which the Development Review Board has granted approval for the development of the
property with two (2) or more separate entrances to a public road have been approved under the City’s Land
Development Regulations shall be entitled to additional free-standing signs where:
(1) each entrance is separated from anyeach other entrance by a distance in excess of greater than
three hundred (300) feet, as measured from center line to center line between the two entrances; and
(2) the number of proposed free-standing signs for the property does not exceed the number of
public road entrances that meet the standards set forth above; and
(3) the proposed free-standing signs are located within twenty-five (25) feet of the approved
entrances.
(C) Lots on which a community garden is operated and maintained as an accessory use to a principal
permitted use may have one (1) additional free-standing sign of no more than twenty-four (24) square feet, so
long as such sign clearly advertises the community garden project and does not constitute an additional sign for
the principal permitted use. Such sign may be displayed from May 1 through November 30 and shall require a
sign permit.
(D)(C) Sign Location. No part of a free-standing sign shall be placed in such manner as to visually obstruct
traffic.
(1) No part of a free-standing sign which is forty (40) square feet or less in size shall be placed closer
than five (5) feet tofrom any property line, subject to the following:
(1) Public sidewalk or recreation path exists in public right-of-way:
(i) Where the outer edge of the public right-of-way is less than five (5) feet from the outer edge
of the public sidewalk or recreation path, no part of a free-standing sign shall be placed closer than
five (5) feet from the outer edge of the public sidewalk or recreation path. In no case shall a free-
standing sign be placed closer than one (1) foot from the public right-of-way. (see illustration 9-1)
(ii) Where the outer edge of the public right-of-way is five (5) feet or more from the outer edge
of the public sidewalk or recreation path, no part of a free-standing sign shall be placed closer than
one (1) foot from the right-of-way. (see illustration 9-2)
(2) No public sidewalk or recreation path exists in public right-of-way:
(i) Where the outer edge of the public right-of-way is less than eleven (11) feet from the outer
edge of the Traveled Way, no part of a freestanding sign shall be placed closer than five (5) feet from
the right-of-way. (see illustration 9-3)
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(ii) Where the outer edge of the public right-of-way is eleven (11) feet or more, but less than
fifteen (15) feet from the outer edge of the traveled way, no part of a free-standing sign shall be
placed closer than sixteen (16) feet from the outer edge of the Traveled Way. (see illustration 9-4)
(iii) Where the outer edge of the public right-of-way is fifteen (15) feet or more from the outer
edge of the Traveled Way, no part of a free-standing sign shall be placed closer than one (1) foot
from the right-of-way. (see illustration 9-5)
(2) No part of a free-standing sign which is larger than forty (40) square feet in size shall be placed closer
than twenty (20) feet to any property line.
(2)(3) No free-standing sign shall be located within an area demarked as a designated Open SpaceCivic
Space or Site Amenity on a plan approved under the Land Development Regulations.
(E)(D) Area of a Free-standing Sign.
(1) The area of a free-standing sign shall be the total area within the outer edge of the sign, excluding
the supporting structure, provided the total area of the supporting structure is within the limits set forth in
subsection (eF) below. Any area of a support structure that exceeds the limits set forth in subsection (fFe)
below shall be counted as sign area (Illustrations 9-6 and 9-7).
(2) A free-standing sign which is located on a lot of less than 40,000 square feet shall not exceed thirty-
two (32) square feet in sign area.
(3) Except as provided in this subsection, a free-standing sign which is located on a Lot of 40,000 square
feet or more shall not exceed forty (40) square feet in sign area. A freestanding sign on a Lot of 40,000
square feet or more may be eligible for additional sign area in accordance with the following provisions.
(a) A Lot which contains two hundred (200) or more feet of contiguous frontage on one public street
and which contains 10,000 or more square feet of building area shall be eligible for additional sign area
above the forty (40) square foot maximum established in (3) above. The amount of additional sign area
shall be based on Lot frontage and/or building size as indicated in Table 9.1. In no case shall the
maximum size of a free-standing sign area exceed eighty (80) square feet.
(b) Approval of a sign under this section shall be subject to the requirement that the Lot on which
the sign is located together with the building(s) thereon shall continue to meet the standards on which
approval was granted. At the time of any alteration of Lot frontage or building size, the Code Officer shall
re-determine the allowable sign area under regulations then in effect, and, if such regulations require a
sign with reduced sign area, shall direct the property owner to install a sign meeting such reduced sign
area requirements within three (3) months of such determination.
(4) The maximum height of a free-standing sign shall be fifteen (15) feet, measured from the average
finished grade at the base of the sign to the highest portion of any part of the sign structure.
(5) For Lots which contain lawfully more than one (1) free-standing sign as provided in subsection (b)
above and which qualify for a free-standing sign larger than forty (40) square feet as provided in (3) above,
no more than one (1) free-standing sign on the Lot may exceed forty (40) square feet in size.
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(6) No sign and/or support structure dimension shall exceed the other by more than five (5) times. In
the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District, no dimension shall exceed the other by more than four (4) times.
(7) In all districts, the depth of the sign and support structure shall not be visually disproportionate to
the other dimensions of the sign.
(8) Area calculations shall exclude planters, provided such planters are no more than three (3) feet tall,
no more than two (2) times the width of the sign, have no advertising or logos attached, and are used for
plants and landscaping. Any area of a planter that exceeds three (3) feet in height or two (2) times the width
of the sign, and any planter that has advertising or logos attached, shall be counted as sign area.
(F)(E) Free-standing Sign Support Structures. The area of a sign support structure shall not be included in
calculating the area of a free-standing sign, subject to the following limitations and provisions:
(1) Support structures shall not incorporate or include any attachments, lettering, logos, or graphics.
Any support structure that includes attachments, lettering, logos, or graphics, shall be counted as part of sign
area.
(2) No support structure and no part of any support structure shall be internally illuminated.
(3) For a free-standing sign with two (2) or more independent post supports, outside the width of the
sign area, supports of up to one (1) foot wide each shall be exempt from calculation of the area of the
support structure. If the sign and the support structure are less than six (6) feet in height at the highest point
from the average finished grade, two supports up to two (2) feet wide each shall be exempt from calculation
of the area of the support structure.
(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of (23) above, for a free-standing sign and/or support structure with
a combined height of up to ten (10) feet at the highest point from the average finished grade, the total area
of the support structure may not exceed one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the area of the sign. If the
support structure of such a sign extends more than one (1) foot past the edge of the sign, the total area of
the support structure shall not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the area of the sign (Illustration 9-8).
(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of (23) above, for a free-standing sign and/or support structure with
a combined height of more than ten (10) feet at the highest point from the average finished grade, the total
area of the support structure shall not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the area of the sign, and shall
not extend more than one (1) foot horizontally in each direction beyond the horizontal edges of the sign
(Illustration 9-8).
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ditional Standards. All free-standing signs must meet the following additional standards:
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(1) All free-standing signs are to be designed and constructed of suitable durable materials and erected
and located in a manner which reinforces and respects the overall stated goals of this Ordinance.
(2) All free-standing signs shall have a base condition that is landscaped in an aesthetically pleasing or
appropriate manner with hardy plant materials and/or elements that will remain attractive throughout the
year, or finished in such a manner, whether in groundcover, lawn or hard surfaces so as to be appropriate
and maintained for the entire year in an attractive manner. Such landscaping may be planted in the ground
at the base, or may be in planters, provided the planters are fixed to the ground or sign.
Table 98.1 Free-Standing Signs - Additional Sign Area
Criterion Additional Sign Area (In Square Feet)
Frontage: 250' - < 300' 5
300' - < 350' 10
350' - < 400' 15
400' - < 450' 20
450' - < 500' 25
500' - < 550' 30
550' - < 600' 35
600' and more 40
Building Size (square feet):
25,000 - < 50,000 10
50,000 - < 75,000 20
75,000 - <100,000 30
100,000 and more 40
* Example - A 43,000 square foot building on a Lot with 325 feet of frontage would be entitled to a
60 square foot free-standing sign (40 square foot sign area allowance + 10 square foot frontage
allowance + 10 square foot building size allowance = 60 square feet).
* Example - A 76,000 square foot building on a Lot with 210 feet of frontage would be entitled to a
70 square foot free-standing sign (40 square foot sign area allowance + 0 square foot frontage allowance
+ 30 square foot building size allowance = 70 square feet).
(3) Signs or emblems indicating membership in national or regional organizations, including credit card
signs, or informing the public that gifts, trading stamps, or similar promotional items are available on the
premises, shall not be separately fastened to the outer edge or support structure of the principal sign. Such
features shall be displayed against the principal sign face.
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(4)(3) Street names and numbers may be affixed to a free-standing sign or its support structure and shall
be exempt from area calculations so long as the letters do not exceed three (3) inches in height and numbers
do not exceed six (6) inches in height.
Illustration 98-6 Area of a Free-Standing Sign
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Illustration 98-7 Area of a Free-Standing Sign
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Illustration 89-8 Base and Sign Area Ratios
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(5)(4) Free-standing signs may not have changeable message areas unless required by the nature of the
business or other approved land use itself, such as theaters, churches and other housesplaces of worship,
public and independent educational facilities accredited by the State of Vermont for elementary, secondary
and higher education, motels and hotels, conference facilities, and establishments deriving a majority of
their income as venues for the performing arts, and subject to the discretion and approval of the Code
Officer. Any such changeable message area may not exceed eighty percent (80%) of the allowable sign area,
and the dimensions and location thereof must be specified when an application for a sign permit is made.
(G)(F) Dorset Street/City Center Sign District. Free-standing signs along Dorset Street are to be located in a sign
corridor that begins adjacent to the road R.O.W. and runs sixteen (16) feet from the edge of the Rright- of- wWay
toward the building face. In those instances where dimensions do not provide for a two (2) foot setback from the
Rright- of- wWay before a sign support post can be located, it is permitted to eErect a centered single pole
mounted sign of which the road side edge of the sign is directly outside the R.O.W. line. Free-standing signs in
the Dorset Street/City Center District may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in overall dimensions and may
be no higher than twelve (12) feet, measured from the average finished grade at the base of the sign to the
highest point of any part of the sign structure.
(1) No new free-standing signs shall be permitted in the City Center Sign District except as explicitly
provided for in Section 8(G)2.
(2) Along the Dorset Street, Patchen Road, White Street, and Williston Road rights-of-way within the
City Center Sign District, new sign structures shall only be located in a sign corridor that begins one (1) foot
from the existing or planned road right-of-way and runs sixteen (16) feet from the edge of the right- of-way
toward the building. Such free-standing signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in overall
dimensions and may be no higher than twelve (12) feet, measured from the average finished grade at the
base of the sign to the highest point of any part of the sign structure, and are otherwise subject to all
provisions of this Ordinance.
(H)(G) Additional free-standing signs for permitted drive-through establishments. Lots with an automobile
service use or a permitted drive-through facility, including car washes, banks, and drive-through retail and
restaurant establishments, may have one (1) fFree-Sstanding menu board sign in addition to one (1) free-
standing sign permitted in accordance with this Section. A menu board sign shall not exceed forty-eight (48)
square feet in overall size, including cladding and support structure, and shall not exceed six (6) feet in height at
any point. The text and graphics on the menu board shall not be legible from a public roadway. Landscaping or
other suitable screening shall be used to screen the menu board generally from nearby public roadways, paths
and sidewalks.
(H) Multi-tenant buildings and multi-building complexes in the R7-NC zoning district. Notwithstanding
provisions to the contrary elsewhere in this ordinance, a multi-tenant building or multi-building structure under
common management and ownership which is located wholly or partially within the R7-NC zoning district, and
which has more than one approved curb cut onto a public roadway, may have one (1) free-standing sign of up to
forty (40) square feet and one (1) additional free-standing sign per additional approved curb cut onto a public
roadway, with any such additional signs not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area and twelve (12) feet in
height. The sign area of the free-standing signs may be designed and used in whole or in part as a directory for
the tenants or services contained within the building or complex.
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SECTION 109. Wall Signs
Wall signs shall be permitted only in accordance with the following provisions:
(A) Number of Wall sSigns. The allowable number and area of Wwall signs shall be as set forth in Table 10-1
below.
(B) Single-tenant buildings and single-building properties. Area of Wall signs.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this Ordinance, the total area of all Wwall signs shall not exceed five
percent (5%) of the area of the Pprincipal public façade of the building or one hundred (100) square feet,
whichever is smaller.
(2) In no case shall any individual Wwall sign exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the area of the façade to
which it is attached.
(C) In the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District, Wwall signs may not project above the roof or parapet of a
building nor below the top of any first floor doorway unless permitted through the design review approval
process..
(D) It shall be unlawful for any person to Eerect, alter, maintain or relocate any Wwall sign that covers,
wholly or partially, any Wwall opening or to eErect, alter, maintain or relocate any Wwall sign that projects
beyond the ends or top of the Wwall to which it is attached. A Wwall opening is any opening exclusively provided
for a Wwindow, door or removable panel.
(E) Multi-tenant buildings and multi-building properties
(1) Lots on which there is located commercial development consisting of two (2) or more distinct and
separate businesses ("multi-tenant buildings" or "multi-building properties") shall be entitled to additional
Wwall signs whose allowable area and number shall be in accordance with the formula set forth in Table 10-
1.
(2) In a multi-tenant building, there shall be a maximum of two (2) Wwall signs per individual tenant.
The maximum area of an individual Wwall sign shall be five percent (5%) of the individual tenant's storefront
area, calculated as shown in Illustration 10-1, or one hundred (100) square feet, whichever is smaller.
(3) Owners of multi-tenant buildings and multi-building properties located outside of the Dorset
Street/City Center Sign District shall have the option to obtain a Master Signage Permit Designation from the
Development Review Board, in accordance with Section 87 of this Ordinance. Once a Master Signage Permit
Designation is obtained, all changes to signage for that property shall be reviewed in accordance with the
provisions of Section 8 7of this Ordinance. Multi-tenant buildings for which there is a valid Master Signage
Permit Designation may increase the maximum allowable area of all Wall signs and individual tenant signs as
provided in Table 10-1. A property owner choosing this option may shall be responsible for allocatinge the
allowable area of Wall signs among individual tenants in a manner which variesous from the maximum per
tenant. Any such allocation shall be submitted as part of a Master Signage Permit application.
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(F) Areas of wWalls within which paint, lighting or other treatments are used to highlight or enclose an area
of Wwall on which cutout letters or other signs are installed shall be deemed to be part of the Wwall sign for all
intents and purposes of this Ordinance, and shall be subject to all applicable provisions of this Ordinance.
(G) A Wwall sign shall not project from the Wwall in excess of nine (9) inches, except for raceway signs. A
raceway sign may project up to fifteen (15) inches from the Wwall to which it is attached
(F) Any wall or other element of a building that is transluscent and lit in a manner that reinforces the brand
of one or more tenants shall be deemed a sign.
(G) A lot containing two structures devoted to separate and unrelated uses in existence prior to February 6,
1995 shall be subject to the following provisions:
(1) If the Lot does not contain a free standing sign, each structure shall be entitled to Wall signs in
accordance with subsections (a) and (b) above.
(2) If the Lot contains a free standing sign which identifies the uses located in both structures, each
structure shall be entitled to two Wall signs as authorized by subsections (a) and (c) above.
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Table 109-1 Area of Wall Signs
Type of building,
signage and permit
Basis for total area of
all Wall signs
Maximum area of an
individual wall
signMaximum
percent of a building
that can contain an
individual sign
Additional regulations for multi-
tenant buildings and multi-
building lots
Single-tenant building
with Free-Standing
and/or landscape
feature sign(s)
5% of Principal Public
façade or 100 SF,
whichever is smaller
15% of façade to
which it is attached or
100 SF, whichever is
smaller
Up to 2 3 three (3) Wall signs per
individual building
Single-tenant building,
NO Free-Standing or
landscape feature
sign(s)
10% of Principal Public
façade
15% of façade to
which it is attached or
100 SF, whichever is
smaller
Up to 23 Wall signs per
individual building
Multi-tenant building or
multi-building lot, no
master signage permit,
with Free-Standing sign
or landscape feature
sign(s)
No set limit; max. area
determined by sum of
allowable individual
Wall signs for each
tenant
15% of façade to
which sign is attached,
5% of individual
tenant storefront area,
or 100 SF, whichever is
smaller
● Up to 2 Wall signs per tenant
● Signs may be attached to one
or two building facades
● See calculation of storefront
area, Illustration 10-1
Multi-tenant building or
multi-building lot, no
master signage permit,
NO Free-Standing or
landscape feature
sign(s)
Total area per building
based on individual
tenant signage
15% of façade to
which sign is attached,
5% of individual
tenant storefront area,
or 100 SF, whichever is
smaller
● Up to 2 signs per tenant
● Signs may be attached to one
or two building facades
● See calculation of storefront
area, Illustration 10-1
Multi-tenant building or
multi-building lot with a
master signage permit
in any district, including
Dorset Street/City
Center Sign District,
with Free-Standing or
landscape feature
sign(s)
10% of Principal Public
façade of each building
15% of façade to
which it is attached or
100 SF, whichever is
smaller
● Up to 2 signs per tenant;
● Signs may be attached to as
many façades as have an
actively used public entrance
● Property owner must may
divide up signage area among
tenants
Multi-tenant building or
multi-building lot with a
15% of Principal Public
façade of each building
15% of façade to
which it is attached or
● Up to 2 3 signs per tenant
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master signage permit
in any district, including
Dorset Street/City
Center Sign District, NO
Free-Standing or
landscape feature
sign(s)
100 SF, whichever is
smaller
● Signs may be attached to as
many facades as have an
actively used public entrance
● Property owner must divide
up signage area among
tenants
Illustration 109-1: Example of the Calculation of Storefront Area.
(1) Areas not perpendicular to the ground are NOT included in the storefront area.
(2) Projecting areas perpendicular to the ground ARE included in the storefront area.
(3) Storefront area (shaded) = [(1/2)(w) x (h)] + [(w1) x (h1)]
Projecting overhang areas are included within the calculation of storefront area; signage may be attached to these areas
(1)
(2)(2)
hh
w
w1
h1
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(3) (4) If the Lot contains a free standing sign that only identifies the use or uses located in one
structure, the structure containing the use or uses identified on the free standing sign shall be entitled to
free standing signs as authorized by subparagraphsubsections (a) and (c) above, and the structure containing
uses not identified on the free standing sign shall be entitled to no more than three (3) Wall signs with a total
area not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the area of the Principal Public façade of the structure. No Wall sign
shall exceed five percent (5%) of the total allowable sign area and no more than one (1) Wall sign shall be
placed on any one (1) façade of the structure.
SECTION 110. Directory and Entryway Signs
(A) Directory and Entryway Signs Allowed. In instances where it is desirable to list multiple stores or offices
within one complex, or to identify a publicly-used entrance to a shopping center under single management, one
(1) additional directory sign of no more than eight (8) square feet in total area may be attached to a Wwall or to
the face of a fFree-Sstanding Ssign, within the perimeter of the sign, in a suitable location to allow visitors, once
within the property, to receive direction to a particular location.
(A) One (1) entryway sign identifying the a shopping center may be affixed to the Wwall at each publicly-
used entrance. These directory and entryway signs are not to compete with any advertising or informational
signs designed to be visible from the Ttraveled Wway.
(B) In multi-tenant buildings or multi-building structures under common management and ownership
located wholly or partially within the R7-NC zoning district, and with more than one approved curb cut onto a
public roadway, one (1) entryway sign may be affixed to the Wall at each entrance identifying the offices or
businesses accessible through the entry, or identifying the entryway as "staff only," restricted, or such other
directional guidance as is necessary for the appropriate function of the complex. Such signs shall not exceed
three (3) square feet in size. In addition, one (1) Free-Standing directory sign of up to fifteen (15) square feet OR
one (1) Wall directory sign of up to twenty (20) square feet may be erected at each active publicly-used
entryway. For any such Wall signs, the provisions of Section 11(c) below shall apply.
(C) Directory and eEntryway sSigns aAttached to wWalls. The area of a directory or entryway sign affixed to
a wWall shall be included in the calculation of the total allowable area of wWall signs for the building or property
to which it is affixed, but shall not count against the total number of wWall signs allowed for the building to
which it is affixed.
(D) Directory Signs Attached to Free-Standing Signs. Directory signs attached to the face of a free-standing
sign within the perimeter of the sign area shall not be counted as additional sign area.
SECTION 121. Incidental and Directional Signs
(A) Incidental Signs.
(1) Incidental signs shall generally be exempt from the provisions of this Ordinance, in accordance with
Section 22.
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(1)(2) Incidental signs may use a typestyle and/or color consistent with the signage of the business or
tenant to which they are related, but shall not otherwise advertise or draw attention to the business or
tenant.
(2)(3) The use of logos or trademarks on incidental signs shall be prohibited.
(3)(4) Incidental signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet each.
(4)(5) Incidental signs attached to the facades of buildings are limited to one (1) sign per service bay or
entry door indicating entry, exit, or other similar service or identification. Such incidental signs shall not
count towards the maximum total number of Wwall signs allowable for the building to which they are
attached, but shall count towards the maximum total area of Wall signs allowable for the building to which
they are attached.
(5)(6) The number, placement and size of incidental signs shall not be, in the determination of the Code
Officer, excessive. Such a determination shall include a consideration of factors such as, but not limited to,
the nature of the business or operation involved, clarity in providing instructions for use of the facility, safety
for the volume of of pedestrian and vehicular traffic to be directed, and the configuration of the buildings
and improvements on the site.
(B) Directional Signs.
(1) Directional signs shall generally be exempt from the provisions of this Ordinance, in accordance with
Section 232.
(2) Directional signs may include the name or logo of the business to which they are related. Applicants
are encouraged to use a logo, typestyle and/or color consistent with the signage of the business or tenant to
which they are related.
(3) Directional signs shall not be considered additional Wwall or free-standing signs.
(4) Directional signs shall be sufficient to direct traffic safely, and shall not, in the determination of the
Code Officer, be excessive. Such a determination shall include a consideration of factors such as, but not
limited to, clarity in providing instructions for use of the facility, safety of pedestrian and vehicular traffic to
be directed, the configuration of the buildings and improvements on the site.
the nature of the business or operation involved, the volume of traffic to be directed, and the configuration
of the buildings and improvements on the site.
(4)(5) Lettering on a directional sign shall not exceed six (6) inches in height.
(5)(6) Number and size of directional signs:
(1) For properties of less than ten (10) acres in size, the number, and placement and size of
directional signs shall not exceed one (1) per curb cut or driveway entrance to a property or a maximum
of three (3), whichever is less. No such directional sign shall exceed three (3) square feet in area. No such
directional sign shall have its upper-most point more than be more than five (5) feet in heightabove the
post-construction grade.
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(2) For properties ten (10) acres or more in size, the number of directional signs shall not exceed
one (1) per two (2) acres of property area, to a maximum of eight (8) directional signs. Not more than
one (1) directional sign shall be placed within twenty-five (25) feet of each curb-cut or driveway
entrance. No directional sign shall exceed ten (10) square feet in size, and no more than half (rounded
up) of the maximum allowable number of directional signs shall exceed three (3) square feet in size. No
directional sign less than or equal to three (3) square feet in size shall be more than five (5) feet in
height, and no directional sign larger than three (3) square feet in size shall be more than ten (10) feet in
height.
(6)(7) No directional sign shall be placed closer than five (5) feet from a property line. No directional sign
that is greater than three (3) square feet in size shall be located closer than fifty (50) feet from a property
line.
SECTION 132. Signs in Residential AreasZoning Districts
(A) Non-residential uses in residential zoning districts. There shall be no signs in a residential district (as so
classified under the South Burlington Land Development Regulations as presently in force or hereafter adopted
and amended from time to time), except that one (1) sign may be erected and maintained for a lLot on which a
valid non-residential use exists under South Burlington Land Development Regulations, provided that the sign
does not exceed twenty (20) square feet, or thirty (30) square feet when located on a Lot having frontage on
Airport Drive, or forty (40) square feet when located on a Lot of at least two (2) acres having frontage on Dorset
Street or Hinesburg Road within the Southeast Quadrant Zoning District.
(B) Multi-tenant or multi-building complexes located partially within the R7-NC zoning district. For purposes
of this Ordinance only and notwithstanding Section subsection 13(aA) above, multi-tenant buildings or multi-
building structures under common management and ownership which are located wholly or partially within the
R7-NC zoning district, and which have more than one approved curb cut onto a public roadway, shall be
considered to be in a non-residential zoning district irrespective of the zoning of the portion of the property lying
outside the R7-NC zoning district.
(C) Educational facilities in the Residential 4 and SEQresidential zoning districts. Notwithstanding Section
subsection 13(aA) above, a public or private educational facility accredited by the State of Vermont to provide
elementary or secondary education may erect and maintain one (1) freestanding sign of with a sign area of up to
thirty-two (32) square feet, which may include a changeable message area consistent with the provisions of
Section 98(g)(5) above.
(D) Home Occupations. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, a sign identifying a home
occupation as defined by the South Burlington Land Development Regulations as presently in force or amended
from time to time in a residential district shall not exceed two (2) square feet.
(E) Bed and Breakfast Establishments. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, a sign
identifying a bed and breakfast as defined by the South Burlington Land Development Regulations as presently in
force or amended from time to time in a residential district shall not exceed four (4) square feet when located on
a Lot fronting on a street or road having a maximum posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less, or eight (8)
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square feet when located on a Lot fronting on a street or road where the maximum posted speed limit is in
excess of 25 miles per hour.
(F)(E) Signs Identifying Residential Complexes. Notwithstanding any provisions herein to the contrary, one (1)
identification sign not exceeding twenty (20) square feet for purposes of identifying a single residential complex
is permitted in a residential district.
(G) Signs Identifying Dental or Medical Clinics. Notwithstanding any provisions herein to the contrary, one
(1) identification sign not exceeding twenty (20) square feet for purposes of identifying a dental or medical clinic
is permitted in a residential district.
SECTION 143. Landscape Feature Signs
(A) In all districts in the City, a landscape feature sign may be utilized in place of a free standing sign on any
Lot eligible for a free-standing sign. On Lots eligible for multiple free-standing signs, multiple landscape feature
signs may be allowed in accordance with the regulations for multiple free standing signs.
(B) A landscape feature to which a sign is proposed to be attached must be approved by the South
Burlington Development Review Board (DRB) Code Officer as part of its issuance of a permit for the Lot on which
the sign is proposed. Upon approval by the DRB of athe landscape feature, the Code Officer may issue a sign
permit for the use of the Landscape Feature as a sign in accordance with the dimensional and administrative
requirements of this Ordinance.
(C) Location. No sign may be attached to a landscape feature that is closer than five (5) feet to any property
line at any point. No sign larger than 40 square feet may be attached to a landscape feature that is closer than 20
feet to any property line at any point.
(D) A landscape feature sign shall consist of either individual Ccut-Oout Letters and/or a cut-out logo, or an
inset sign, either of which shall be permanently attached to or set into an approved landscape feature.
(E) The individual Ccut-Oout lLetters and/or logo, or the inset sign, shall not project above the top of the
landscape feature at any point.
(F) The total area of the Ccut-Oout lLetters and/or logo, or the inset sign, may not exceed the maximum area
of a free-standing sign (excluding any support structure) that would be allowable for the same Lot.
(G) No landscape feature to which a sign is attached may exceed six (6) feet in height from finished grade at
any point, or four (4) feet in average height, from the finished grade at the base of the landscape feature.
The Development Review Board may allow up to aA maximum of seven (7) feet in height from finished grade and
up to a maximum of five (5) feet in average height from the finished grade around the base of the landscape
feature may be allowed, upon a finding that the sign as proposed:
(1) Will not appear unduly bulky or massive from any public street, sidewalk, public land or traveled way,
(2) Will not present a hazard to traffic or pedestrian safety; and
(3) Will be in keeping with the scale and character of other landscaping on the same and adjacent lots.
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(H) A border area without any attached or inset signage must be maintained for a minimum of six (6) inches
in all directions from the outside edge of the Ccut-Oout lLetters and/or logo or the inset placard sign. The border
area shall be at least sixty percent (60%) of the total area of the landscape feature.
(I) The visual impact of maintenance panels should be minimized.
(J) Backlighted Lletters and/or cut out logos shall be permitted, provided the installation is consistent with
Section ____ of this Ordinance. Shielded exterior spotlighting shall be permitted, with the beam spread not to
exceed the area of the cut out letters and/or logo or inset sign.
SECTION 154. Airport Signage
(A) Airfield and Air National Guard Signage. Except as provided in (3) below, all signage on the airfield of
Burlington International Airport or property owned by the Vermont Air National Guard that is installed pursuant
to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or United States Department of Defense (DOD) requirements, as
applicable, shall be exempt from the provisions of this Ordinance.
(B) Other Necessary Signage. Except as provided in (3) below, all other signage on Burlington International
Airport and Vermont Air National Guard property necessary to safe and efficient operation of the Airport or
National Guard premises shall be determined by the Airport or Vermont Air National Guard pursuant to FAA or
DOD recommended standards, as applicable, and shall be exempt from the provisions of this Ordinance.
(C) Signs on Airport Property within 20' of Road Rights-of-Way. Signs on Burlington International Airport
property to be located within twenty feet (20') of the edge of the right-of-way of a public road adjacent to the
Airport shall be subject to the provisions of this Ordinance and shall require a sign permit.
SECTION 165. Perpendicular Signs
Perpendicular signs will be permitted subject to the following conditions:
(a) Where property dimensions create circumstances that do not allow for a free standing sign, a
perpendicular building mounted sign or signs may be permitted.
(b) Any perpendicular sign to be installed must be determined to be properly mounted on the building from
which it is hung in a safe and appropriate fashion relative to the architecture of the building.
(c) A perpendicular sign may not extend above the top of the building wall or parapet to which it is
attached.
(d) A perpendicular sign may extend no more than three (3) feet from the outside edge of the wall to which
it is attached, and may have a vertical dimension of no more than ten (10) feet The maximum area of the sign
face of a perpendicular sign shall be thirty (30) square feet.
(e) All signs of this type must be designed properly so as to be structurally correct and safe for pedestrians,
traffic and other activities which occur in the vicinity.
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(f) Perpendicular signs are subject to the approval of the Code Officer who may seek the review of an
architect, sign and/or engineering expert consultant to assist in his or her determination. All associated costs for
this consultant review are to be borne by the applicant.
Perpendicular signs are permitted subject to the following conditions:
(A) A property shall be permitted either to install perpendicular sign(s) pursuant to this section OR free-
standing sign(s) pursuant to Section 8, but in no case shall both be permitted.
(B) Any perpendicular sign to be installed must be structurally sound and safe for pedestrians, traffic and
other activities.
(C) Any proposed encroachment into or over the public right-of-way must provide to the Code Officer
written approval from the Department of Public Works of such encroachment prior to issuance of a permit.
(D) A perpendicular sign may not extend above the top of the building wall or parapet to which it is
attached.
(E) A perpendicular sign may extend no more than three (3) feet from the outside edge of the wall to which
it is attached.
(F) A perpendicular sign shall have its lowest point no less than eight (8) feet above the ground level.
(G) Number and area of perpendicular signs. A property may elect to have either:
(1) One (1) perpendicular sign for the building, with an area not to exceed twenty-one (21) square feet
OR
(2) One (1) perpendicular sign per first-floor tenant with a direct entryway, with an area not to exceed
five (5) square feet and located on the tenant’s storefront.
(H) Parallel and Attached Faces: Signs having two (2) parallel and attached faces shall be considered as one
sign, and the area shall be computed for one side only.
(I) A perpendicular sign shall not be internally illuminated.
aSECTION 176. Real Estate and Construction Project Signs
(A) Real estate signs. Signs advertising to the public that the property on which the same sign is displayed is
available for sale, rent or lease shall not require a sign permit, but shall not be illuminated and shall be subject to
the limitations in this Section.
(1) In non-residential zoning districts, each Llot shall be entitled to one (1) such freestanding sign not to
exceed sixteen (16) square feet if located within twenty (20) feet of the edge of the right-of-way, or thirty-
two (32) square feet if located more than twenty (20) feet from the edge of the right-of-way.
(2) In residential zoning districts, each Lot shall be entitled to one (1) such free standing sign not to
exceed six (6) square feet.
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(B) Construction Project signs. Signs advertising that new construction, or an expansion, renovation or
addition project (including painting, roofing, and siding) is taking place on the property on which the sign is
displayed are subject to the provisions of this Section.
(1) In non-residential zoning districts and in residential zoning districts where a multi-lot development
involving ten (10) or more Lots is taking place, Construction Project signs shall be limited to one (1) sign per
property or multi-lot development, not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in area and eight (8) feet in
height and not illuminated. Such signs shall require a sign permit.
(2) Except as provided above, in residential zoning districts up to two (2) Construction Project signs may
be displayed simultaneously on a Lot. A single Construction Project sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet,
or three (3) square feet each if two (2) such signs are displayed on a single Lot. Such signs shall not require a
sign permit.
(3) Construction Project signs in all districts shall remain only until completion of the project. Such signs
remaining on a Lot after the project is completed shall be in violation of this Ordinance.
(4) Additional signs required to meet safety regulations for construction projects shall be exempt from
the provisions of this Ordinance, and shall not require a sign permit.
(5) Except as specifically provided for residential zoning districts in (2) above, multiple Construction
Project signs shall not be permitted and shall be subject to removal by the City.
(C) Display of construction project and real estate signs on the same Lot. In all zoning districts, on Lots of
80,000 square feet or less, there shall be no more than two (2) real estate and/or Construction Project signs
displayed simultaneously. On Lots in non-residential zoning districts exceeding 80,000 square feet, no more than
three (3) real estate and/or construction Project signs may be displayed simultaneously.
SECTION 187. Miscellaneous Types of Signs
(A) Roof Signs - It shall be unlawful for any person to Eerect, alter, relocate or maintain a roof sign as defined
in this Ordinance. Provided, however, that a sign may be erected on a parapet wall if such parapet is an integral
part of and architecturally consistent with the entire building and is not erected principally to receive and
enhance the visibility of the sign. Any such sign shall not extend above said parapet wall.
(B) Banners and Pennants - It shall be unlawful for any person to Eerect, relocate, alter or maintain banners
or pennants as defined in this Ordinance, except as permitted as an Event Sign. However, properly displayed
governmental flags shall be permitted, but not in excess of three different flags per lot. In addition, a business
may display one flag, not exceeding six (6) square feet on which is depicted its name, emblem or logo, except in
the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District where such is prohibited.
(C) Projecting Signs - It shall be unlawful for any person to Erect, alter, relocate or maintain any projecting
Psign as defined in this Ordinance, except as specifically allowed in Section 1095.
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(C) Inflatable or Wind Sign - It shall be unlawful to Eerect, alter, relocate or maintain any inflatable or wind
sign as defined in this Ordinance.
(D) Billboard Signs - It shall be unlawful for any person to Eerect, alter, maintain or relocate any billboard
sSign as defined in this Ordinance, except as specifically allowed.
(E) Animated Signs; Action Signs - It shall be unlawful for any person to Erect, maintain, alter or relocate any
Animated Sign or Action Sign except as specifically exempted within Section 232 of this Ordinance.
(F) Limited Access Facility - No sign may be erected if it is so located as to be primarily readable from a
limited access facility as defined in Title 19 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated.
(G) Temporary and Paper Signs - Except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 198 herein, signs of
paper, cardboard or similar material or signs which are temporary or non-permanent are hereby prohibited.
(H) Window Signs - Window signs including those which are temporary or permanent in nature are
permitted provided the total sign area does not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the total wWindow area to
which the sign(s) is attached.
(1) Where a Window or Windows constitute fifty percent (50%) or more of the area of an individual
building façade, the Code Officer shall have the authority to treat signs affixed to the wWindow or
wWindows as wWall signs in keeping with Section 109 of this Ordinance.
(2) A sign or signs painted on or affixed to the inside or outside of wWindows shall be counted against
the area of Wall signs allowed for the building if the combined area of such a wWindow sign or signs exceeds
twenty-five percent (25%) of the wWindow occupied.
(I) Raceway Signs - Raceway signs, including cans, the metal structure and/or the box frame, must be made
so that the raceway enclosure blends with the exterior Wall of the building to which it is attached. Raceway
sSigns are subject to the provisions of Section 109 of this Ordinance (Wall signs).
SECTION 198. Temporary Sidewalk and Event Signs
(A) Temporary Sidewalk Sign. A business establishment or other entity with a direct exterior entrance shall
be permitted to display one (1) sidewalk sign, subject to the following conditions:
(1) Such sign shall require an annual permit issued by the Code Officer, which shall be valid from the
date of issuance through December 31 of the calendar year during which it is issued;
(2) Such sign may only be displayed during the hours of business of the entity being advertised;
(3) Sign messages may be altered throughout the course of the permit, but shall not be an Animated
Sign and shall not be a Reader Board or other sign with interchangeable plastic lettering;
(4) Such signs shall be located within close proximity of a public operable entryway to the business
being advertised.
(5) A sidewalk sign shall not impede pedestrian or bicycle traffic. No sign may be placed in such a way as
to reduce the continuous unobstructed width of a sidewalk or walkway to less than four (4) feet or obstruct
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an entrance way or emergency exit. Such sign shall not obscure visibility for motorists, and shall not impede
snow clearance or other maintenance work.
(6) Signage may not be permanently affixed in any way, butway but may be affixed during daily use to
prevent theft or being blown away.
(7) Maximum Size. A sidewalk sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and shall not exceed 24” in
width or 36” in height. This does not include the size of the base or frame, which shall not be larger than is
necessary to hold the sign face in place. Signs shall not consume more than 36” in depth- whether by length
or spread of base legs. Signage may be double faced.
(8) Materials. Signage shall be constructed of weather resistant materials. Cardboard, paper, and
particle board are not permitted. Signage shall be sturdy, meant to withstand light winds, but also portable
and readily movable.
(9) Lighting. Signage may not include any lighting or electronic components.
(10) No materials such as flags, streamers, or balloons may be attached to sidewalk signs.
(B) Temporary Event Sign. Unless prohibited elsewhere in this Ordinance, an individual lot, as defined with
the City’s Land Development Regulations, or in the case of a Planned Unit Development approved by the
Development Review Board, each lot contained within the Planned Unit Development shall be allowed one
concurrent (1) event banner or sign in accordance with the following conditions:
(1) Such sign shall require a Event Sign Permit issued by the Code Officer, which shall be valid for the
dates specified on the approved permit.
(2) Event banners and signs shall be maintained for a maximum of fourteen (14) consecutive days once
in every two (2) calendar month period, or seven (7) days once each calendar month.
(3) Any such application shall be signed by the property owner.
(4) Sign messages may be altered throughout the course of the permit, but shall not be an Animated
Sign and shall not be a Reader Board or other sign with interchangeable plastic lettering;
(5) Maximum Size. Event A-frame signs up to eight (8) feet in height and containing no more than thirty-
two (32) square feet in area, and event Banners up to thirty-two (32) square feet in area are permitted.,
provided that such signs are located at least five feet from City right-of-way.
(1)(6) Establishments located on parcels of two (2) acres or more with a principal permitted business as a
hotel and conference center shall be exempt from the limitations in Section 18(B)(2) above; however, no
individual event sign may be maintained for a period in excess of fourteen (14) consecutive days every two
(2) calendar month period, or seven (7) days once each calendar month. Event signs in excess of those
permitted in Section 18(B)(2) above shall be limited to advertising specific temporary or limited-duration
functions taking place on the property, and shall not be permitted for general advertising of the principal
hotel or conference center function.
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Unless prohibited elsewhere in this Ordinance, a business establishment or other entity shall be allowed one (1)
temporary sign in accordance with the following conditions:
(2) No "Reader Boards" or similar such changeable wheeled signs are allowed.
(3) Temporary "A-F frame" or "Ssandwich bBoard" signs up to eight (8) feet in height and containing no
more than thirty-two (32) square feet in area, and banners up to thirty-two (32) square feet in area which
are permanently affixed for the purpose of advertising the opening of a new retail establishment or a special
sales event on the Lot where the signs are located, are permitted.
(4) Temporary signs shall be maintained for a maximum of fourteen (14) consecutive days once in every
two (2) calendar month period, or seven (7) days once each calendar month.
(5) Temporary signs shall be maintained for a maximum of five (5) days in a calendar month provided
the signs are displayed on the same day of the week for the entire month.
(6) Applicants for a Temporary sign may choose either (c) or (d) above, but shall not change their permit
within the duration of the permit.
(7) Establishments located on parcels of two (2) acres or more with a principal permitted business as a
hotel and conference center shall be exempt from the limitations in Sections 198(c-e) above; however, no
individual Temporary sign may be maintained for a period in excess of fourteen (14) consecutive days every
two (2) calendar month period, or seven (7) days once each calendar month. Temporary signs in excess of
those permitted in Sections 19(c-e) above shall be limited to signs advertising specific temporary or limited-
duration functions taking place on the property, and shall not be permitted for general advertising of the
principal hotel or conference center function.
(8) Notwithstanding Section 198(b) above, Temporary signs for non-residential uses in residential zoning
districts shall be limited to a maximum of six (6) square feet in area, with the exception of Temporary signs
for places of worship in any zoning district and valid non-residential uses on Lots of at least two (2) acres
with frontage on Dorset Street or Hinesburg Road within the Southeast Quadrant Zoning District.
SECTION 2019. General Sign Requirements
The following requirements shall apply to all signs:
(A) No Signs within Public Road Rights-of-Way - No permanent or Temporary sign, including but not limited
to signs for real estate sales, product or service advertisement, and political advertisements, other than those
required for governmental purposes, or otherwise explicitly provided for in this Ordinance, shall be located
within a public road right-of-way.
(B) Maintenance - All signs and other advertising structures, together with all their supports, braces, guys
and anchors, shall be of substantial and sturdy construction, shall be kept in good repair, and shall be painted or
cleaned as often as necessary to maintain a clean, neat, safe and orderly appearance.
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(C) Wind Pressure and Dead Load Requirements - Any sign or advertising structure as defined in this
Ordinance shall be designed and constructed to withstand wind pressures and receive dead loads as required by
recognized engineering and construction practices in the City of South Burlington.
(D) Obstruction to Doors, Windows or Fire Escapes - No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as
to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, wWindow or fire escape. No sign shall be attached to a stand
pipe or fire escape.
(E) Signs Not to Constitute Traffic Hazards - In order to secure and maintain reasonable traffic safety, it shall
be unlawful for any person to eErect or maintain any sign containing reflective materials or any animated sign or
action sign as defined in this Ordinance. No sign shall be erected or maintained in such a manner as to
obstruction free and clear vision or so as to distract the attention of the driver of any vehicle by reason of the
position, shape or color thereof. Pursuant to the foregoing, no sign shall be erected or maintained in such a
manner as to be likely to interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with, any authorized traffic sign,
signal or device. Accordingly, no sign or other advertising structure shall make use of the words "Stop", "Go",
"Look", "Slow", "Danger", or any other similar phrase, symbol, or character, or apply any color in such a manner
as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
(F) Projecting Images - No person or establishment shall project light, lLogos or images into any area visible
from a public sidewalk or right-of-way.
(G) Design Standards for All Signs - Signs shall be designed and constructed in such manner and of such
materials as to be consistent with the following design standards unless the applicant can establish to the
satisfaction of the Code Officer, that any standards which are not met are inapplicable, unnecessary, or would
create an extraordinary and unreasonable hardship:
(1) No sign shall be located on a tree, or painted or drawn upon a rock, lawn, or the ground, excluding
permitted landscape feature signs as provided herein.
(2) All signs, and the standards and posts supporting them, shall be of substantial and sturdy
construction. Break-away standards and posts are permitted if of substantial and study construction.
(3) Signs shall not dominate the Lot on which they stand or the building to which they are attached, but
shall be compatible with same.
(4) Signs shall contain a minimum amount of lettering which shall be clearly visible to the public without
being distracting to motorists.
(H) No sign may be erected if it is so located as to be primarily readable from a limited access facility as
defined in Title 19, V.S.A.
(I) No display of pornographic or lewd signs shall be permitted.
(J) No sign shall be affixed to a handrail or fence.
(K) No sign shall be attached to a water supply tank, and no sign shall be painted on a water supply tank
except for governmental or operational identifications or notices, which are to be as minimal in size as
practicable.
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(L) No sign shall be attached to a utility cabinet other than identification or required operational signs
installed by the owner of the cabinet. No advertising signs shall be installed on any cabinet.
(M) Off-premise signage shall not be permitted.
(N) The use of parked or stationary motor vehicles to display Temporary signs, such as but not limited to
stickers, Bbanners, drapes, and placards, for advertising purposes, shall be prohibited. For purposes of this sub-
section such Temporary signs shall include but not be limited to those signs that would not remain affixed to the
vehicle when the vehicle is moving, or that would constitute a hazard to safe operation of the vehicle, and other
similar cases as determined by the Code Officer.
SECTION 210. Lighting
(A) Except as provided elsewhere in this Ordinance, indirect or interior lighting may be used to illuminate
any sign provided that the source of light shall concentrate the illumination upon the area of the sign so as toand
prevent glare upon the street or adjacent property. Except in the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District, fixtures
should not be placed any nearer than five (5) feet to the property line.
(B) It shall be unlawful for any person to Eerect, alter, maintain or relocate any sign employing the use of
luminescent lights as defined in this Ordinance, except where such luminescent elements are shielded from
direct view by a separate translucent material.
(C) No sign of any kind shall be left illuminated after ten o'clock P.M. (10:00 PM) in any residential zoning
district, and no sign of any kind shall be left illuminated after midnight in any nonresidential zoning district unless
the premises are open for business after midnight, in which case, no sign of any kind shall be left illuminated
after the premises are closed for business. Notwithstanding the above, a Wall sign may be left illuminated, if the
Code Officer determines that it is necessary for the protection of the property from theft or vandalism, and such
determination is made a part of the permit.
(D) String lighting shall not be allowed except for a non-permanent, seasonal or charitable business with
permit by Code Officer.
(E) In the Dorset Street/City Center Sign District, iInternally illuminated signs shall utilize opaque
backgrounds and translucent letters, lLogos and/or graphics, so as to iensure that the lettering, Logos and/or
graphics are illuminated rather than the background. Translucent backgrounds utilizing dark colors may be used
with white, clear or other light translucent letters, Logos and/or graphics, provided the Design Review
Committee determines that the effect will be consistent with the intent of this provision.
(F) The illumination of flags must conform to the provisions of the South Burlington Land Development
Regulations regarding nighttime illumination of governmental flags. No other upward illumination of flags is
permitted.
(G) The use of integrated neon, LED and fiber optic lighting to illuminate signs shall be permitted provided
the light source is covered with a clear, translucent or opaque material so that the light source is diffused and no
glare is reflected. Exposed neon lighting shall not be permitted.
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(H) Except as provided in (gG) above, fixtures shall not include bare bulbs, and fixtures shall not make bare
bulbs or other direct light sources visible to persons viewing a sign.
SECTION 221. Regulations for Establishments Selling Gasoline
(A) Wall signs. For establishments selling gasoline, Wall signs may be attached to the principal building and,
if applicable, to a structural canopy. There shall be no more than two (2) Wall signs on a principal building with
the total area of all Wall signs on the principal building not to exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the Gross façade
area of the principal building.
(B) Structural Canopies. There shall be no more than four (4) advertising and/or brand identification signs
attached to each structural canopy on each Lot, with no more than one (1) such sign attached to each face of a
structural canopy and no individual sign to exceed fifteen (15) square feet. Internal illumination of structural
canopies shall be permitted and shall not constitute a sign.
(C) Signs necessary to operations. There shall be no limit on the total number of signs necessary for the
operation of the establishment attached to a structural canopy and gasoline pumps, including such signs as
"restrooms," "self service," or "air," provided no individual sign exceeds six (6) square feet. The foregoing not-
withstanding, however, any such sign including the name and/or logo of the business to which it is attached,
other than names or Logos integral to a gasoline pump, shall count as a Wall or structural canopy sign and shall
be subject to the applicable provisions of this Section and Ordinance.
(D) Free-standing signs. For establishments selling gasoline, there shall be no more than one free-standing
sign per Lot. If a price sign is included as part of the free-standing sign, such establishments may add up to
twelve (12) square feet to the free-standing sign allowance otherwise applicable to the Lot. Such price signs must
be an integral part of the one (1) allowed free-standing sign. The permitted area of the base or support structure
of the free-standing sign shall be based on the maximum area of the free-standing sign applicable to the Lot,
excluding the additional twelve (12) square foot allowance for signs that include a price sign.
(E) The total square footage of all signs on the Lot, including point-of-purchase signs on gasoline pumps but
excluding signs identified in subsection (cC) above, shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet.
(F) The outdoor display of products for sale shall be prohibited, with the exception of vehicle tires, ice
and/or propane.
(G) Temporary signs outside the principal building shall be permitted as per Section 198 of this Ordinance.
SECTION 232. Exemptions
The provisions and regulations of this Ordinance shall not apply to official business directional signs and sign
plazas as defined in and erected pursuant to Chapter 21 of Title 10, Vermont Statutes Annotated. The provisions
and regulations of this Ordinance shall also not apply to the following signs, provided however, said signs shall be
subject to the provisions of Sections 2019, 210 and 254.
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(A) Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any stone or masonry
surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials and not exceeding six (6) square feet in
total area.
(B) One (1) residential "Name Place Sign" as defined in this Ordinance;
(C) Traffic signs and legal notices;
(D) Signs or billboards approved by the Code Officer that advertise the City of South Burlington, or any of its
departments, or provide a community directory to the recreational and commercial facilities offered in the City;
or advise the public of the location of facilities operated by the City or any of its departments; or that advertise
the South Burlington School District. In no case, however, shall Animated Signs be approved except in accordance
with the standards of Section 232(K), “signs for post-secondary institutions”
(E) Directional Signs, consistent with the provisions of Section 112 above; provided however, that the Code
Officer may order the removal of Directional Signs upon finding by him that some are unnecessary, not within
the definition set out in Section 32, or are otherwise contrary to the provisions of this Ordinance;
(F) Bona fide Christmas and holiday decorations displayed during the holiday’s celebratory period from
November 15 through January 5;
(G) "Warning", "Danger", "No Trespassing", or similar signs, in size and quantity as reasonably required to
accomplish their intended purpose;
(H) Signs for charitable or political purposes displayed on a Wall or Window.
(I)(H) Signs attached to electronic scoreboards, provided the following are met:
(1) The scoreboard upon which the sign is attached is located on City owned or leased land,
(2) The sign advertises a business or organization that made a monetary contribution towards the
scoreboard in question,
(3) The sign includes the words "This scoreboard donated by" or similar words to that effect,
(4) The maximum size of the sign shall not exceed twenty-one (21) square feet,
(5) The area of the sign shall not exceed twenty-four percent (24%) of the area of the scoreboard and
sign combined,
(6) The maximum height of the sign shall be ten (10) feet, measured from the average finished grade at
the base of the scoreboard to the highest point of any part of the sign,
(7) The sign shall not be illuminated.
(8) The sign shall be covered by an attractive, fitted panel so that it is not visible during the months of
November through March, and
(9) The sign shall require written approval from the City Manager, or his/her designee, prior to its
erection or alteration.
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(I) Multi-tenant buildings and multi-building complexes that display individual tenant signs within an
approved free-standing sign. A multi-tenant building or multi-building structure under common management
and ownership that has an approved free-standing sign used to display signs bearing the names of the tenant
uses within the building or complex may remove and/or replace the tenant signs within the approved free-
standing sign without obtaining a Permanent Sign permit, subject to the following conditions:
(1) The individual tenant sign proposed to be installed must have the same sign dimensions, use the
same background color, use the same font color, and use the same font size as the individual tenant sign that
is proposed to be removed.
(J) One- or two-sided free-standing signs for post secondary educational institutions which are used to
provide information regarding on-campus activities that are open to the public. Such signs must be approved by
the City Manager or the manager's designee, may not exceed fifty (50) square feet per side, must be at least
fifteen (15) feet from the pavement of any public road, must not be located within any public right-of-way, and
may not exceed ten (10) feet in height. Such signs may include an electronic message board Animated Sign not
exceeding ten (10) square feet on each side of the sign, which may only be used between the hours of 7:00 A.M.
and midnight. Information may be displayed on the message board on an intermittent basis, provided each
display is at least five (5) minutes in duration. Each institution shall be limited to one (1) sign.
(K) Signs reasonably necessary for the operation and use of the Green Mountain Transit Chittenden County
Transportation Authority, its successors, and other public transit services.
(L) Purely decorative murals, as defined in this Ordinance, that in the judgment of the Code Officer do not
have the intent or visual effect of increasing the area of a sign.
(M) All Wall and free-standing signs, including those attached to Windows and doors, that are necessary to
ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, provided such signs do not interfere with public
safety.
(N) Sculptures that do not involve a representation of or reference to a business, service or good shall not be
construed to be signs and shall be exempt from the provisions of this Ordinance. Sculptures may be subject to
the provisions of the South Burlington Land Development Regulations, as amended.
(O) Vermont and Federal government markers of historical sites or places of interest and Vermont state
tourism signs, provided such signs do not interfere with public safety.
(P) One (1) help wanted sign of no more than four twelve (124) square feetmay be attached to permitted
free-standing sign.
(Q) Barber poles, in accordance with Vermont statutes.
(R) Wayfinding and interpretive signage. Sponsors of activities requiring bona fide interpretive signage or
Wayfinding signs, such as but not limited to signage for a natural area, natural resource demonstration project,
educational initiative, or projects with a focus on historic, natural or cultural resources, may apply for a permit.
Master Signage Permit pursuant to Section 87 of this Ordinance. The Design Review CommitteeThe Code Officer
shall have the authority to determine the appropriate number, sizes, locations, designs and contents of such
Wayfinding or interpretive signs to meet the objectives of the wayfinding or interpretive signage, but in no case
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shall the size of any single Wayfinding or interpretive sign exceed twenty (20) square feet. The Design Review
Committee shall have the authority to require supplemental plans or graphics, to require additional review by
the Design Review Committee or Code Officer for changes or amendments to a Master Signage Permit, and to
issuance of individual sign permits for certain signs approved within a Master Signage Permit.
(S) Signs designated as "historic" by the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation (or its successor) or the
National Register of Historic Places. Alternations to such signs shall only be permitted if the entire sign becomes
compliant with these regulations or if the proposed alterations are approved as remaining "historic" by the
above-named bodies.
(T) Informational signs affixed to the principal face of a propane gas cage containing safety information, the
manufacturer's name, the manufacturer's logo, and/or emergency contact information. Lettering, numbering, or
Logos shall not exceed three (3) inches in height.
(U) One (1) restaurant menu not exceeding two (2) square feet in size per restaurant, affixed to a Wall that is
adjacent to a door that leads directly into such restaurant. No lettering or numbers shall exceed one (1) inch in
height. No such menus shall be internally illuminated. Any other lighting shall be downcast directly onto the
menu.
(V) Up to two (2) signs affixed to an electric vehicle charging station not exceeding fifty (50) square inches
per sign.
(V) , up to twelve (12) square feet in size, direct exterior entry
(W) Flags. The following types of flags are exempt from this Ordinance:
(1) Properly displayed governmental flags of up to 24 square feet shall be permitted, but not in excess of
three different flags per lot.
(2) A business may display one flag of any type properly affixed to a building or permanent flagpole, not
exceeding fifteen (15) square feet.
SECTION 243. Non-Conforming Signs
(A) Except as provided for in Section 24 (C), On or before JUNE 3, 2009, all non-conforming signs shall have
been removed, lawfully replaced, or otherwise altered so as to comply with all applicable provisions of the South
Burlington Sign Ordinance in effect as of that datewithin seven (7) years of adoption or amendment of this
ordinance.
(B) (B) An existing "conforming sign that was lawfully erected " shall become a non-conforming sign on the
effective date of an amendment of this ordinance that establishes a standard or requirement with which the sign
does not conform. A conforming sign shall be:
(C) Any sign in existence on June 3, 2009, that on such date was in full compliance with all requirements of
this ordinance as it was then constituted; or
(D) Any sign first constructed after June 3, 2009, in strict compliance with a permit issued under this
ordinance; or
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(B) Any sign altered or relocated after June 3, 2009, in strict compliance with a permit issued under this
ordinance.
(E) Within five (5) years of the date a sign becomes non-conforming, it shall be removed or, following
issuance of a permit, be altered or relocated to comply with this ordinance.
(C) Exceptions.
(1) Any approved landscape feature to which a sign was attached prior to the adoption of this Ordinance
may continue indefinitely and may be normally maintained and repaired.
(1) Any existing sign structure lawfully in existence prior to the adoption of this ordinance in the City
Center Sign District, may be normally maintained or repaired. Any replacement of sign within the sign
structure shall be in accordance with the standards of the District.
(2) Existing internally illuminated signs lawfully in existence prior to the adoption of this ordinance are
permitted to continue until such time as that sign is proposed to be altered or replaced through a new
Permanent Sign permit.
SECTION 254. Unsafe and Unlawful Signs
If the Code Officer shall find that any sign is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, or has been
constructed, erected or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this Ordinance, he the Code Officer
shall immediately give written notice to the owner thereof and shall have said written notice served by certified
mail with return receipt requested. If the owner failsed to remove or alter the structure, so as to comply with the
standards herein set forth, at the discretion of the Code Officer after receipt of such notices, said sign or
structure may be required to be removed by the Code Officer at the expense of the owner of the sign and owner
of the property upon which it is located, such expense of removal to be the joint and several liability of all such
owners. The Code Officer may cause any sign which is an immediate peril to person or property, to be removed
summarily and without notice.
SECTION 265. Removal of Certain Signs
Any sign now or hereafter existing which no longer identifies a bona fide use conducted, or a property sold, on
the Lot on which it is located, or which is not maintained in a safe and appropriate condition, shall be taken
down and removed by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building or structure upon
which such sign may be found on the Lot on which it is located within ten (10) days after written notification
from the Cityode Officer, and upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified in such order, the
Code Officer is hereby authorized to cause removal of such sign, and any expense incident thereto shall be paid
by the owner of the building, structure or Lot to which such sign is attached or is located.
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SECTION 276. Revocation of Permits
The Code Officer is hereby authorized and empowered to revoke any permit issued by him upon failure of the
permittee to comply with any provisions of this Ordinance.
SECTION 287. Renewal of Permits
Upon the expiration of any permits under this Ordinance, the sign for which the permit was issued shall be
removed immediately unless the holder thereof applies for a renewal permit upon payment of the fee set out at
Section 54 hereof and upon the filing of a renewal application on forms furnished by the Code Officer. Such
forms shall include such questions as are reasonably required to enable the Code Officer to decide whether the
renewal permit should be issued in accordance with this Ordinance. The Code Officer shall act within the
number of days, and in the manner set out at Section 76. Provided, further, that no permit shall be issued to any
applicant if the sign or sign owner is not in compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance, as then amended,
except as provided for Master Signage Permits in Section 87.
SECTION 298. Appeals
Any person aggrieved by any action of the Code Officer or Design Review Committee may appeal such action, or
refusal to act, to the South Burlington Development Review Board. Such appeal shall be filedlodged with the City
Clerk within fifteen (15) days of the Code Officer's or Design Review Committee's action or refusal to act, and
shall be accompanied by an appeal fee in accordance with the schedule provided under Section 54 of this
Ordinance. The fee for such appeal shall be the same as for appeals of actions of the Administrative Officer to
the Development Review Board pursuant to the South Burlington Land Development Regulations. The hearing
shall be held at the time and place set by the Chairman of the Development Review Board but no sooner than
seven (7) days, nor later than twenty (20) days, after public notice of such hearing has appeared in a newspaper
having general circulation in the City. The Development Review Board may make such order or take such action,
including the issuance of a permit or the revocation of same as is consistent with this Ordinance. Provided,
however, in deciding such appeals, the Development Review Board may not grant variances, exemption, extra-
ordinary relief or otherwise alter, amend, enlarge or modify the provisions of the Ordinance, it being the intent
of this section to merely provide for appeals from the decisions of the Code Officer or Design Review Committee,
and not to provide for variances or exceptions hereto. The Development Review Board may adopt rules
governing the conduct of such hearings, and if such rules are adopted it shall cause a copy thereof to be
furnished to each applicant at the time that the appeal is taken.
SECTION 3029. Enforcement and Penalties
Any person who violates a provision of this civil ordinance shall be subject to a civil penalty of up to $500 $800
per day for each day that such violation continues. The AdministrativeCode Officer or Assistant Administrative
Officer of the City of South Burlington shall be authorized to act as the Iissuing Mmunicipal Oofficials to issue
and pursue before the Judicial Bureau a municipal complaint. The Code Administrative Officer or Assistant
Administrative Officer shall issue a written warning for a violation of this Ordinance before issuing a municipal
complaint for a first offense of this Ordinance in any calendar year.
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SECTION 30. Civil Penalty; Waiver Fee
(A) An issuing municipal official is authorized to recover civil penalties in the following amounts for each
violation:
First offense $160
Second offense $320
Third offense $480
Fourth offense $640
Fifth and subsequent offenses $800
(B) An issuing municipal official is authorized to recover a waiver fee, in lieu of a civil penalty, in the
following amounts, for any person who declines to contest a municipal complaint and pays the waiver fee:
First offense $100
Second offense $250
Third offense $400
Fourth offense $550
Fifth and subsequent offenses $700
(A) Waiver Fee An Issuing Municipal Official is authorized to recover a waiver fee, in lieu of a civil penalty, in
the following amount, for any person who declines to contest a municipal complaint and pay the waiver fee:
First offense - $25 $50
Second offense - $50 $75
Third offense - $75 $100
Fourth offense - $100 $125
Fifth offense - $125 $150
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Sixth offense - $150 $175
Seventh offense - $175 $200
Eight offense - $200 $250
Ninth offense - $275 $350
Tenth offense - $350 $450
Each subsequent
offense
$550
Offenses shall be counted on a calendar year basis.
(B) Civil Penalties. An Issuing Municipal Official is authorized to recover civil penalties in the following
amounts for each violation:
First offense - $50 $100
Second offense - $100 $150
Third offense - $150 $200
Fourth offense - $200 $250
Fifth offense - $250 $300
Sixth offense - $300 $350
Seventh offense - $350 $400
Eight offense - $400 $500
Ninth offense - $450 $600
Tenth offense - $500 $700
Each subsequent offense - $800
Offenses shall be counted on a calendar year basis.
SECTION 31. OTHER RELIEF
Other Relief. In addition to the enforcement procedures available before the Judicial Bureau, the City Manager is
authorized to commence a civil action to obtain injunctive and other appropriate relief, to request revocation of
a license by the City Council or to pursue any other remedy authorized by law.
State law reference—Judicial bureau, 4 V.S.A. § 1102 et seq.; complaint signed by the issuing municipal official
for civil ordinance violation, 24 V.S.A. § 1977.
SECTION 312. Conformity with State Law
Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, this Ordinance shall in no way be construed to permit the
erection or maintenance of any sign contrary to the laws of Vermont, now in existence or hereafter enacted.
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SECTION 3323. Severability
If any portion of this Ordinance is held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such finding shall not
invalidate any other part of this Ordinance.
Any part or provision of this Ordinance shall be considered severable and, if any provision of this Ordinance or
the application thereto to any person or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity shall not effect other
provisions or applications of the Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions of
application, and to this end the provisions of this Ordinance are declared severable.
SECTION 33. Repeal of Zoning Provisions
Adoption of this Ordinance shall be deemed to repeal such portions of the South Burlington Zoning Ordinance
adopted June 25, 1973 and any amendments thereto, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this
Ordinance.
SECTION 34. Effect. This Ordinance shall take effect from the date of its passage.
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APPENDIX B
Dorset Street/City Center Sign District
Description of District Boundaries
The westerly boundary of the District follows the Interstate Highway Right of Way from Williston Road to
Kennedy Drive in the south. Kennedy Drive forms the southern boundary of the District and Williston Road forms
the northerly boundary. At Kennedy Drive, the District boundary follows the School Department Boundary in a
northeasterly direction along the stream bed and then northerly parallel to Woodcrest Drive and 100 feet back
from the roadway R.O.W. The boundary follows the School Department Boundary in a westerly direction for a
total of 1336 feet. The boundary then heads in a northerly direction, and parallel to Barrett Street for 1130 feet
at which point it turns easterly and follows the Barrett Street alignment and coinciding with the property lines
which are between 110 and 120 feet from the Barrett Street R.O.W. and coinciding with the property line
delineating lands owned by the City of South Burlington. The District boundary follows this property line as it
heads in an irregular fashion to the northwest to its intersection with the property line of lands owned by South
Burlington Realty. At this point the line then heads in an easterly direction for 1245 feet to the Hinesburg Road
R.O.W. The District then follows Hinesburg Road northerly for 181 feet at which point the boundary then follows
the property for the South Burlington Realty parcel as it abuts the Central School Property. The District Boundary
then heads north along the Central School Property for 84 feet and west 200 feet to the end of Mary Street. The
District Boundary then proceeds westerly coinciding with the north property line of the properties located at 2
and 6 Market Street. The District Boundary then heads northerly to Williston Road along the eastern property
lines of properties located at 8 and 100 Dorset Street and 1055 Williston Road.
Departments of Planning & Zoning
and
Community Development
South Burlington City Council | June 3, 2024
Ilona Blanchard, AICP, Community Development Director
Paul Conner, AICP, Director of Planning & Zoning
We Facilitate City Vision Development & Implementation
CITY COUNCIL
Elected
DISCRETIONARY
COMMITTEES
Residents appointed by Council
Economic Development,
Energy
Public Art
Housing
PLANNING COMMISSION
Residents Appointed by Council
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
BOARD
Residents Appointed by Council
CITY MANAGER
Hired/Appointed by Council
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR
Hired by City Manager
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING &
ZONING*
Hired by City Manager
Senior City Planner*
City Planner
Senior Development Review
Planner*
Development Review Planner*
P & Z Assistant*
*Positions serve as the
Administrative
Officers. These are City
Manager hired positions that
the Council appoints
annually to complete the
Statutory responsibilities.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Current Focus: TIF District
Administer: TIF Fund and Public Art Reserve
Committees: Public Art and Economic Development
Active Initiatives:
•City Center capital projects and grant
management
•City Center Parking
•Downtown Events
•Village Green
•SB3C
•Affinity Spaces
As City Center develops:
•Ensure fiscal health and development potential
•Ensure downtown vibrancy
City-wide:
•Support economic and cultural development strategies
•Support strong and equitable community relationships
and spaces
PLANNING & ZONING ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Planning & Zoning Department
FY 2025 5.5 FTE; Director: Paul Conner
Provides long range planning, development review
and zoning administration services
Planning Team:
Kelsey Peterson, Senior City Planner; Nick Atherton, City Planner
Provide professional long range planning services, lead planning
projects & studies, staff liaison to Planning Commission and
Council committees
Development Review Team
Marla Keene, Senior Development Review Planner & Zoning
Administrator; Marty Gillies, Development Review Planner; Betsy
Brown, Planning & Zoning Assistant
Provide technical expertise to guide applicants through
development review process; serve roles of Zoning Administrator
and Code Officer to administer Land Development Regulations
including permitting and enforcement; staff liaison to
Development Review Board
Planning Commission
Statutory Body of City Residents appointed by Council. Duties assigned under Statute
and Charter
Legislative body, responsible for preparing City Plan and Land Development
Regulations and planning studies; update related plans and regulations; advances
community priorities through community engagement, public-private partnerships,
recommendations on use of City funds and grant opportunities
Following public hearings, advance policies to the City Council. Responsible for naming
of streets
Development Review Board
Statutory Body of City Residents appointed by Council. Duties as assigned under
Statute
Independent “quasi-judicial” body; decisions are appealable to the Vermont
Environmental Court
May only take testimony in public hearings; decisions issued following deliberative sessions
Responsible for reviewing and issuing decisions on (larger) proposed development
applications under the City’s Land Development Regulations
Responsible for hearing appeals of decisions of the Zoning Administrator
ESTABLISHED CITY-WIDE POLICIES
•Tax Increment Financing District and State-adopted plan
•City Plan 2024 and Supporting Plans such as Climate Action Plan
•Annual City Budget
•Land Development Regulations; Official Map; Ordinances
CITY CENTER & TIF DISTRICT
City Center
Form Based Code District
Adopted 2016, last modified 2017
T- 4
T- 5
T- 3 T- 3+
STATE’S CITY CENTER DESIGNATIONS
New Town Center Neighborhood Development Area
TIF District
IN THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SINCE THE 1970/80S
Today:
“Invest in a welcoming and walkable built environment, thriving
neighborhoods, and a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented City Center”
ESTABLISHED TIF DISTRICT GOALS:FROM THE TIF PLAN (2012, LAST UPDATED 2021)
WELCOME ALL
PEOPLE WITH
PLACEMAKING
SUPPORT DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
PROMOTE SUSTAINABILITY
State Designations 3
Federal/State Grants 4
Public Votes 4
Comprehensive Plans 2
CCRPC UPWPs 8 or more
City Funds 4
Zoning Amendments 3 (1 major to create the Form Based Code)
LAYERING RESOURCES + PARTNERS
TIF Project Budget: $72,000,000
TIF TIMELINE – SET BY STATUTE
TIF DISTRICT TO DATE BY THE NUMBERS (MAY 2024)
$43,384,100 added to the tax base (2023)
128 affordable housing units occupied
231 new housing units occupied (incl. affordable)
468 new housing units in construction
27,200 square feet of new commercial built
58,000 square feet of new commercial in construction
49,000 square feet of new public building constructed
3,040 linear feet of new street constructed
7,500 linear feet of shared use path added
8.96 acres of new park completed
22 EV Public Chargers in operation
200 new housing units outside the district in City Center
Public Infrastructure Projects
Complete: 5 (3 locations)
In Engineering: 4 (5 locations)
Votes: 4 (8 projects)
TIF Bonds: $29,036,492
TAX INCREMENT
FINANCING (TIF ) 101
TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF)
City & State Big Picture
An
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T
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V
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Tax Revenues
Property value, and thus tax revenues, to
the City and State Ed Fund are HIGHER or
GROW FASTER than they otherwise would
be due to TIF District creation
Original Tax Base Revenues
Tax revenues on the existing property value
are paid to the City and the Ed Fund
Tax Increment
Tax revenue on
new property value due to new
development and City infrastructure
Tax Increment Retention Period (20 Years)AFTER Tax Increment Retention Period
Tax Increment Distribution
•Applies only to properties in the TIF District (subset of City Center)
•State makes Education Funds whole (is calculated across Vermont, not by community)
•Collection period is FY2018-2037
•Public Improvements were pre-approved by VEPC in 2012, modified in 2021 based on contribution to growth
Growth in the TIF increment collected and TIF District Grand List
April 1, 2023 is FY 2024 Grand List
Revenue (Increment) Distribution through FY 2022
Credit: State Auditor’s Office, 2023 Audit
TIME
REVENUEFUNDS
EXPENSES
Vermont TIF Districts - Facts of Life
TIF FISCAL MANAGEMENT TOOLS
➢Capital Reserve Fund (contributions since 2013)
➢Annual Budget
➢Capital Improvement Program
➢Debt Structure
➢Growth Model
➢Expenditure-Revenue Model (projected cash flow)
➢TIF Fund (tracks all expenditures, revenues)
➢VEPC Annual Report, City Audits, State Audit
TIF DISTRICT
FINANCED
PROJECTS
Photo Credit: Stantec
TIF FINANCED PROJECTS COMPLETED
Market Street City Center Park Phase I Library, City Hall, Senior Center
East West Crossing
(2026)
Williston Rd Streetscape
(2026)Garden Street
including Williston Rd
Intersections (2026)
City Center Park
Phase II (2025)
RMCS
City Hall and
Public Library
City Center
Walkable,
Bikeable, and
Transit Accessible
REVENUE EXPENDITURE MODELS:
Two Financial Projections
Scenario 1: Development that has been
permitted or is in permitting is all that
occurs
Assumptions:
➢ Average assessed value over life of TIF based on
Allen, Brooks & Minor Report unit values (over
project values at beginning, likely under projects
values towards end)
➢Includes 3% annual City tax increase, 7% School
FY25, 2% thereafter
Annual New Municipal Increment Post TIF Payment
(2041)
$1,295,444 (100%)
$971,583 (75%)
Scenario 2: Sixty-one units added to the
Grand List annually 2027-2037
Same Model assumptions
Annual New Municipal Increment Post TIF Payment
(2039)
$1,734,744 (100%)
$1,301,058 (75%)
The model (see also assumptions)
Increase in value of the TIF District Grand List since 2012
The tax increment (actual or projected) minus the servicing of the debt and
any direct payments
The actual and projected balance of the TIF Increment Fund by adding the
prior years balance (began at $0 in 2017)
Funds the City has built into the tax rate over for a reserve fund that services
debt for for the City share of project costs, makes some direct payments on
project costs and creates a cash cushion for the TIF Increment Fund.
Expenditures to service debt on City share of project costs as well as direct
payments for City Center project expenditures
Cumulative balance of the reserve fund plus the TIF Increment Fund; note
that at the completion of the 20 Year Increment retention period, any surplus
increment generated by the Ed Fund tax rate will go back to the Ed Fund.
Expenditures to service TIF Debt and direct expenses (such as audits) that
the City pays on bonded TIF District debt and to administer the district from
the TIF Increment Fund
75% of of the municipal and Ed tax revenues on the increase in value, which
is placed in the City’s TIF Increment Fund actual or projected
Scenario 1
What is different in the Exp -Rev Model since December?
December Model Projection
▪Modeled interest rate was 4.26%(consistent with VBB debt cost model)
▪Debt Structure was modeled as level payments (slower principal payments, more interest paid)
▪Tax rate increase modeled at 3% per year for municipal, 1.3% for Homestead, and 2% for Non-
Homestead
▪Amount owed at end of Ed Fund TIF Increment retention was estimated at $6,616,181.
May Model Projection
▪Council has issued last debt
➢Effective Bond Rate is 3.307%
➢Debt Structure is five years delayed level principal payments (faster principal payments, less interest paid)
▪FY 2025 Tax rate increase penciled in at 5.82% for municipal, 7% for Homestead, and 7% for
Non-Homestead (you will set municipal tax rate in July)
▪Amount owed at the end of Ed Fund TIF Increment retention is estimated at $2,495,612.
Scenario 2
City Center is on the way, but has some distance to go:
50% through TIF projects
35% through collection period
20% to development potential in FY 2024
Pipeline development is 65% of TIF potential
(much less of City Center)
On the path to achieving goals:
•Sustainability
•Community gathering places (vibrancy)
•Downtown development potential
CITY PLAN 2024
The guiding principle of this Plan is to make policy decisions
through the lens of climate resilience and reduction in
greenhouse gas emissions, while factoring in other principles
goals in our diverse community.
Key Principles
•Climate-Resilient. Prioritize mitigating climate change impacts
and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
•Inclusive, Fair, and Just. Be equity-oriented, transparent,
equitable, and fiscally responsible in governance.
•People-Oriented, Thoughtful, and Sustainable Built
Environment. Invest in a welcoming and walkable built
environment, thriving neighborhoods, and a vibrant,
pedestrian-oriented City Center.
•Collaborative and Engaged. Be a leader and collaborator in
the regional and statewide community.
CITY PLAN STRUCTURE, GOALS AND STRATEGIES
32
Enabling Statutes:
•Topics include those required under Statute
•Policies must be consistent with Statutory goals
•Amendments to LDRs, Capital Budget, and Official
Map must be consistent with Plan
•Most State grants require consistency with Plan
•Required for State Designations
•Limited Act 250 role
Plan Structure
•Eleven Sections: Ten topics and future land use
•Each section includes specific Goals, Actions and
Inventory, Analysis, & Challenges
•Plan is aspirational: implemented through policies
Plan is in place for eight years; Council guides order of
implementation
City Plan 2024 Topic Areas
•People & Population
•Housing
•Economy
•Energy
•Environment
•Transportation
•Community, History, & Culture
•Recreation
•Community Services
•Water & Utilities
•Land Use Plan
HOW TO USE THE CITY PLAN
Structure of the City Plan
•Guiding principles are intended to be applied
together and are the foundation of the Plan.
•Each Section includes Introduction, Analysis, Goals
& Actions
Introduction and Analysis
•Summary of core issues, trends, intent
Goals
•Measurable (where possible) targets and direction
for the City to pursue over the life of the Plan and
beyond
Actions:
•Specific recommended projects and tasks to
undertake during the life of the Plan
Goals of the 2024 City Plan are ambitious. Examples:
•Increase number of affordable housing units by 1,000 units
by 2035, including 750 units affordable to households earning
up to 80% of AMI.
•Reduce by half the percentage of households who spend
more than 50% of their income on housing costs
•Replace 75% of gas vehicles with all electric vehicles (EVs)
and plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2030 to reduce emissions by
42%
•Reduce vehicle miles traveled by 2.5% annually through 2030
to reduce emissions by 19%
•Locate a recreational amenity within ¼ mile of every dwelling
unit within our residential and mixed-use neighborhoods
•Achieve a City governance structure and public participation
that reflects and represents the diversity of South
Burlington’s population
IMPLEMENTING THE CITY PLAN
Regulatory
•Land Development Regulations – shaping the location, form,
and type of construction and conservation in the community
•Official Map – planned locations of public infrastructure
•Ordinances – Impact Fees, Signs, Peddling, Etc.
Non-Regulatory
•Annual Budget and Capital Improvement Plan
•Open Space / Conservation Fund
•Public-Private Partnerships
•Dedicated funds
•Grant funding
•Committee policy development
ACTIVE PROJECTS: REGULATORY
Act 47 / S.100
Expand housing opportunities in areas
served by water & sewer
Align Regulations to state statutes
consistent with City Plan
Walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods
Simplify process, consolidate zoning
districts and table of uses
Regulate housing by building type, lot
size, and dimensional standards
Transportation Demand Management
Align transportation standards to City Plan
& Climate Action Plan
Electric Vehicle Charging
Up next
Impact Fee Ordinance: Transportation,
Recreation, other
Updates to City Center Form Based Code,
in multiple stages
Consider recommendation from NRCC on
regulation of trees in development
applications
Climate Action Plan continued
implementation
Peddlers Ordinance Updates
ACTIVE PROJECTS: NON -REGULATORY
Current City-wide Projects
Equity in Planning Outreach
Climate Action Plan Implementation
Active Transportation Plan
City Center Parking Management
City Green
Up Next
•Parks and Open Space Master Plan
Upcoming (order to be determined)
•Economic Development Strategic Plan
•Cultural Plan
•Housing Needs Assessment
•Chamberlin / Airport Land Use Plan
TRACKING PROGRESS
The City collects and tracks data on multiple topics
including permitting and housing.
Collected Data can be used to measure progress
on City Plan goals.
•2016 Plan Goal: “The majority of all new
development will occur within the Shelburne
Road, Williston Road, and Kennedy Drive
Corridors, and other areas within the Transit
service area.”
•Measurement: Since 2010, 89% of new
housing units approved have been located in or
immediately adjacent to transit-served areas of
the City
MEETING POLICY GOALS
All Homes Homes built 2012-20222016 Comprehensive Plan Objective
We are concentrating our development in medium to high density neighborhoods.
sources: South Burlington P&Z, CCRPC
Anticipate and prepare for an average annual
population growth rate of approximately
1-1.5%, and a housing growth rate of
1.5-2%.
How it has played out:
•Population growth rate: 1.28%
annually
[2010–2020, US Census]
•Housing growth rate: 1.75%
annually
[2010-2023 P&Z permits]
Land Use District
Classification (2016)
Housing growth reflects a more efficient use of land.
(100)
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500
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Net Added Homes Annually by Type
By Zoning Permits Issued, CY 1980-2023
Multi-Family Duplex Single-Family Congregate Care
Meeting policy goals
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT AND POPULATION
*includes Pre-K beginning in 2018-19 School Year
sources: McKibben Demographic Reports 2015-2023
*
2100
2200
2300
2400
2500
2600
2700
Total School Enrollment PK-12
sources: Housing: South Burlington P&Z; School Enrollment McKibben Demographic Reports
2015-2023; Population McKibben Demographics and South Burlington P&Z
70%
80%
90%
100%
110%
120%
130%
140%
150%
Rates of Growth: Population, Housing, and School
Enrollment, 2011 base year
Dwellings Population SB Population McKibben PK-12 K-12
City Center and beyond
source: South Burlington P&Z
Permitted Projects
Occupied Homes
by Year through
2022 (Map Link)
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
New Dwelling Units, By Area in City, 2014-2023
Within City Center Outside City Center
TECH HUB
•Gallium Nitride (GaN) innovation in chip manufacturing at Global Foundries
•UVM led
•Parts in South Burlington/South Burlington
businesses involved (see letter from City)
• City is a partner leaning into contributing to the tech ecosystem:
➢Pedestrian & bicycle planned improvements and links
➢Supportive zoning
➢Housing
➢Coordination with businesses/other communities
RESOURCES
•TIF District Plan 2012 and TIF District Substantial Change 2021 (revises 2015 Financing Plan as well)
•State Auditor's 2023 audit of the TIF District
•City Plan 2024
•Land Development Regulations
•Official Map
•Climate Action Plan
•Zoning Permit and DRB Project Status Tracking
•City Ordinances
•West Central Vermont Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
•CCRPC ECOS Regional Plan
•FY25 City Budget and FY25 Capital Improvement Plan
TIF District Expenditure-Revenue Summary Actual and Forecast
South Burlington - TIF Forecast: Known Development 4/26/2024
Budget Post Collection 75% City Increment only
FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 FY28 FY29 FY30 FY31 FY32 FY33 FY34 FY35 FY36 FY37 FY38 FY39 FY40
TIF District Grand List (Prior Year) $4,649,700 $5,193,900 $9,373,866 $14,725,716 $29,574,210 $31,841,580 $41,953,080 $63,310,224 $91,516,559 $109,923,366 $147,197,652 $154,757,652 $154,757,652 $154,757,652 $154,757,652 $154,757,652 $154,757,652 $161,357,652 $161,357,652 $161,357,652 $161,357,652 $161,357,652 $161,357,652
Revenue
Increment Property Tax $72,940 $84,928 $158,869 $264,380 $413,448 $462,818 $630,413 $1,014,812 $1,588,863 $2,294,150 $2,464,733 $2,642,981 $2,701,979 $2,762,350 $2,824,127 $2,999,593 $3,066,349 $3,134,662 $3,204,569 $3,276,109 $915,544.12 $933,855.01 $952,532.11
Expenditures
TIF District Debt & Direct Payments ($134,661) ($162,133) ($162,133) ($233,507) ($251,585) ($257,961) ($720,530) ($1,194,079) ($1,600,442) ($1,588,013) ($1,609,163) ($3,423,840) ($3,345,115) ($3,628,691) ($3,187,965) ($3,105,372) ($3,022,789) ($2,940,557) ($2,857,970) ($2,775,038) ($2,357,139)$0 $0
Net Income ($61,721) ($77,205) ($3,265)$30,873 $161,863 $204,857 ($90,117) ($179,267) ($11,579)$706,138 $855,570 ($780,859) ($643,136) ($866,341) ($363,838) ($105,779)$43,561 $194,104 $346,599 $501,070 ($1,441,595)$933,855 $952,532
Cumulative Balance Increment Fund ($61,721) ($138,926) ($142,191) ($111,318)$50,545 $255,402 $165,285 ($13,982) ($25,562)$680,576 $1,536,146 $755,288 $112,152 ($754,189) ($1,118,028) ($1,223,807) ($1,180,246) ($986,142) ($639,543) ($138,473) ($1,580,067) ($646,212)$306,320
Reserve
Annual GF allocation****$860,000 $750,000 $860,000 $750,000 $860,000 $800,000 $800,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000
City share of project costs ($319,142) ($77) ($583,452) ($926,056) ($1,258,916) ($1,066,721) ($956,908) ($946,764) ($933,269) ($922,401) ($913,470) ($899,998) ($885,206) ($869,294) ($852,498) ($834,956) ($816,822) ($798,498)($780,000) ($761,371) ($742,734) ($723,891) ($705,404)
Cumulative Balance Reserves $2,690,066 $3,362,784 $3,636,067 $3,490,884 $3,253,831 $3,191,967 $2,944,941 $2,678,911 $2,594,063 $3,237,799 $4,039,900 $3,219,043 $2,550,701 $1,675,066 $1,318,730 $1,237,994 $1,324,732 $1,580,339 $2,006,938 $2,606,637 $1,282,308 $2,352,272 $3,459,400
Notes
* TIF Debt includes $480,000 in direct payments to reimburse City for TIF administrative costs
** FY18 represents the balance of the Reserve Fund, other years are transfers in from General Fund
*** Shows the Grand List Incremental Value on which Fiscal Year's increment revenue is collected - the Grand List for April 1 of the prior fiscal year.
**** Transfers built up from $190,000 to $860,000 FY 2013-2017
Assumptions
Only SBCC, LLC and Snyder-Braverman Inc. projects are developed
Tax Rates increase by 3% per year for municipal, 1.3% for Homestead, and 2% for Non-Homestead in the TIF Revenue Model, with the exception
of FY2025, which includes an estimated 7% increase for both Homestead and non-homestead (City is budgeted number)
Continue to fund City Center Reserve
South Burlington - TIF Forecast: Add 61 units housing annually 2027-2036
Budget 75% City only
FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 FY28 FY29 FY30 FY31 FY32 FY33 FY34 FY35 FY36 FY37 FY38
Known Development Forcast GL * $4,649,700 $5,193,900 $9,373,866 $14,725,716 $29,574,210 $31,841,580 $41,953,080 $63,310,224 $91,516,559 $109,923,366 $147,197,652 $154,757,652 $154,757,652 $154,757,652 $154,757,652 $154,757,652 $154,757,652 $161,357,652 $161,357,652 $161,357,652 $161,357,652
Growth: 61 Additional Units/YR **$7,533,850 $11,191,000 $18,620,650 $24,123,700 $30,169,750 $38,370,600 $46,029,050 $53,593,700 $60,169,650 $63,448,900 $0
Total TIF GL with growth (prior year) $4,649,700 $5,193,900 $9,373,866 $14,725,716 $29,574,210 $31,841,580 $41,953,080 $63,310,224 $91,516,559 $109,923,366 $154,731,502 $165,948,652 $173,378,302 $178,881,352 $184,927,402 $193,128,252 $200,786,702 $214,951,352 $221,527,302 $224,806,552 $224,806,552
Revenue
Increment Property Tax $72,940 $84,928 $158,869 $264,380 $413,448 $462,818 $630,413 $1,007,176 $1,488,588 $1,828,166 $2,630,630 $2,872,685 $3,068,221 $3,236,283 $3,420,425 $3,651,974 $3,881,769 $4,118,255 $4,462,078 $4,630,048 $1,275,547.77
Expenditures
TIF District Debt & Direct Payments ($134,661) ($162,133) ($162,133) ($233,507) ($251,585) ($257,961) ($720,530) ($1,194,079) ($1,600,442) ($1,588,013) ($1,609,163) ($3,423,840) ($3,345,115) ($3,628,691) ($3,187,965) ($3,105,372) ($3,022,789) ($2,940,557) ($2,857,970) ($2,775,038) ($2,357,139)
Net Income ($61,721) ($77,205) ($3,265)$30,873 $161,863 $204,857 ($90,117) ($186,903) ($111,854)$240,153 $1,021,467 ($551,155) ($276,894) ($392,408)$232,460 $546,601 $858,980 $1,177,697 $1,604,108 $1,855,009 ($1,081,591)
Cumulative Increment Fund ***($61,721) ($138,926) ($142,191) ($111,318)$50,545 $255,402 $165,285 ($21,618) ($133,473)$106,681 $1,128,148 $576,993 $300,098 ($92,309)$140,150 $686,752 $1,545,732 $2,723,429 $4,327,537 $6,182,547 $2,308,758
Reserve
Annual GF allocation $860,000 $750,000 $860,000 $750,000 $860,000 $800,000 $800,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000 $860,000
City share of project costs ($319,142) ($77) ($583,452) ($926,056) ($1,258,916) ($1,066,721) ($956,908) ($946,764) ($933,269) ($922,401) ($913,470) ($899,998) ($885,206) ($869,294) ($852,498) ($834,956) ($816,822)($798,498) ($780,000) ($761,371) ($742,734)
Cumulative Reserve Plus Increment $2,690,066 $3,362,784 $3,636,067 $3,490,884 $3,253,831 $3,191,967 $2,944,941 $2,671,275 $2,486,152 $2,663,904 $3,631,901 $3,040,748 $2,738,648 $2,336,946 $2,576,908 $3,148,553 $4,050,711 $5,289,910 $6,974,018 $8,927,656 $5,711,992
Cumulative City Center Reserve $3,292,644 $4,042,567 $4,319,115 $4,143,059 $3,744,144 $3,477,423 $3,320,514 $3,233,751 $3,160,482 $3,098,081 $3,044,611 $3,004,613 $2,979,407 $2,970,113 $2,977,615 $3,002,659 $3,045,836 $3,107,339 $3,187,339 $3,285,967 $3,403,233
* Shows the TIF District Grand List Incremental Value on which Fiscal Year's increment revenue is collected - the Grand List for April 1 of the prior fiscal year.$5,711,991.69
** Note that as some properties have existing buildings that would be redeveloped, the actual value added for the 61 additional units varies from year $5,060,544.90
to year as the original value is subtracted from the final value to derive the TIF incremental grand list value.
*** TIF increment surplus is apportioned to the Education Fund and the City's General Fund either at the close of the District or earlier if collection is sufficient to cover debt.
This is not relevant if surplus is zero or less.
Actuals Projected
Actuals Projected
MEMORANDUM
To: South City Council
From: Martha Machar, Finance Director
CC: Jessie Baker, City Manager
Date: May 28, 2024
Re: South Burlington American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds – Overview
The memo provides an overview of the City’s discussions and decisions around the use of the
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and the General Fund Fund Balance. No Council action is
expected on June 3, 2024. The intent of this conversation is to provide the new City Council with
information, allow time for discussion, and hear any additional requests for information you may
have before allocation decisions are made.
Background
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is a federal stimulus package intended to aid public health
and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. ARPA funds included a total of $360 billion
in pandemic-related aid for state and local governments. Vermont received more than $1.25 billion
with $200 million allocated directly to Vermont’s cities, towns, and villages. The legislature and the
governor determined how the $105 billion was allocated. The City of South Burlington received a
total allocation of $5,656,533.00. Under the Act, these funds must be allocated by December 31,
2024 and expended by December 31, 2026.
The Act specifies that these funds can be used for several different purposes. These purposes
include responding to public health concerns raised by the pandemic, responding to negative
economic impacts of the pandemic, providing services to communities disproportionately
impacted by the pandemic, providing premium pay to essential workers, replacing lost revenues,
recouping administrative costs directly attributable to the pandemic, and improving water, sewer
and broadband infrastructure.
The ARPA Revenue Lost Provision recognizes state and local governments’ responsibility to
respond to the pandemic and its economic effects and to replace revenue lost due to the public
health emergency and prevent cuts to government services. It gives Cities and Towns the option to
elect a standard allowance of up to $10 million of their ARPA fund allocation and spend on general
government services. South Burlington elected to take the full ARPA allocation ($5.6M) as standard
allowance and therefore the funds can be used for any municipal purpose
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Community Engagement Requirements and South Burlington Process
The Treasury’s Amended Final Rule retains a requirement for community engagement in the use of
ARPA funds. The analysis of the rule provided by the Vermont League of Cities and Towns
recommends that all municipalities conduct community engagement activities that identify the
best way to respond to the pandemic and plan for long-term recovery in their communities. Around
the state, some cities and towns held dedicated selectboard or council meetings, issued surveys,
or formed ARPA advisory committees of interested residents.
During the FY22 Policy and Priorities and Strategies meeting, the Council and the City Leadership
Team identified key priorities which included engagement with residents to provide robust input on
priorities. The City’s outreach for ARPA was a unique opportunity to align these goals. The Council
decided to issue a survey with questions around ARPA funds spending and goals for the City. At the
February 22, 2022 regular City Council meeting, the Council held a discussion on its primary goals
and value statements related to the expenditure of the City’s ARPA funds. At that meeting, the
Council identified the following priorities:
•Maximizing Community Impact – “Biggest bang for our buck”
•Affordability – At least $1m for affordable housing
•Green & Clean – Fund further City climate initiatives
•Community Outreach – What great ideas have we not yet considered?
The staff created survey questions framed to address the identified goals. The survey questions
were approved by the Council on June 6th, 2022. The staff also held in-person outreach sessions
through Library-sponsored listening session, tabling at SB Nite Out, and during Senior’ lunches.
The survey was live for twelve weeks. The Council received the survey results on September 6th,
2022.
Committee Recommendations
As part of the community engagement process, the Council also solicited city committees to
provide input on the use of ARPA funds. The committees listed below gathered and presented their
recommendations to Council. These recommendations which include each committee’s
ideas/projects and associated costs are attached to this memo.
•Affordable Housing
•Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee
•Committee on Common Areas for Dogs
•Economic Development
•Energy Committee
•Natural Resources and Conservation
•Public Art
•Recreation and Parks
•Public Library Board of Trustees
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Council Discussions and Allocations to Date
Council discussions on ARPA since 2021:
•On June 21, 2021 and July 19, 2021 the Council discussed and approved re-instating three
positions lost during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
•On June 6, 2022 the Council approved a community engagement process to collect
feedback on the use of the remaining ARPA funds.
•On September 6, 2022 the Council allocated $1M of ARPA funds to three affordable housing
projects recommended by the Affordable Housing Committee.
•Also at the September 6, 2022 meeting, the Council received the community survey data
and discussed the findings. At that meeting, the Council requested to hear from the
Committees on their recommendations.
•At a Special Meeting of the City Council on November 30, 2022, Committees were invited to
present their recommendations for using ARPA funds to the Council.
•At the January 3, 2023 Council meeting, the decision was made to hold on future decisions
of the use of the remaining ARPA funds until the new Council was seated after Town
Meeting Day.
•At the April 17, 2023, May 1, 2023, September 18, 2023, November 20, 2023 Council
meetings, the Council continued conversations about how to allocate the funds.
Balance and Summary of Current Allocations
The current, unallocated, ARPA funds balance is $1.5M. The summary of all allocations including
Council approval dates is included in the table below.
It is important to point out that the Council approved the use of ARPA funds to re-instate three City
staff positions and fund deferred capital projects with a step down approach to phase out the
impact on the general fund budget.
Restoring and funding the three positions that were frozen during the COVID-19 pandemic with
ARPA funds was one of the first recommendations the council considered and approved during
their July 19, 2021 Council meeting. With the step down approach, the related wages and benefit
costs over a five-year period are spread out with an annual downscale of 20%. The amount shown
on the table below is the total over 5 years.
During the FY23 budget process, the Council approved use of ARPA revenues to fund deferred,
one-time, capital projects. During FY24 budget process, the management presented to Council
options of how the Capital Improvement Plan funding capacity created with ARPA funds can be
phased into general fund budget. One of those options was a step-down approach (75% for FY24,
50% for FY25, and 25% for FY26), the Council approved this option. The amount shown on the table
below is the total over 4 years.
Total ARPA Award $5,654,533.00
Interest Earned to Date $ 374,210.39
Total ARPA Revenues $ 6,028,743.39
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Council Approved Allocations Date Approved
Approved
Amount
Re-fund and restore 3 City staff
(total over 5 years (FY22-FY26) step down
approach) 7/19/2021 $ 860,679.73
Grant match - for Illuminate VT 11/1/2021 $ 32,000.00
Fund deferred capital projects & expenses
(total over 4 years (FY23-FY26) step down
approach)
1/18/2022,
1/17/2023,
1/16/2024 $1,755,000.00
Grant Match - Affordable Housing
Investment 9/6/2022 $1,000,000.00
Grant match - Ash tree replacement 1/3/2023 $ 20,000.00
City Green-for place making 8/7/2023 $ 35,000.00
Hinesburg Road and Market Street Signal 10/16/2023 $ 80,000.00
Climate CIP Projects 1/16/2024 $ 417,000.00
Park Master Plan 1/16/2024 $ 125,000.00
Grant match - Hinesburg Shared Used Path 1/16/2024 $ 200,000.00
Total Allocated $(4,524,679.73)
Unallocated Balance * $ 1,504,063.66
*The ARPA funds must be allocated by December 2024 and spend by December 2026
General Fund – Fund Balance
Other funds available to Council include General Fund fund balance. The fund balance acts as a
saving account for emergency situations. Year-end surpluses roll into fund balance each year
unless allocated to projects at the close of a fiscal year by the Council. To put parameter around
these funds, with recommendations from the city’s annual auditor, the city adopted a fund balance
policy which states:
"It is the intent of the City to maintain a minimum balance of one month, 8.33%, of
operating expenditures. The targeted balance is 2 months or 16.66%, and the maximum
balance is not to exceed 25% of the operating expenditures, so long as cash flow needs are
met and lowest point cash flow is not less than one payroll and one warrant, combined. Any
amount in excess of 25% is to be appropriated as assigned fund balance or other fund
balance categories as outlined below. The City Council may recommend transfers to the
City that would reduce the balance below 25%, but no transfers shall be made that would
reduce the balance to less than 8.33%. In the event that the unassigned fund balance drops
below the minimum level, the City will develop a plan, implemented through the annual
budgetary process, to bring the balance to the targeted level over a period of no more than
three (3) years."
With surpluses coming out of the last fiscal years due to conservative budgeting after the
pandemic, the City’s fund balance, which was below the minimum 8.33% or one month of
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operating expenditure, was funded and at the end of FY23 was just under16.66%, or two months,
target as recommended in the City’s fund balance policy.
With FY24Q4 projection and analysis, below is the summary of current fund balance.
FY24 Es�mated fund balance
Beginning Spendable Fund Balance $ 4,999,696.66
FY24 Es�mated surplus* $ 1,500,000.00
Es�mated FY24 fund balance 6/30/24** $ 6,499,696.66
Fund balance allocated toward FY25 budget $ 370,000.00
Net Fund Balance $ 6,129,696.66
Fund balance as a percent of General Fund 19.68%
*FY24 surplus is estimated and might change at year-end and with audit.
**This balance takes into account surplus allocations Council approved at the closed of FY23.
Using FY24 budget numbers, the table below shows the amount that would be needed to meet
requirements outlined in the fund balance policy.
Fund Balance Assessment
FY24 Budget $ 31,140,318.33
8.33% Minimum Balance $ 2,593,988.52
16.66% Target Balance $ 5,187,977.03
25% cap for Fund balance $ 7,785,079.58
South Burlington Recreation and Parks
Committee
180 Market Street
South Burlington, VT 05403
www.SouthBurlingtonVT.gov
MEMORANDUM
TO: Helen Riehle, Chair of South Burlington City Council
FROM: Mike Simoneau, Acting Chair of South Burlington Recreation and Parks Committee
Oliver Pierson, Recreation and Parks Committee Member
CC: Jessie Baker, South Burlington City Manager
Holly Rees, Recreation Director
DATE: November 1, 2022
RE: Recreation and Parks Committee Recommendations for Use of ARPA Funding
The purpose of this memo is to request that the City Council approve use of $1.565M of ARPA Funding
for a transformational investment in South Burlington’s Recreation and Parks Services and Infrastructure
that will significantly improve the overall quality of the user experience, address challenges created by
the pandemic (including increased use and social isolation), resolve longstanding deferred maintenance,
bring South Burlington’s infrastructure onto a level of quality commensurate with neighboring towns,
and increase access to our parks in an equitable manner.
The City of South Burlington has received about $5.6 million in federal economic relief funding through
the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. The funding provided under ARPA provides a unique
opportunity for state and local governments to make strategic investments in long‐lived assets and build
a stronger, more equitable economy as the country recovers. According to the US Department of the
Treasury, ARPA funds can be used to address negative economic impacts caused by the pandemic, and
cities have broad flexibility to decide how to use this funding to meet the needs of their communities,
providing South Burlington with a unique opportunity to improve services in key eligible sectors.
To provide City Leadership with guidance on how best to use the ARPA Funds, a survey was conducted
and over 350 responses were received. Many respondents clearly highlighted the importance of outdoor
recreational opportunities as both an important coping strategy during the pandemic and a priority for
the use of these ARPA funds. For example:
In response to question #1 on how they have been most impacted by the pandemic, 80% of
respondents cited Socially / Loss of Social Connection, an issue that our committee believes can
be partially addressed via transformational investments that improve access to and equitable
use of parks and recreational infrastructure and services.
In response to question #5 asking respondents to rate eligible projects, investments in
Recreation and Parks infrastructure we listed as the fifth and eight “very important” priorities.
In response to question #6 asking respondents how they would like to see this once in‐a‐
generation funding spent to support the community, the top response from 40 people was
Recreation Spaces and the second response from 22 people was Bike / Ped Infrastructure.
Also, in response to question #6, the top three project specific responses were Park
Improvements, a Community Pool, and a Recreation Center respectively
A key summary trend identified in the survey was that COVID lead to increased use of green and
recreational spaces
Collectively, these results show broad support for use of ARPA funds to support investments in
improving Recreation and Parks infrastructure and services in South Burlington, preferably in a manner
that addresses the social isolation and loss of connection challenges identified in the memo and
increases access to parks in an equitable manner.
The mission of the Recreation and Parks Department is to create and support dynamic public spaces and
programs which grow, inspire, and create inclusive social interactions through land and people. This
mission has been hampered by inadequate investment in maintenance of existing park facilities over the
last twenty years, and the increased use of these facilities during the pandemic has exacerbated issues
created by many years of maintenance deferrals and under investment. The lack of a “regular funding
resource” or specific funding allocation to the Recreation and Parks Department has further limited the
Department’s ability to proactively address these challenges and respond to needs and opportunities
created by the pandemic.
The Recreation and Parks Committee is therefore proposing a strategic investment in improving the
accessibility, quality, and safety of the City’s Recreation and Parks Infrastructure, as well as improving
the diversity and range of the programs they support. We believe that that the ARPA funds provide an
important opportunity for the City to correct deficiencies and bring conditions up to par in places that
people have sought refuge in during the pandemic and continue to utilize for their personal well‐being.
The Committee believes that if the City doesn’t take this opportunity to address longstanding deferred
maintenance challenges with these once‐in‐a‐generation ARPA funds, it will be extremely difficult to find
funding for this work in the future, and the suboptimal conditions in our parks and recreational facilities
will persist or worsen at a time when the community is increasing use of these facilities.
Specifically, the Committee proposes the following investments:
1. Parks Master Plan: The SB Parks System needs to inventory and assess our current assets,
identify maintenance needs, and plan for additional facility growth identified via an existing gap
analysis and meet our goal of a park with ¼ mile of every residence. In addition, it is essential
that we prepare for the future, highlighting additional desired parks, lands, and amenities to
provide for our growing community and ensure that diversity and equity considerations are fully
integrated into our planning efforts.
a. Estimated Cost is $150,000.
2. Transformative Package of Deferred Maintenance on SB Parks: To improve access, safety,
usability, and quality of our existing Recreation and Parks facilities, the Committee strongly
recommends a significant investment in deferred maintenance at two sites, Veterans Memorial
Park and Red Rocks Park. The package, estimated at $1.415 million, includes:
a. Veterans Memorial Park Projects (Total Requested Amount is $815,000):
Regrowing each of the Soccer Fields, $150,000
Creation of additional soccer field $100,000
Bandshell ceiling beam replacement and lighting installation, $45,000
Basketball Court Renovation, $50,000
Replacing/Upgrading Irrigation to all sport fields, $100,000
Paving‐ South Parking Area from Bathrooms to Entry way, $100,000
Creation of Onsite Storage Facilities, $120,000
Electric Mower, $20,000
Baseball field backstop replacements, $25,000
Full replacement of Baseball Dug Out Sets, $105,000
b. Red Rocks Park Projects:
Creation/Renovation of New Bathhouse Facility, $600,000
The Recreation and Parks Committee is mindful of existing ARPA guidance to avoid using these funds in
a manner that will create new staffing burdens and/or an ongoing financial commitment for the city,
such as for support to the construction of an indoor recreational facility. Rather, this proposal envisions
a set of ARPA‐funded activities to improve recreational offerings in South Burlington that can be handled
via existing staff and contracts without creating any unsustainable or overly demanding staff burdens.
Additionally, the Recreation and Parks Committee is aware that staff capacity to implement these
projects is finite, and we therefore propose taking advantage of the entire allowable use period for
APRA funds by spreading out the proposed construction and maintenance over three fiscal years, as
described in the table below.
Timeline of Proposed Investments with ARPA Funds in SB Parks Facilities
Funding Item FY24 FY25 FY26
Parks Master Plan $150,000
Regrowing each of the soccer fields $50,000 $50,000 $50,000
Creation of additional soccer field $100,000
Bandshell ceiling beam and lighting $45,000
Basketball court renovation $50,000
Replacing/upgrading irrigation for sport
fields $30,000 $70,000
Paving in south parking $100,000
Creation of Onsite Storage Facilities $120,000
Electric Mower $20,000
Baseball field backstop replacements $25,000
Full replacement of Baseball Dugout Sets $35,000 $35,000 $35,000
New bath house facility at Red Rocks $400,000 $200,000
TOTAL $525,000 $755,000 $285,000
Note: Grand Total cost across all three years is $1,565,000.
South Burlington Cultural Plan – ARPA Recommendation from the Public Art Committee
Approved unanimously by the Public Art Committee August 30, 2022
During Covid, arts organizations were often the first to close and last to reopen and they are still
not back to delivering many pre-pandemic programs. Artists lost all opportunities for public
engagement with their work and are still struggling while juggling multiple jobs to continue
living in our city. A South Burlington Cultural Plan will identify our cultural assets, articulate a
vision and action plan for strengthening our creative economy, and position it to grow.
A plan is essential to understand how we can support the needs and aspirations of our creative
and cultural sector. An RFP will be developed to engage consultants to work with the Public Art
Committee (PAC) to define a cultural plan that includes working with artists, organizations,
libraries, schools, parks, and the community. The plan will encourage the creation, appreciation,
and understanding of the arts to nurture a vibrant inclusive community, foster artistic excellence,
and bring people together for powerful shared experiences that inspire a creative exchange of
ideas. The arts touch people’s lives in profound ways, providing enrichment for everyone –
children to seniors, stimulating creativity and innovation, and enhancing and strengthening our
overall community.
A plan can also be integrated into all facets of local government to advance broader objectives in
the areas of economic prosperity, social equity, the environment, and cultural vitality. As the
Vermont Art Council’s Action Plan for Vermont’s Creative Sector states:
● Creativity is essential to the cultural and economic vitality of Vermont.
● Arts, culture, and creativity are just as essential to Vermont’s future as roads, bridges, and
broadband.
● Theaters, museums, libraries, parks, and community centers are essential for creative
activity.
The consultants and PAC will convene stakeholder artists and arts organizations in focus groups,
take public testimony, and research how other cities support cultural engagement. Lessons will
be drawn from The Creative City Network of Canada and plans from Bennington (VT), Chicago
(IL), Chattanooga (TN), Portland (ME), and other municipalities. Surveys and asset mapping
will identify South Burlington creative sector enterprises and compare them to state numbers. In
2018, data indicated that 41,000 Vermonters were employed in the creative sector, representing
9.3% of all Vermont jobs in 2018. (Source: Mt. Auburn Associates Report, Assessing Vermont’s
Creative Sector, December 2019)
Timeline for completion of a proposed plan to present to the City Council is projected to be one
year from the approval of the use of the funds and hiring of consultant(s) to work with the PAC,
with an estimated cost of $50,000.
In the development of this cultural plan, mission, values, operational and financial possibilities,
and strategies will be developed and refined with the community as to how South Burlington
can:
● Provide the widest variety of opportunities for artists and arts organizations in all
disciplines to thrive and build capacity.
● Provide quality, diverse arts and cultural opportunities in all South Burlington
neighborhoods for shared artistic expression, inspiring participation in the creation,
understanding, and appreciation of the arts.
● Collaborate across artists and arts organizations, community partners, schools, libraries,
recreation departments, and businesses in pursuit of richer cultural experiences.
● Explore opportunities to access tax credits and other permit or funding benefits available
in the City’s two State Designated areas (New Town Center and Neighborhood
Development Area) to support infrastructure rehabilitation, accessibility upgrades as well
as new cultural facilities.
● Explore grant programs to directly support local artists and arts organizations.
● Identify and prioritize locations, areas, and other opportunities for new and temporary
public art.
NOTE: The Vermont League of Cities and Towns reports creative industries often kickstart
local economies. Strengthening this sector will help make our city more resilient and a place that
more people will want to visit and live. Its suggestions for the use of ARPA funds includes:
● Investment in community-driven creative projects.
● Revitalize downtown areas and created artful spaces.
● Improve and/or increase digital capacity.
● Direct assistance.
● Improvement for disaster recovery and resilience.
The outline for the development of a South Burlington Cultural Plan is congruent with these
suggestions and align with quality-of-life objectives and strategies outlined in South Burlington’s
Comprehensive Plan.
November 16, 2022
TO: South Burlington City Council, City Manager Baker
From: Natural Resources and Conservation Committee
RE: recommendations for additional ARPA funding for 2 Conservation
related topics: Treescape maintenance and preparing the Open Space
Plan
1) While there are different opinions as to the treatment or removal of ash
trees, the Committee recommends that City Council allocate $50,000
of ARPA funds in order to maintain the City Treescape. The city’s CIP
will fund the removal and replacement of street trees, ash trees in
parks and forests are still vulnerable. With funding from ARPA, the city
could offset the loss of these trees by planting additional trees or could
hire a contractor to treat select ash trees in forests with an insecticide,
with the goal of keeping the trees alive long enough for a new method
using parasitoid wasps currently under study to become available.
The Committee has met several times with DPW Director Tom DiPietro
and City arborist Craig Lambert to discuss the City’s plans to remove
ash trees from select neighborhoods in anticipation of the emerald ash
borer infestation. We recommend ARPA funds be added to the yearly
City budget for treescape maintenance and be used at the discretion of
the City arborist whether for purchasing new trees as replacements or
for selectively treating Ash trees of note.
2) The NRCC is in the early stages of creating an Open Space Plan, as
directed by our charge from Council. No one on the committee feels
that they have the skills to facilitate the development of a significant
document like this. We request that $25,000 of ARPA funds to hire a
contractor/facilitator to help the committee organize ideas and hold at
least 2 public input meetings. The committee would like to gather
public input early in the process to help shape the plan’s vision and
goals. We feel that this is important so that the plan will reflect the
community’s values about land conservation. We then hope the
facilitator will help us incorporate the input we receive into the final
Open Space Plan. The NRCC anticipates doing this work in 2023 and
2024. We anticipate that the funds could be used for a consultant to do
outreach and advertising for public participation, convening meetings
with the technical requirements for hybrid meetings, and follow up
drafting of relevant input into the plan.
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South Burlington Public Library with
South Burlington Recreation and Parks
ARPA Bookvan Proposal
November 30, 2022
ARPA Project Request
The Library Board of Trustees requests consideration for a $160,000.00 grant to
purchase and fit up an electric panel van to best transport reading and recreation
around the community. We will fundraise to pay for limited new books once the bookvan
is on the road, and work with the Friends of the Library to add donated books to the
collection. This project will require a part time staff person in FY 24 to handle the library
collections and programs, plus volunteers. The Recreation piece will use existing staff.
Overview
Many residents of South Burlington are unable to get to 180 Market Street for library
services. Fragile older adults may not leave their homes. Young children may be in
childcare from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Some individuals and families may only have one
vehicle that is used by someone else in the family to get to work. Others have
transportation but need us to go to them to invite them to 180 Market Street. In order to
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share books and a love of reading with these members of our community,
the South Burlington Public Library will hire a part time employee and use
volunteers to institute a bookvan program which will visit child care centers, senior
residences and neighborhoods in South Burlington. We will share the van with the
Recreation Department, which will use existing and seasonal summer staff to schedule
weekly activites at various locations to support impromptu recreation play.
Goals
➢ Bring high quality books to homes, child care centers and senior residences
➢ Help people overcome transportation barriers to getting to the library
➢ Schedule and publicize stops that will include engagement options for multiple
age ranges
➢ Serve as an outreach tool to provide services to underserved populations
➢ Spark enthusiasm and interest in reading for childcare providers
➢ Provide outreach programming such as storytimes, storytelling, and book
discussion groups
➢ Disburse information about City of South Burlington services and programs,
including those presented by the Library and Recreation and Parks
Sites Served & Services Offered
Based on our values of diversity, inclusion and equity, the bookvan is designed to go to
locations we have identified as places where people may not or cannot get to the library
and may not take advantage of recreational programs.
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1. Catching kids in childcare
Monthly visits from October to May to South Burlington’s child care
centers and home daycares, on a rotating basis, from 10:00am-12:00pm. Carts are
brought into each classroom, where each child picks one book, and a bag of books is
left for class use. Books are checked out for the month and returned on the next visit,
at which point carts are rotated and another cart is brought. Depending on the site’s
interest, storytime or storytelling can be incorporated.
2. Bringing the library to our older adults
Monthly visits from October to May to the four senior living establishments in South
Burlington, one residence per week between 1:00-3:00pm. Carts are brought into the
lobby/living area for residents to browse. Books are checked out for the month and
returned on the next visit, at which point carts are rotated and another cart is
brought. If residents have specific requests, holds can be placed and brought at the
next visit. Library cards can be given if needed. Users will learn about library services
and about programs offered at the Senior Center.
3. Making Community Connections
Currently the Recreation and Parks Department coordinates with CHT (Chittenden
Housing Trust) to do a summer visit to each of their properties; meeting the residents
where they are. We would continue to do these as well as broaden the outreach to
other congregate housing communities. The Library will join us, giving children and
adults the opportunity to choose books from book carts that will be placed outside
the bookvan, as well as sign up for a library cards.
4. Rec On The Go!
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Through the use of current full time and seasonal summer staff, the
Recreation and Parks Department would utilize this resource to
schedule weekly activities at various locations to support impromptu recreation play.
A full calendar of these opportunities would be published and available in advance to
the community and would include engagement options for multiple age ranges and
varied locations.
5. Pop-Ups in the Parks
We would utilize current staff to support evening and weekend pop up events for
residents throughout the year in all of our parks and open spaces. We would utilize
full time staff as the primary resource for this, but also supplement with interns from
UVM who are interested in community healthy, wellness, physical education,
recreation and tourism etc.
Collection Development Policy
The Bookvan’s collection development policy aligns with that of the South Burlington
Public Library’s overall goal in collection development: to meet the informational,
educational, and recreational needs of the community. This policy is intended to provide
guidance for the evaluation, selection and deselection of materials and define the scope
and standards of the collection. The end result will be a well-balanced collection that
reflects factors including, but not limited to our community’s varying economic, racial,
ethnic, and educational backgrounds, within the limits of our budget. This policy will be
reviewed annually and will reflect changes in our community.
The Bookvan will carry popular fiction and nonfiction materials. Juvenile fiction, early
readers and picture books will be purchased new and used. Adult best sellers and new
releases will be kept current through the use of a leasing program. Other adult fiction
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and nonfiction will be borrowed from the library’s main collection or
donated by the Friends of the Library.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Helen Riehle, Chair of South Burlington City Council
FROM: Tim Perrin, Chair of South Burlington Energy Committee
CC: Jessie Baker, South Burlington City Manager
DATE: September 1, 2022
SUBJECT: Energy Committee Recommendations for ARPA Funding
The City has received about $5.6 million in federal economic relief funding through the American Rescue
Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. These funds were awarded to:
● Fight the pandemic and support families and businesses struggling with the impacts
● Maintain public services
● Build a strong, resilient, and equitable recovery
This funding presents a unique opportunity to transform aspects of South Burlington’s infrastructure and
services to align with the City’s climate goals, drive the transition to a more equitable and sustainable
energy economy, and improve the resilience of our community. The Energy Committee would like to
submit these recommendations and examples for how ARPA funding can be utilized in the most impactful
ways for our energy systems and climate utilizing current technologies in high-visibility projects.
Support the electrification of heating systems and vehicles
⮚ We recommend ARPA funding be used to hire a partner organization to develop educational
materials, conduct outreach and community engagement activities, and accelerate heat pump
deployment across South Burlington. ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability has determined
that 10% of South Burlington’s housing stock needs to be transitioned off fossil fuels each year to
hit our greenhouse gas reduction targets. Estimated cost = $100K.
⮚ The City should consider purchasing at least one electric ride-on lawnmower for Public Works to
use and promote as a technology demonstration. All types of lawn equipment now have
electrified options and the City can help validate performance and stimulate adoption by
households and businesses across the community. Estimated cost = $35K.
⮚ To help promote the transition to electrified lawn equipment, funding could be applied to buy
back existing gas-fired equipment from income-qualified households as an incentive for early
retirement of legacy lawn mowers, weed wackers, and leaf blowers. Estimated cost = $250K.
⮚ To help promote the transition to electric vehicles across the city, offering grants to businesses,
affordable housing, and institutions to invest in electric vehicle charging infrastructure on their
property. Estimated cost = $500K.
Reduce barriers to utilizing mass transit
⮚ Vermont’s weather can serve as a major deterrent to the utilization of mass transit, as most bus
stops do not provide adequate protection from the rain, snow, and wind. We encourage the City
to buy and install small shelters or simple covered areas for all the bus stops in South Burlington.
Offering this refuge from the elements can help increase bus ridership with a nominal investment
by the community. This project has been discussed with Green Mountain Transit leadership and
they are supportive of the concept and open to a partnership. Details of the partnership would
need to be finalized once this project receives approval from the City Council. Estimated cost =
$200K for (5) shelters.
⮚ While mass transit can be an attractive option for individuals who live close to a bus route, many
have to travel inconvenient distances to access a bus stop. ARPA funding could be utilized to bring
on a consultant to assess pathways for increasing access to public transit. Many communities are
exploring micro-transit using smaller vehicles like vans to help accommodate more customized
service for individuals who do not live near a bus stop. The City can invest in a pilot to better
understand the role that micro-transit services can play as a more sustainable transportation
option for community members. Estimated cost = $500K.
Create more pedestrian and bike-friendly transportation options
⮚ Accelerate the timeline of the "Penny for Paths" project plan to build more bike & pedestrian
paths and sidewalks. This will give people more options for how to get around South Burlington
safely and conveniently without a car. The result will be reduced traffic, reduced emissions,
reduced noise, improved health, and better personal connections between people as they see
each other on the path and sidewalk system. Estimated cost would be determined in coordination
with the Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee.
⮚ Add sidewalk or multi-use paths in targeted areas across the city to better accommodate
pedestrians & cyclists and provide faster and safer bike travel to locations across the community.
Connecting the separated sidewalks on Hinesburg Road between Tilley Drive and Rye Meadows
and extending the multi-use path on Williston Road to Kennedy Drive are two examples.
Estimated cost would be determined in coordination with the Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee.
⮚ Partner with appropriate organization(s) and subsidize the purchase of electric bikes and any
necessary charging equipment income-qualified households to accommodate local
transportation needs. Estimated cost = $35K.
Support formulation of the budgeted implementation program plan for the South Burlington Climate
Action Plan
⮚ Hire a consulting firm to follow up on the Climate Action Plan and subsequent implementation
plan to create a fully-fledged budgeted program. This would include identifying funding sources,
methods, and timelines to obtain funding. This plan would be to the level of detail of
administrative and overhead cost budget for the city and the salaries of the program management
unit. Estimated cost = $100K.
Energy Committee
Recommendations for
ARPA Funding
November 30, 2022
11/30/2022 South Burlington Energy Committee Recommendation
Support the beneficial electrification of
heating systems & vehicles
Recommendation Estimated Cost Alignment with SB Priorities
Community engagement to accelerate heat pump
deployment
$100K Affordable & Community Strong
Green & Clean
Purchase an electric ride‐on lawnmower for DPW $35K Green & Clean
Buyback program for existing gas‐fired lawn equipment $250K Affordable & Community Strong
Green & Clean
Grants for electric vehicle charging infrastructure $500K Affordable & Community Strong
Green & Clean
Opportunity Oriented
11/30/2022 South Burlington Energy Committee Recommendation
Reduce barriers to utilizing mass transit
Recommendation Estimated Cost Alignment with SB Priorities
Install small shelters for bus stops $200K Affordable & Community Strong
Walkable
Green & Clean
Develop micro‐transit services $500K Affordable & Community Strong
Green & Clean
Opportunity Oriented
11/30/2022 South Burlington Energy Committee Recommendation
Create more pedestrian & bike‐friendly
transportation options
Recommendation Estimated Cost Alignment with SB Priorities
Accelerate “Penny for Paths” project plan Bike/Ped Committee
Consultation
Affordable & Community Strong
Walkable
Green & Clean
Add sidewalk or multi‐use paths in targeted
areas across community
Bike/Ped Committee
Consultation
Affordable & Community Strong
Walkable
Green & Clean
Subsidize the purchase of electric bikes &
charging equipment
$35K Affordable & Community Strong
Walkable
Green & Clean
11/30/2022 South Burlington Energy Committee Recommendation
Support development of implementation
program plan for Climate Action Plan
Recommendation Estimated Cost Alignment with SB Priorities
Hire outside firm to create a fully‐fledged
budgeted program
$100K Affordable & Community Strong
Walkable
Green & Clean
Opportunity Oriented
From:Michael Biama
To:Jessie Baker
Cc:jrbipad@gmail.com
Subject:"EXTERNAL"Updated & Revised Recommendations for ARPA Funds
Date:Tuesday, November 22, 2022 10:38:30 AM
This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and
caution when opening attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
Dear City Council Members,
During its most recent public meeting, The Economic Development Committee spent some
additional time discussing the most effective use of the City’s remaining ARPA funds. The result of
this discussion was that the Economic Development Committee would like to revise its top three
recommendations for areas of support, as well as propose some specific ways in which the money
could be used to impact these areas. These recommendations are included below for your
consideration.
Ranked in Order of Priority:
1. Child Care
a. Establishing a grant program that existing operators could use to expand program
capacity.
b. Establishing a grant program that existing operators could use to provide bonuses to
educators working in regulated childcare programs, assisting in employee retention.
2. Support Local Businesses
a. Establishment of a Revolving Loan Fund. Revolving loan funds exist in other
municipalities around the State and have been highly successful in assisting local
businesses in times of need. With interest rates rising quite rapidly, this could be an
effective use of ARPA funds that would allow struggling businesses to access low-cost
capital. Assuming this is a feasible use for the ARPA funds, it would be a great way to
establish a program that could benefit the City for many years to come.
3. Water, Sewer, Stormwater Infrastructure
a. Supporting the stormwater division as they continue to help address the
implementation of the new general stormwater permit (9050) would be an excellent
use of ARPA funds. The city has already taken a leadership role in helping non-
conforming property owners design systems that will meet the new state
requirements. However, the implementation of the systems that are currently being
designed, and the cost associated with their construction, is still a big unknown.
Establishment of a general stormwater fund to address the new 9050 permits
requirements would be a great use of ARPA funds as well.
Please reach out to the Chair or any of the members of the Economic Development Committee
should you have any questions regarding these recommendations.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Economic Development Committee
Committee Common Area For Dogs
180 Market Street
South Burlington, VT 05403
www.SouthBurlingtonVT.gov
MEMORANDUM
TO: Helen Riehle, Chair of So Burlington City Council
FROM: Betty Milizia, Chair of So Burlington Committee on Common Areas for Dogs.
CC: Jessie Baker, South Burlington City Manager
Holly Rees, South Burlington Recreation & Park Director
Matt Cota, South Burlington City Council Liaison to the CCAD
Members, Committee on Common Areas for Dogs
DATE: November 21, 2022
RE: Committee on Common Areas for Dogs Requests for Use of ARPA funding
South Burlington is in an exciting time of transformation. If anything, positive came out of
COVID, it was the time we spent examining what is most important in our lives. The South
Burlington COVID survey asked: “HOW HAS COVID‐19 IMPACTED ON YOU?” It is striking that
80% of people reported the loss of connection and physical isolation from others as having had
the most profound impact on them, even though, people adjusted to working, attending
classes, worshiping, celebrating birthdays, socializing and even receiving healthcare, remotely.
We shopped online and ordered over the phone.
Other studies also showed that people living alone, experienced more isolation, depression,
anxiety or ability to cope. But, for those living with pet companions, the impact was lessened
by the ability to have physical contact with another living being. Pet adoptions rose by 30%. The
Human Society of Chittenden County reported a 50% increase in adoptions in 1 year.
Pet companions gave people purpose, routine and a way to have a physical connection. People
with dogs, had a reason to be outdoors for fresh air, exercise and socialize “in‐person”. If there
was a dog park nearby, they walked and their dogs could exercise. Everyone could socialize.
Those without a park, sought them out and drove.
All community members deserve to participate and enjoy community life safely and with
minimal interference from others, both people and dogs. Meeting the needs of dogs, reduces
the negative perceptions and challenges of their presence. Presently, their public lives are
governed by restrictive leash laws that prohibit them from being off‐leash to get essential
“play” or exercise, except in a dog park, if they can find one.
There are approximately, 3500 dogs living in South Burlington. Many more visit, daily. The
newly opened 1 acre, Wheeler Dog Park, is already becoming a “destination” dog park, drawing
people and dogs from all over the county. Our other small “neighborhood” dog park on Farrell
St is in disrepair, it can’t serve the needs of the hundreds of dogs living nearby. The lack of
space and sanitation infrastructure in the city, relegates dogs to being seen as interlopers and
nuisances and their guardians as irresponsible and law breakers.
South Burlington’s pursuit to be transformative and meet the needs of our community and the
region are exciting. The type and location of housing and planned public space will dictate the
type of infrastructure needed, not necessarily the number of dogs here. Will we need
destination or neighborhood dog parks? Will neighborhoods and public spaces have common
areas? Will concentrated housing have pet relief areas?
The following is the list of projects, timeframes and costs for use of ARPA funds.
Current needs:
• Complete Wheeler Dog Park (FY ’24)
• Refurbish Farrell Dog Park (FY ’24)
• Identify and install sanitation resources, as soon as possible. (FY ’24)
• Develop master plan for 3 new dog parks/runs (FY ’25)
o City Ctr “neighborhood” (walk <15 min) (FY ’25)
o SW district “neighborhood” (walk<15min) (FY ’26)
o NE district “destination” (walk< 35 min, short drive +/‐ 1 mile) (FY ’26)
• Comprehensive Plan needs to be more supportive of a growing pet population.
o Guidelines for new developments and redevelopment, should provide more
livable spaces and support the wellbeing of all users.
Require large compact multi‐unit housing to have sanitation amenities.
Require all large single/condo developments to include a “neighborhood”
dog park or contribute to a dog park fund for city to develop.
Install sanitation amenities on city owned open space/ entrances to parks
and trailheads.
Proposed ARPA Funds request to develop SB Dog Parks & Common Areas
Infrastructure
Funding Item FY24 FY25 FY26
Determine possible options to expand
area and improve accessibility in Wheeler
Dog Park 16,000
Purchase/ install 16 dog waste bag
dispensers (citywide) $300=tax/ dispenser
15,000
Add amenities to Wheeler Dog Park:
water, shade, seating 10,000 10,000
Complete refurbishment of Farrell Dog
Park 60,000
Add amenities to Farrell Dog Park: water,
seating, play structures 10,000
Dog Parks Master plan to select new
locations for additional dog parks/runs 60,000
Construct new dog park/run (NE district) 100,000
Construct new dog park/run (SW district) 60,000
Construct new dog park (City Ctr district) 100,000
TOTAL 101,000 180,000 160,000
Note: Grand Total cost across all three years is. $441,000
The Committee on Common Areas for Dogs is aware that project timeframes may interfere with
staff priorities. However, we emphasize the reality that addressing a number of these projects
have been delayed for years and will only create more challenges and issues, if they are delayed
further. We hope you will take this fact into consideration. And again, are grateful for the
opportunity to participate in this process.
Memorandum
To: South Burlington City Council
Cc: Jessie Baker, City Manager
Erica Quallen, Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee Staff Liaison
From: South Burlington Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee (SBPC)
Date: November 22,2022
Re: Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee ARPA funding request
Dear Council Members,
I’m writing on behalf of the SBPC to submit our request for project to be paid for with ARPA
funding.
Proposed Project: Scope, design and replace 5 ‘ shared use path into 10’ shard use path along
Hinesburg Road/Rt 116 between Kennedy Drive and Williston Road. The current paving is in
serious disrepair, and is too narrow for two-way use. Please see attached map.
Cost: Total cost is 1.3 million, with about half of this anticipated to be covered by grants. Any
portion of this would be welcome, and we could potentially start the project sooner than the FY
24-26 noted on our current CIP. Please see attached CIP plan for further details.
Rationale: This project addresses negative economic impacts on families and small businesses,
by allowing residents better access to shops and services of Market Street and Dorset Street,
and the plaza at the end of Hinesburg road- without need for a car or expensive gasoline. It
would also connect students to Central School, Tuttle Middle School and the High School. The
latter two schools via Greenway between Willison Road, Mayfair park and Prouty Parkway. This
would serve community members living in the neighborhoods immediately adjacent to
Hinesburg Road, as well as those living along Kennedy Drive, in the O’Brien Development, and
along the Greenway from Mayfair Park and Williston Road.
Summary: We think this project would serve many households and businesses in City Center
along with enhancing recreation opportunities and fostering a more pedestrian friendly culture.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the BPC,
Havaleh Gagne
Chair, Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee
PROJECT:Hinesburg Road Shared Use Path
JUSTIFICATION:
Operational Impacts:
DEPARTMENT: Bicycle/Pedestrian
CONTACT: Erica Quallen
FINANCIALS (in $1,000)FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 FY28 FY29 FY30 FY31 FY32 FY33 Total:
Estimated Costs:
Studies, Design, Eng, Inspection, GC, Legal 75 10 85
Land/ROW/Easement Acquisition 10 10
Construction 500 750 1,250
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Total Estimated Costs:‐ ‐ 75 520 750 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 1,345
Funding Sources:
General Fund ‐
Secured Grants ‐
Anticipated Grants 400 500 900
Penny for Path Debt Proceeds 75 100 150 325
Recreation Impact Fee ‐
Highway Impact Fee 20 100 120
Developer Contributions ‐
‐
‐
‐
Total Estimated Funding:‐ ‐ 75 520 750 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 1,345
DESCRIPTION: Scope, design, and replace existing 5' sidewalk with 10' shared use path on
Hinesburg Rd between Williston Rd and Kennedy Dr
Improve pedestrian and bicyle safety on Hinesburg Rd and make connection
between future shared use path on Williston Rd and existing shared use path on
Kennedy Dr
Estimated Annual Operating Cost:
FINANCIALS
COMMENT:
Estimated Revenue Per Year:
STATUS: Not started.
Winter snow removal, periodic repaving
Change to workload by requiring large plow for path, rather than sidewalk but in the vicinity of
currently paved paths
N/A
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ARPA PROPOSAL
Affordable Housing Committee
November 22, 2022
Committee Members
Janet Bellavance
Leslie Black-Plumeau
Vince Bolduc
Sandra Dooley – Vice-chair
Tom Getz
Emily Holt-Gosselin
Ariel Jensen-Vargas
Darriyln Peters
John Simson
Chris Trombly - Chair
Executive Summary
The Affordable Housing Committee was tasked to provide recommendations on the spend down
of the remaining ARPA funds and give consideration of the community ARPA survey as well as
the city council’s desire for recommendations that would deliver transformational change and the
biggest bang for its buck.
The Affordable Housing Committee requests that the City Council fund one-time expenses for
two of our FY2023 priorities by using a portion of the remaining ARPA funds. The use of the
funds is consistent with the program's intent by providing an equitable recovery and saving the
general fund in FY2024.
1/ Housing Needs Assessment & Opportunities Up to $100,000
2/ RFP for Child Care Grant City Council Discretion
3/ ADU Grant Program $225,000
The motion for the proposal was passed unanimously.
Thank you for your consideration.
Christopher Trombly
Chair, Affordable Housing Committee
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Housing Needs Assessment and Opportunities
Background
A housing needs assessment is a critical planning tool for identifying local policy solutions for a
community’s most urgent needs. It involves using data and local voices to identify gaps between
a community's existing housing stock and the current and future needs of residents.
It is ideal to update a town's housing needs assessment every 5-10 years, due to ongoing changes
that affect the demand for and supply of housing, such as population demographics, impacts on
housing quality, changing state and federal resources and housing market fluctuations.
The last South Burlington housing needs assessment was conducted almost 10 years ago
The housing section of the municipal plan should provide current information and guidance
regarding local housing needs, including how much housing is needed in the community and
regulations proposed to meet local needs. The Housing Needs Assessment will provide the
needed data for the City to set sustainable targets, types, locations and goals for housing growth
in South Burlington.
South Burlington has experienced unprecedented changes in the last five years, including the
groundbreaking of the City Center, the COVID-19 pandemic, and efforts to establish federal
state and local goals regarding climate change.
Action recommended
We recommend that the South Burlington City Council task the Affordable Housing Committee
with developing a scope of work and an RFP for hiring a consultant to conduct this assessment.
We recommend that the South Burlington City Council budget up to $100,000 to pay an external
consultant to conduct and prepare a report about the housing needs assessment and highlight
opportunities to increase housing affordability.
Data obtained through City, state, and Census Bureau sources, including on the Vermont
Housing Data Website, by the consultant, will be used to analyze the current conditions of South
Burlington housing market and assess future housing needs. The types of data analysis to be
conducted by the consultant will include, but will not be limited to, availability, affordability,
and future needs for owner homes, rental housing, and perpetually affordable housing.
Both raw data and the results of the data analysis will be provided to the South Burlington
Affordable Housing Committee in a written report or similar format. The consultant will review
this document with the Affordable Housing Committee at a regular Affordable Housing
Committee meeting.
This document will include data, data analysis, and recommended implementation measures to
address identified housing challenges in the city of South Burlington.
3
Housing Needs Assessment and Opportunities (continued)
Model scope of work outline
Demographic, geographic and economic data review
The consultant will gather and analyze information through city, state and Census Bureau data
sets regarding population, households, housing and employment including, but not limited to,
historical and population growth trends, demographic data, household data, and employment
data.
Housing Stock, Trends and Projections
This will include information about new residential units, types of building permits issued, trends
across the City and estimated rental and owner home vacancy rates.
Market Analysis
The Consultant will study residential real estate trends of all types of housing, including an
analysis of past residential sales prices, length of time on the market, and other relevant real
estate metrics. As part of the market analysis, a survey of community stakeholders and residents,
particularly of underserved communities, would be preferred to hear their voices in the final
report.
City housing levers
Review of land development regulations and other city requirements that affect housing
affordability and availability. Areas of specific interest are:
• Planning and Zoning Regulations Analysis
• Density
• Impact Fees
• Parking Requirements
• Landscaping Requirements
• Energy Efficiency Requirements
• Inclusionary Requirements
• State and City Designations (Downtowns, NDAs, Transit Overlay Districts, etc.)
• Planning and Zoning Process Analysis
• Staffing
• Average Time To Review and Approve Applications
• Staff and DRB Discretion / Waiver Regulations
• Intangibles (attitude, availability, collaborative vs. adversarial)
Implementation Strategies and Recommendations
The Consultant will develop recommendations for specific types, rates, and other housing needs
based on the data review, projections, market analysis, and regulation review.
4
RFP for Childcare Proposal
The Affordable Housing Committee recognizes the overwhelming support in the Community
APRA survey identifying Childcare as the highest priority to spend the remaining ARPA funds.
We recommend that the City Council earmark some of the remaining ARPA funds to initiate an
RFP process, similar to the affordable housing program, to seek requests from the Child Care
community, who can most effectively deliver this assistance to the community with the highest
impact.
While childcare is not within the scope of the Affordable Housing Committee, members have
expressed an interest in participating in helping accomplish this objective. Childcare also
indirectly supports other high priorities reflected in the survey: addressing income disparities,
local business support, and racial disparities.
5
Accessory Dwelling Unit Incentive Program
The Affordable Housing Committee proposes that the City Council provide $225,000 from the
ARPA allocation to launch a grant program to incentivize the construction of 15 Accessory
Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the City. Grants could be used for detailed design and construction.
It would serve as a demonstration program to add rental units to the housing stock and create
publicity and interest for City homeowners going forward. Grants could be up to $15,000 each.
ADUs approved under the program would involve interior renovations and small additions to an
existing house footprint. It is anticipated that ADUs developed would average 500 to 750 square
feet and would cost $60,000 to $125,000. Homeowners would be invited to submit an
application including preliminary design, a budget and financing plans.
Prior to launching the program, the City will develop educational materials, including how to be
a landlord, sourcing designs, financing and finding a contractor. Programs of this kind already
exist in Montpelier and elsewhere in the US and model educational materials would be available
for adaptation.
The program would require that the City’s grant be for “early money” such as detailed design,
material purchase, and foundation work to ensure that it is spent within the parameters of the
ARPA timing requirements. Proof of firm financing would be required before a grant is made
and guarantees confirmed that the resulting housing unit would be a long-term rental with a one-
year or more lease and a long-term commitment by the owner.
Although the program is only likely to deliver 15 affordable rental housing units, it could be
easily and quickly implemented compared to alternatives. Under inclusionary zoning, it would
require 100 units of multi-family housing to equal the number of affordable units we expect this
program to complete. Such development in our City would take many months before
construction and months to complete. All ADU development contemplated would be within
existing neighborhoods and comply with our Land Development Regulations by right.
Another significant benefit to homeowners is the opportunity to receive additional income from
rent. We know that there are many homeowners in the City who are struggling financially. If
they can afford to access this program with financing plus a City grant, the added income will
help long term.
It has been suggested that grants be restricted to homeowners at or below median income.
Although desirable, such a requirement might stifle the program because few lower-income
households would want the burden of debt or be unable to obtain a home equity loan large
enough to complete an ADU. We believe most applicants will choose to remain in their current
house and rent the ADU. By definition, a 500 to 750 sq ft home will be affordable to households
in need of housing.
The Affordable Housing Committee is prepared to research and develop the information packet
for prospective applicants. Champlain Housing Trust can be approached about helping with
administration.
180 MARKET STREET, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT | (802) 846-4107 | WWW.SOUTHBURLINGTONVT.GOV
2024-14
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2024-14
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Neighborhood to Schools Greenway
Getting more students to walk, bike and roll to Middle and High School
Vision…
Create a safe and welcoming route for middle and
high school students to walk, bike and roll to
school
What is a “neighborhood Greenway”?
Neighborhood Greenways are streets with low-vehicle volumes
and speeds, designed to prioritize bicycling and enhance
conditions for walking. Neighborhood Greenways are streets
where people of all ages and abilities feel safe walking and biking.
To create this condition, Neighborhood Greenways use a variety
of traffic calming and place making treatments.
Source: burlingtonvt.gov/DPW/NeighborhoodGreenways
Pilot concept
Install a 6 week pilot infrastructure project from
May 1-June 18th, 2024, using quick build tools and
techniques to create a route from the Elsom
Parkway neighborhood, through Prouty Parkway
neighborhood and O’Brien Drive neighborhood to
the Middle and High schools.
The Route
Orange = road/paved route
Green = off-road alternative
Infrastructure changes
This will include signs, temporary chalk paint,
planters and other items to create slow streets and
awareness for people driving vehicles to expect
students walking, biking and rolling in the area.
This will not only allow for safety but pleasantness,
placemaking and neighborhood calming.
Long Term Vision
The pilot project turns into permanent
infrastructure changes along the route such as
enhanced crosswalks, Edge Lane Roads, bumpouts,
paved paths, wayfinding and paint to continue to
build momentum for students to get to school in
healthy, social ways.
Possible Treatments…
Local Motion Brings the Noise…
Or at least the knowledge, skills and THE
TRAILER…
“Local Motion has a 12-foot trailer filled with all
of the supplies needed to run a successful
pop-up demonstration project in your town.
Whether it's traffic calming, crosswalks, bike
lanes, bump-outs, a pedestrian refuge or a plaza,
our trailer can help build support for permanent
safety and speed management improvements.”
localmotion.org/complete_streets_technical_assistance
The Ask…
Support from the Schools, School Board and City
Council for this concept in the form of approval and
more importantly the communication tools to
engage and encourage the student body (and their
parents) to participate and get active.
180 Market St South Burlington, VT 05403 802-846-4105
June 3, 2024
The following 2024 First, Second and Third Class Licenses and Outside Consumption Permit were
approved by the South Burlington Liquor Control Board after review by the City tax, fire and police
departments:
NAME DESCRIPTION
The Mill Market & Deli Second Class License
Quarry Hill Club First and Third Class Restaurant/Bar License and Outside
Consumption Permit
Zen Gardens First and Third Class Restaurant/Bar License
SOUTH BURLINGTON LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD
_______ ______
Mike Scanlan Laurie Smith
______ _______
Tim Barritt Elizabeth Fitzgerald
_______
Andrew Chalnick