HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - Planning Commission - 09/10/2024South Burlington Planning Commission
180 Market Street
South Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 846-4106
www.southburlingtonvt.gov
Meeting Tuesday, September 10, 2024
City Hall, 180 Market Street, Auditorium
7:00 pm
Members of the public may attend in person or digitally via Zoom. Participation Options:
In Person: City Hall, 180 Market Street, Auditorium
Interactive Online: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9960639517
Phone: 1 929 205 6099; Meeting ID: 996 063 9517
AGENDA:
1) Welcome, instructions on exiting the building in the event of an emergency (7:00 pm)
2) Agenda: Additions, deletions, or changes in order of agenda items (7:02 pm)
3) Open to the public for items not related to the agenda (7:03 pm)
4) Announcements and staff report (7:05 pm)
5) Form-Based Code Update Project (7:15 pm)
6) *LDR Amendments: Receive changes made by City Council pursuant to 24 VSA 4442(b) and
update Planning Commission Report as needed (8:00 pm)
7) LDR Amendments: Continue review of potential options to City Council on Minimum
Density and Master Plan Requirements (8:10 pm)
8) Minutes: August 27, 2024 (8:40 pm)
9) Other Business (8:45 pm)
10) Adjourn (8:50 pm)
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Conner, AICP,
Director of Planning & Zoning
* item has attachments
South Burlington Planning Commission Virtual Meeting Public Participation Guidelines
1. The Planning Commission Chair presents these guidelines for the public attending Planning Commission
meetings to ensure that everyone has a chance to speak and that meetings proceed smoothly.
2. In general, keep your video off and microphone on mute. Commission members, staff, and visitors currently
presenting / commenting will have their video on.
3. Initial discussion on an agenda item will generally be conducted by the Commission. As this is our
opportunity to engage with the subject, we would like to hear from all commissioners first. After the
Commission has discussed an item, the Chair will ask for public comment.
4. Please raise your hand identify yourself to be recognized to speak and the Chair will try to call on each
participant in sequence. To identify yourself, turn on your video and raise your hand, if participating by phone
you may unmute yourself and verbally state your interest in commenting, or type a message in the chat.
5. Once recognized by the Chair, please identify yourself to the Commission.
6. If the Commission suggests time limits, please respect them. Time limits will be used when they can aid in
making sure everyone is heard and sufficient time is available for Commission to complete the agenda.
7. Please address the Chair. Please do not address other participants or staff or presenters and please do not
interrupt others when they are speaking.
8. Make every effort not to repeat the points made by others. You may indicate that you support a similar
viewpoint. Indications of support are most efficiently added to the chat.
9. The Chair will make reasonable efforts to allow all participants who are interested in speaking to speak once
to allow other participants to address the Commission before addressing the Commission for a second time.
10. The Planning Commission desires to be as open and informal as possible within the construct that the
Planning Commission meeting is an opportunity for commissioners to discuss, debate and decide upon
policy matters. Regular Planning Commission meetings are not “town meetings”. A warned public hearing is
a fuller opportunity to explore an issue, provide input and influence public opinion on the matter.
11. Comments may be submitted before, during or after the meeting to the Planning and Zoning Department. All
written comments will be circulated to the Planning Commission and kept as part of the City Planner's official
records of meetings. Comments must include your first and last name and a contact (e-mail, phone, address)
to be included in the record. Email submissions are most efficient and should be addressed to the Director of
Planning and Zoning at pconner@sburl.com and Chair at jlouisos@sburl.com.
12. The Chat message feature is new to the virtual meeting platform. The chat should only be used for items
specifically related to the agenda item under discussion. The chat should not be used to private message
Commissioners or staff on policy items, as this pulls people away from the main conversation underway.
Messages on technical issues are welcome at any time. The Vice-Chair will monitor the chat and bring to the
attention of Commissioners comments or questions relevant to the discussion. Chat messages will be part of
the official meeting minutes.
13. In general discussions will follow the order presented in the agenda or as modified by the Commission.
14. The Chair, with assistance from staff, will give verbal cues as to where in the packet the discussion is
currently focused to help guide participants.
15. The Commission will try to keep items within the suggested timing published on the agenda, although
published timing is a guideline only. The Commission will make an effort to identify partway through a
meeting if agenda items scheduled later in the meeting are likely not be covered and communicate with
meeting participants any expected change in the extent of the agenda. There are times when meeting
agendas include items at the end that will be covered “if time allows”.
180 Market Street South Burlington, VT 05403 tel 802.846.4106 fax 802.846.4101 www.sbvt.gov
MEMORANDUM
TO: South Burlington Planning Commission
FROM: Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning
SUBJECT: Planning Commission Meeting Memo
DATE: For September 10, 2024 Planning Commission meeting
1. Welcome, instructions on exiting the building in the event of an emergency (7:00 pm)
2. Agenda: Additions, deletions, or changes in order of agenda items (7:02 pm)
3. Open to the public for items not related to the agenda (7:03 pm)
4. Announcements and staff report (7:05 pm)
Staff Report
• Green Mountain Transit announced draft service reductions, previewed over the past few
months, last week. This includes elimination of the #11 serving Kennedy Drive, Hinesburg
Road, Dorset Street, and the Airport, and reductions in frequency of evening & weekend
service along the Shelburne and Williston Road routes, among others throughout the
system. GMT’s Executive Director discussed these reductions as well as a look ahead,
with the City Council this past week. City Staff also shared findings of a data-driven
analysis undertaken this summer on potential opportunities to revision service in the mid-
term.
• The update on the City Green Feasibility Study that was delivered to the public on August
14 is now available on the City’s website. The study has identified six potential locations.
Public comments, which can also be submitted through a link on the same page, may be
submitted through September 25.
• The project to prepare the City’s first Parks & Open Space Master Plan is preparing to kick
off. The City Council selected CRO Planning & Design as the consultant on the project.
5. Form-Based Code Update Project (7:15 pm)
See attached memo and presentation
6. *LDR Amendments: Receive changes made by City Council pursuant to 24 VSA 4442(b) and
update Planning Commission Report as needed (8:15 pm)
See attached transmittal memo and Planning Commission Report.
2
Staff has reviewed the changes made by Council and considers that none alter the findings of
the Commission’s Report.
Possible motion: “I move to find that the changes made to Land Development Regulation
amendments #LDR-24-01 through LDR-24-10 do not require alteration to the previously-
prepared Planning Commission Reports.”
7. LDR Amendments: Continue review of potential options to City Council on Minimum
Density and Master Plan Requirements (8:20 pm)
At the last meeting the Commission discussed options for the Chair to present to Council as
part of her presentation on the draft LDRs. Staff was asked to develop options that use the
concept of “land reserved for future use” in a Master Plan and that would apply to the
“balance of land” at the time a property owner elects to take advantage of the one-time
master plan “carve-out” of up to 2 acres.
Staff has considered this feedback and offers the following recommendations / options:
1. Master Plan “carve-out” threshold. Master Plan is required for parcels over 2 acres in size
with more than one phase of development (and other criteria). The current draft allows
properties over 4 in size to “carve out” up to 2 acres. However, a 3-acre parcel would be
subject to a Master Plan.
For consideration: Allow parcels over 2 acres in size to have a “carve-out” of up to 2 acres
so long at least 2 acres remain.
2. Master Plan development plan components. These are a series of 10 components of a
development project that must be shown within the developable land.
For consideration: Two additional items could be included
a. Show any land to be conveyance as dedicated open space to the City or a Land
Trust
b. Show any land to be designated as “Reserved for Future Use”
3. Land Reserved for Future Use and/or remaining from a master plan carve-out. The
Regulations could allow a portion of their land to be “Reserved for Future Use” in a
Master Plan. If an applicant opts to Reserve land for future use or avail themselves of the
one-time carve out, the following options could be considered for that area
For Consideration:
Standards for land areas “Reserved for Future Use.” Land area designated as “reserved
for future use” on a Master Plan are subject to the following standards and are otherwise
exempt from review under the City’s Land Development Regulations.
3
Options for the PC/ Council to consider:
OPTION 1:
An Illustrative Plan, prepared to scale, including at a minimum the following:
(a) Hazards and Level 1 resources using Initial Identification sources from Table 12-
01, or better if available
(b) Feasible configuration of street rights-of-way capable of meeting the
requirements of the LDR
(c) A bubble diagram showing:
(i) feasible allocation of at least 10% of buildable area for civic spaces
(iv) feasible allocation of at least 5% of buildable area for stormwater
practices in topographically appropriate locations
(iv) feasible allocation of buildable area for required minimum housing
density reflecting building types allowed in the zoning district.
OPTION 2:
The applicant shall demonstrate that the future development potential of the Area
Reserved for future use is not diminished by the layout of the balance of the Development
Plan.
OPTION 3:
Combination of 1 & 2. Allow the applicant to choose option 1 or option 2, and then give
the DRB the authority to require the illustrative plan if the applicant hasn’t been able to
clearly demonstrate that the future development potential is not diminished via option 2.
This same set of criteria could/would then be applied to the balance of land from a master
plan carve-out.
8. Minutes: August 27, 2024
See enclose draft minutes for your review and action
9. Other Business (8:45 pm)
10. Adjourn (8:50 pm)
To: South Burlington Planning Commission Members,
From: Nick Atherton, City Planner
Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning
Date: August 21, 2024
Re: Updates to the Form-Based Code in City Center
In early 2024, staff engaged Greg Rabideau, a local architect with a deep well of knowledge of design
and construction of larger residential, mixed use, and commercial buildings in Chittenden County, to
perform a review of the Form Based Code (FBC) transects with the goals of supporting and enhancing
design, addressing known deflciencies in the Code, and recommending potential opportunities for
innovation. This effort is latest stage in the ongoing effort to foster a thriving City Center in downtown
South Burlington and is step one of a series of potential regulatory improvements to support the
continued buildout of City Center.
Staff undertook this project after receiving a request in the fall of 2023 from City Council and the
Planning Commission to review the FBC language with the goal of identifying opportunities for
improvement, now that a signiflcant portion of the City Center area has been either developed or
permitted for future development. Council and the Commission were primarily interested in means by
which the City could encourage greater variation in architectural stylings and building forms. They also
directed staff to investigate how the FBC language may impact construction costs, as well as to
investigate solutions to some known technical deflciencies within the Code.
Since roughly 2008, the City has undertaken a series of planning projects with the overall goal of
fostering a compact, walkable, mixed-use downtown centered on Market and Garden Streets. This
ongoing effort has yielded results that can be observed today in the form of 19 new buildings and
signiflcant infrastructure improvements along Market and Garden Streets. Some of the projects that led
to today’s streetscape include:
• Tax Increment Financing District: this infrastructure flnancing tool was established in 2010
and allows the City to borrow against increased future tax revenue that will be generated by
increased development to fund one-time capital investments in infrastructure.
• New Town Center and Neighborhood Development Area: City Center and parts of its
surrounding neighborhoods are enrolled in state designation programs that confer tax beneflts,
streamline permitting, and establish grant eligibility for many of the properties located in these
areas.
180 MARKET STREET, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT | (802) 846-4106 | WWW.SOUTHBURLINGTONVT.GOV
• Capital Improvement Plan projects: a variety of sources (including, notably, the TIF district
funds) have funded the construction of Market & Garden Street infrastructure improvements,
City Center Park and its planned boardwalk connection, and soon will partially fund a bike-ped
bridge that will connect South Burlington residents and visitors on both sides of the highway and
complete multimodal connections across the entire Form-Based Code district.
• The Form-Based Code district itself. In contrast with South Burlington’s other zoning districts,
the Form-Based Code requires new buildings to incorporate urban-speciflc architectural
designs and functions. It is designed to promote rapid inflll development that still echoes the
architectural details that South Burlington residents have come to expect in Vermont’s unique
urban areas. 19 buildings have been constructed in the FBC’s transect zones, including the City
Hall complex and Cathedral Square’s Market Street residence. Several mixed-use buildings
featuring apartments above ground-level retail are set to open or have already opened this year,
and when flnished will yield an additional 600 dwelling units in the City’s newest neighborhood.
In pursuit of the Council and Commission’s goals of improving the FBC, staff approached consulting
architect Greg Rabideau with a list of goals and suggested areas of improvement. Some of these
included:
• Explore tools to instill greater variety in the building scale and type.
• Improve outcomes for the street/building interface resulting in a more pedestrian-oriented
environment, including the possibility of non-vehicular streets that meet frontage and
emergency access requirements.
• Review of balconies and public space options.
• Phased building scales within the same structure, to allow an intimate street-level façade that
transitions to a larger, denser building volumes concentrated farther back from the street.
• Design access and facades for lots with streets on 3 sides.
• Incorporate parking entries / porte- cocheres.
• Encourage more “grand entries”.
• Increase variety in how stories above the flrst are built out.
• Suggest fiexible tools for measuring height of certain pitched rooves (not speciflc to FBC
districts)
The consultant has been working on a literature review and will be developing a flnal report addressing
these items, as well as other ideas and concerns that have emerged during the process. Staff have been
supporting the consultant by supplying him with necessary planning documents and have also
undertaken a pair of outreach events to engage local architects, designers, and developers in the
development of this report. One of these events was held at City Hall in late June and was attended by
designers and architects from flrms including Weimann-Lamphere, VHB, TCE, and others. Staff are
planning another, similar event in September that will bring together project managers and developers
from the same sector and will focus on the economics and flnancial aspects of designing projects within
the FBC district.
180 MARKET STREET, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT | (802) 846-4106 | WWW.SOUTHBURLINGTONVT.GOV
As this project moves through its later stages of research and analysis towards a flnal report, staff would
like to invite feedback and questions from Planning Commission members.
• Does the scope of the project capture the questions with FBC-regulated buildings that
Commissioners have previously identifled?
• Since the beginning of this project, several buildings have opened and others are nearing
completion, giving a better sense of the streetscape. Have any of the original concerns or issues
shifted or been addressed? Have any new concerns or opportunities emerged?
• Do Commissioners have any speciflc questions for Greg Rabideau or Staff?
An Update to the Ongoing Form-Based Code Study
Presented to the South Burlington Planning Commission
September 10, 2024
What got us here?
•CityPlan 2024
•Tax Increment Financing District (TIF)
•New Town Center and Neighborhood
Development Area (NTC & NDA)
•Capital Improvement Plan projects
•The Form-Based Code itself
•Official Map
Starting list of goals & suggested areas of
improvement
•Explore tools for greater variety in the building scale and type.
•Improve outcomes for the street/building interface, focusing on pedestrians.
•Review of balconies and public space options.
•Phased building scales within the same structure: allow intimate street-level façades that
transition to larger, denser building volumes farther back from the street.
•Design access and façades for lots with streets on 3 sides.
•Incorporate parking entries / porte- cocheres.
•Encourage more “grand entries”.
•Increase variety in how stories above the first are built out.
•Suggest flexible tools for measuring height of certain pitched rooves (not specific to FBC districts)
•Redesignate T3+ to T4?
•East End of Market St
Project progress
Completed
•Greg Rabideau brought on board in
early summer
•Ongoing literature review
•City hosted roundtable with local
designers on June 27
•Staff and Greg have had regular check-
ins throughout.
Still to come
•Check-in with Planning Commission
•Second roundtable
•Draft report review with Greg
•Presentation of final report to Planning
Commission
4 areas of focus have emerged
1. Allow for pedestrian-only streets and alternative accesses to serve as primary
frontage. How can we allow for these while meeting emergency access needs?
2. Increase flexibility to achieve building envelope standards. Tightly prescriptive
rules stifle creativity. How do we increase choice without lowering the bar?
3. Create a hierarchy of streets to allow for three-sided buildings and retain
connectivity.
4. Consider increasing building heights within FBC zones. Now that the Planning
Commission has enabled up to 7 stories elsewhere in City, we recommend that
certain parts of the FBC allow (proportionally) taller maximums.
NDA By the numbers (May 2024)
•128 affordable housing units occupied
•790 new housing units constructed
•70,000 square feet of new commercial built
•58,000 square feet of new commercial in construction
(plus hotel transition)
•49,000 square feet of new public building constructed
•8.96 acres of new park completed
Staff are looking into the future
•Pattern shift from new
construction in unbuilt areas ->
infill development
•Goal is to channel continued
investment into the areas that will
benefit the most.
•San Remo Drive
•University Mall
•Staples Plaza
•Mary Street
•North side of Williston Rd
•The way we get there is to refine
FBC to be nimble, flexible, but
predictable.
Questions for Planning Commissioners
•Does the scope of the project capture the questions Commissioners have
previously identified with FBC-regulated buildings?
•Several buildings have recently opened and others are nearing completion, giving
a better sense of the streetscape. Have any of the original concerns or issues
shifted or been addressed? Have new concerns or opportunities emerged?
•Do Commissioners have any specific questions for Greg Rabideau or Staff?
180 MARKET STREET, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT | (802) 846-4106 | WWW.SOUTHBURLINGTONVT.GOV
MEMORANDUM
TO: Holly Rees, City Clerk
South Burlington Planning Commission
FROM: South Burlington City Council, c/o Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning
SUBJECT: Changes to draft Land Development Regulations #LDR-24-01 through and LDR-
22-10; public hearing September 16, 2024
DATE: September 5, 2024
The City Council on August 19, 2024 received draft amendments #LDR-24-01 through LDR-24-10
from the Planning Commission. Concurrently the Council received a series of recommended minor
changes to the draft from staff. The Council voted to warn a public hearing that includes the
recommended minor changes.
Pursuant to 24 VSA 4442(b), a copy of the changed proposal is hereby provided to the City Clerk
and to the Planning Commission. The specific changes are listed below.
In accordance with the Statute, the planning commission is requested to review and amend the
Report prepared pursuant to subsection 4441(c) of this title to reflect the changes made by the
legislative body and to submit that amended Report to the City Council at or prior to the public
hearing.
The City Council will hold its public hearing on LDR-24-01 through and LDR-24-10 on Monday,
September 16, 2024 at 7 pm.
Post-Planning Commission Modifications
Article 2
• 2.02 Replace draft definitions for Electric
Vehicle Capable Space, Electric Vehicle
Ready Space, and Electric Vehicle Supply
Requirement Installed Space with those
approved for Planning Commission public
hearing on May 28, 2024.
Article 3
• 3.01A(4) add (-)
• 3.012B add space, change are to is
• 3.07B(3) remove (-)
• 3.07F add reference to 19.03D
• 3.09A(1) correct to subsection (2)
• 3.18A,B,C Replace draft amendments with
those approved for Planning Commission
public hearing on May 28, 2024.
Article 4-7
• 5.01 add acronym to title
• 5.01A remove double reference
• 5.02A correct acronym
• 5.02B correct abbreviation
• 5.03B, C correct abbreviation
• 5.04B, C remove full name of district
• 5.04C add "or as modified by use of
Inclusionary Zoning under Article 18 or
Transferable Development Rights under
Article 19." as reference
• 5.05A add abbreviation, correct reference
• 5.05B, C correct to abbreviation
• 6 TOC correct to 6.03
• 6.02A remove "Industrial" as mislabel
• 7.02D(3) correct reference
2
Article 9
• 9.02A(2) correct reference
• 9.02A(4) correct reference
• 9.02B(1) standard numbering update,
update reference
• 9.02B(2) standard numbering update,
update reference
Article 10
• 10.05E(2) correct reference
Article 12
• 12.04D(2)(b) standard numbering update
• 12.04D(3) add "subsection"
• 12.04E(2) remove ,
• 12.04F add .
• 12.04G and H correct lettering
Article 13
• Table 13-2 remove empty columns
Article 14
• 14.04B(1)(g) remove incorrect reference
• 14.04C(3) correct to Article 18 and remove ,
• 14.04C remove box
• 14.04E correct to E from C
• 14.05E(2) correct punctuation
Article 15A
• 15.A.02A correct reference
• 15.A.04D(3) correct reference
• 15.A.04G(2) correct references
• 15.A.05B(1) correct reference
• 15.A.05B(2) correct reference
• 15.A.06B(2) correct reference
• 15.A.06D(1) correct reference
• 15.A.06E updated reference
• 15.A.07C correct reference
• 15.A.08E correct reference
• 15.A.08F(3) correct reference
• 15.A.10A(4) correct reference
• 15.A.14G punctuation corrections
• 15.A.15E correct reference
Article 15B
• 15.B.03A correct reference
• 15.B.03B correct references
• 15.B.03D correct reference
• 15.B.05 remove "Amendment" from title
• 15.B.06B(2) change "Substantial" to Major
for consistency
Article 15C
• 15.C.01B(1) change "disapprove" to deny for
consistency
• 15.C.02A(2) add "is not superseded by PUD
standards"
• 15.C.02B correct references
• 15.C.02C(1) correct numbering
• 15.C.02C(1)(b) change date reference to
"pursuant to 15.C.06C(1)."
• 15.C.02C(2) correct reference
• 15.C.03A correct reference
• 15.C.04D correct references
• 15.C.05D correct reference
• 15.C.05E correct references
• Tables 15.C.05 correct titles
• 15.C.05F(4) remove internal reference "as
provided for Transition Zones under
15.C.04E"
• 15.C.05F(10), remove internal reference
"except as provided for an Infill TND under
15.C.06(G)(4) above"
• 15.C.06A change "disapprove" to deny for
consistency
• 15.C.06F correct references and renumber
• 15.C.06F remove "under (2) below"; rework
(1) slightly to make sense with modification
standards
• 15.C.06G correct references
Article 18
• 18.01A correct "Comprehensive Plan" to
City Plan
• 18.01B(2) correct "section" to Article
• 18.01B(2)(d) correct reference
• 18.01C(5) correct reference
• 18.01H edit for consistency with Article 19
Article 19
• 19.02A(1) add "District"
• 19.02B standard numbering update
• 19.02C make TDR plural
• 19.02D add "Stories" to title, (1), and tables
and remove "minimum lot sizes"
• 19.04C(6) add "estimated"
State of Vermont
Agency of Commerce &
Community Development
Department of Housing &
Community Development
Municipal Planning Commission
Bylaw Reporting Form
Provisional Form pursuant to Act 47 of 2023, The HOME Act
This provisional form issued pursuant to the Act 47 of 2023 is subject to change.
The Department welcomes feedback on the form’s implementation of the Act.
Published June 30, 2023
Contacts: Jenni Lavoie, Contracts & Grants Administrator
jennifer.lavoie@vermont.gov, 802.828.1948Jacob Hemmerick, Community Planning & Policy Manager jacob.hemmerick@vermont.gov, 802.828.5249
Why is this form required?
Vermont’s Municipal & Regional Planning & Development Act (24 V.S.A 4441) requires
a municipal planning commission to prepare a report when considering an amendment
to a bylaw. Act 47 of 2023 adds a requirement to the report to include findings on
conformance with sections 4412, 4413, and 4414 of the Act. It also adds a requirement
that the municipal planning commission provide the report to the Department of Housing
and Community Development upon approval of an adoption or amendment. The report
must be submitted with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) files, a complete bylaw,
and information about municipal planning and governance and systems. The form will
be published on the Vermont Planning Data Center, here:
https://accdmaps.vermont.gov/MunicipalPlanningDataCenter/. Bylaw submission and
posting supports the availability of Vermont’s adopted municipal bylaws from a central
digital source for statewide access and use.
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
How does a municipality submit the form?
Upon completion of the sections below, upload a saved version of the file here. The
form must be submitted with the approved bylaw(s) and any GIS shapefiles (when
adding or amending district boundaries of record on the Vermont Open Geodata Portal).
The form can be saved as a Microsoft Word document (DOC) or converted to a Portable
Document Format (PDF) file. If you need assistance completing the form, please reach
out to the contact above or your municipality’s regional planning commission.
Type of Bylaw Filing
Select all that apply.
☐New bylaw(s)
☐Amendment to existing bylaw(s)
☐Repeal of existing bylaw(s)
Explain multiple selections.
Type of Bylaw(s)
Select all that apply.
☐Unified Development (select all bylaws included in the unified bylaws below)
☐Zoning
Does the bylaw add or change any zoning districts or boundaries?
☐Yes
☐No
☐Subdivision
☐Interim
☐Flood Hazard
☐River Corridor
☐Shoreland Protection
☐Other: (explain)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Date of Hearing(s)
Planning Commission Hearing(s) (enter date[s])
Legislative Body Hearing(s) (enter date[s])
Date of Adoption
Skip this section if the bylaw is proposed for hearing.
Date of Popular Election (enter date only if subject to a popular election/vote) Date of Last Action (enter date of final approval action by voters or legislative body)
Bylaw Summary & Statement of Purpose
Provide a brief explanation of the bylaw and a statement of purpose (per 24 V.S.A.
4441). Use as much space as needed.
Findings on Municipal Plan Furtherance
Explain how the bylaw conforms with or furthers the goals and policies contained in the
municipal plan. Use as much space as needed.
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Safe & Affordable Housing
Explain the effect of the bylaw on the availability of safe and affordable housing. Use as much space as needed.
Findings on Required Provisions & Prohibited Effects
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4412. Use as much space as
needed.
Include explanations on how the bylaws conform with these provisions (as applicable):
Mobile, modular and prefabricated housing
Mobile home parks
Duplex uses
Multi-unit dwelling uses
Accessory dwelling unit uses
Residential care homes or group homes
Hotels for emergency housing
Existing small lots
Required frontage
Home occupations
Childcare home or facility
Heights of renewable energy structures
Nonconformities
Communications antennae and facilities
Planting projects in flood hazards
Accessory on-farm businesses
Lot and dimensional standards for minimum dwelling unit density
Density for affordable housing
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Limitations on Municipal Bylaws
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4413. Use as much space as needed.
Include explanations on how the bylaws conform with these provisions (as applicable):
State- or community-owned and -operated institutions and facilities
Public and private schools and other institutions
Places of worship
Public and private hospitals
Regional solid waste management facilities
Hazardous waste management facilities
Emergency shelters
Required agricultural practices
Accepted silvicultural practices
Solar energy devices
Ancillary telecommunications improvements and lines
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Permissible Types of Regulation
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4414. Use as much space as needed.
Select all regulations adopted by the municipality:
☐ Zoning (§4414)
☐ Downtown, Village Center, and Growth Center Districts
☐ Agricultural, Rural Residential, Forest & Recreation Districts
☐ Airport Hazard Areas
☐ Shorelands
☐ Design Review Districts
☐ Historic District/Landmark Bylaws
☐ River Corridors and Buffers
☐ Overlay Districts (§4414)
List overlays:
☐ Conditional Use Review (§4414)
☐ Parking & Loading Standards (§4414)
☐ Performance Standards (§4414)
☐ Energy Resource Standards (§4414)
☐ Inclusionary Zoning (§4414)
☐ Waiver Provisions (§4414)
☐ Stormwater Management Standards (§4414)
☐ Wireless Telecommunication Bylaws (§4414)
☐ Water/Wastewater Permit Sequencing Standards (§4414)
☐ Green Development Incentives (§4414)
☐ Solar Screening Standards (§4414)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Municipal Plan Future Land Uses & Density Compatibility
Explain how the bylaw is compatible with the proposed future land uses and densities of the municipal plan.
Planned Community Facilities
Explain how the bylaw carries out, as applicable, any specific proposals for any planned
community facilities.
Municipal Planning Implementation Information
Upon adoption of the bylaw(s), select all elements of the municipal planning program
that apply in the municipality:
☐ Unexpired Municipal Plan
☐ RPC-Approved Municipal Plan & Confirmed Planning Process (§4350)
☐ Interim Bylaws (§4415)
☐ Site Plan Review (§4416)
☐ Planned Unit Development (§4417)
☐ Subdivision (§4418)
☐ Administrative approvals of minor subdivisions/boundary adjustments (§4463)
☐ Unified Development Bylaws (§4419)
☐ Local Act 250 Review of Municipal Impacts (§4419)
☐ On The Record Review/Adopted Municipal Administrative Procedures (§4471)
☐ Official Map (§4421)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
☐ Public Facilities Phasing (§4422)
☐ Transfer Development Rights (§4423)
☐ Freestanding Shorelands Bylaws (§4424)
☐ Freestanding River Corridor Protection Areas (§4424)
☐ Freestanding Flood or Hazard Areas (§4424)
☐ Enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program
☐ Other Special or Freestanding Bylaws (§4424)
List
☐ Capital Budget & Program (§4430)
☐ Impact Fees (Chapter 131, §4422)
☐ Judicial Bureau Ticketing Option for Enforcement (§4452 & 1974a of Title)
☐ Advisory Commissions/Committees (§4433(1))
☐ Historic Preservation Commissions (§4433(3))
☐ Design Review Commissions (§4433(4))
☐ Housing Commissions (§4433(5))
☐ Development Review Board (§4460)
☐ Zoning Board of Adjustment (§4460)
☐ Joint Board of Adjustment Development Review Board (§4460)
☐ Full-time Administrative Officer
☐ Part-time Administrative Officer
☐ Volunteer/stipend Administrative Officer
☐ Staff planner(s)
☐ Availability of planning Information on municipal website:
☐ Municipal plan and maps
☐ Bylaws
☐ Fee schedule
☐ Contact information for administrative officer
☐ Information about Planning Commission
☐ Information about the Appropriate Municipal Panel (ZBA/DRB)
Primary website URL:
State of Vermont
Agency of Commerce &
Community Development
Department of Housing &
Community Development
Municipal Planning Commission
Bylaw Reporting Form
Provisional Form pursuant to Act 47 of 2023, The HOME Act
This provisional form issued pursuant to the Act 47 of 2023 is subject to change.
The Department welcomes feedback on the form’s implementation of the Act.
Published June 30, 2023
Contacts: Jenni Lavoie, Contracts & Grants Administrator
jennifer.lavoie@vermont.gov, 802.828.1948Jacob Hemmerick, Community Planning & Policy Manager jacob.hemmerick@vermont.gov, 802.828.5249
Why is this form required?
Vermont’s Municipal & Regional Planning & Development Act (24 V.S.A 4441) requires
a municipal planning commission to prepare a report when considering an amendment
to a bylaw. Act 47 of 2023 adds a requirement to the report to include findings on
conformance with sections 4412, 4413, and 4414 of the Act. It also adds a requirement
that the municipal planning commission provide the report to the Department of Housing
and Community Development upon approval of an adoption or amendment. The report
must be submitted with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) files, a complete bylaw,
and information about municipal planning and governance and systems. The form will
be published on the Vermont Planning Data Center, here:
https://accdmaps.vermont.gov/MunicipalPlanningDataCenter/. Bylaw submission and
posting supports the availability of Vermont’s adopted municipal bylaws from a central
digital source for statewide access and use.
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
How does a municipality submit the form?
Upon completion of the sections below, upload a saved version of the file here. The
form must be submitted with the approved bylaw(s) and any GIS shapefiles (when
adding or amending district boundaries of record on the Vermont Open Geodata Portal).
The form can be saved as a Microsoft Word document (DOC) or converted to a Portable
Document Format (PDF) file. If you need assistance completing the form, please reach
out to the contact above or your municipality’s regional planning commission.
Type of Bylaw Filing
Select all that apply.
☐New bylaw(s)
☐Amendment to existing bylaw(s)
☐Repeal of existing bylaw(s)
Explain multiple selections.
Type of Bylaw(s)
Select all that apply.
☐Unified Development (select all bylaws included in the unified bylaws below)
☐Zoning
Does the bylaw add or change any zoning districts or boundaries?
☐Yes
☐No
☐Subdivision
☐Interim
☐Flood Hazard
☐River Corridor
☐Shoreland Protection
☐Other: (explain)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Date of Hearing(s)
Planning Commission Hearing(s) (enter date[s])
Legislative Body Hearing(s) (enter date[s])
Date of Adoption
Skip this section if the bylaw is proposed for hearing.
Date of Popular Election (enter date only if subject to a popular election/vote) Date of Last Action (enter date of final approval action by voters or legislative body)
Bylaw Summary & Statement of Purpose
Provide a brief explanation of the bylaw and a statement of purpose (per 24 V.S.A.
4441). Use as much space as needed.
Findings on Municipal Plan Furtherance
Explain how the bylaw conforms with or furthers the goals and policies contained in the
municipal plan. Use as much space as needed.
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Safe & Affordable Housing
Explain the effect of the bylaw on the availability of safe and affordable housing. Use as much space as needed.
Findings on Required Provisions & Prohibited Effects
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4412. Use as much space as
needed.
Include explanations on how the bylaws conform with these provisions (as applicable):
Mobile, modular and prefabricated housing
Mobile home parks
Duplex uses
Multi-unit dwelling uses
Accessory dwelling unit uses
Residential care homes or group homes
Hotels for emergency housing
Existing small lots
Required frontage
Home occupations
Childcare home or facility
Heights of renewable energy structures
Nonconformities
Communications antennae and facilities
Planting projects in flood hazards
Accessory on-farm businesses
Lot and dimensional standards for minimum dwelling unit density
Density for affordable housing
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Limitations on Municipal Bylaws
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4413. Use as much space as needed.
Include explanations on how the bylaws conform with these provisions (as applicable):
State- or community-owned and -operated institutions and facilities
Public and private schools and other institutions
Places of worship
Public and private hospitals
Regional solid waste management facilities
Hazardous waste management facilities
Emergency shelters
Required agricultural practices
Accepted silvicultural practices
Solar energy devices
Ancillary telecommunications improvements and lines
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Permissible Types of Regulation
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4414. Use as much space as needed.
Select all regulations adopted by the municipality:
☐ Zoning (§4414)
☐ Downtown, Village Center, and Growth Center Districts
☐ Agricultural, Rural Residential, Forest & Recreation Districts
☐ Airport Hazard Areas
☐ Shorelands
☐ Design Review Districts
☐ Historic District/Landmark Bylaws
☐ River Corridors and Buffers
☐ Overlay Districts (§4414)
List overlays:
☐ Conditional Use Review (§4414)
☐ Parking & Loading Standards (§4414)
☐ Performance Standards (§4414)
☐ Energy Resource Standards (§4414)
☐ Inclusionary Zoning (§4414)
☐ Waiver Provisions (§4414)
☐ Stormwater Management Standards (§4414)
☐ Wireless Telecommunication Bylaws (§4414)
☐ Water/Wastewater Permit Sequencing Standards (§4414)
☐ Green Development Incentives (§4414)
☐ Solar Screening Standards (§4414)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Municipal Plan Future Land Uses & Density Compatibility
Explain how the bylaw is compatible with the proposed future land uses and densities of the municipal plan.
Planned Community Facilities
Explain how the bylaw carries out, as applicable, any specific proposals for any planned
community facilities.
Municipal Planning Implementation Information
Upon adoption of the bylaw(s), select all elements of the municipal planning program
that apply in the municipality:
☐ Unexpired Municipal Plan
☐ RPC-Approved Municipal Plan & Confirmed Planning Process (§4350)
☐ Interim Bylaws (§4415)
☐ Site Plan Review (§4416)
☐ Planned Unit Development (§4417)
☐ Subdivision (§4418)
☐ Administrative approvals of minor subdivisions/boundary adjustments (§4463)
☐ Unified Development Bylaws (§4419)
☐ Local Act 250 Review of Municipal Impacts (§4419)
☐ On The Record Review/Adopted Municipal Administrative Procedures (§4471)
☐ Official Map (§4421)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
☐ Public Facilities Phasing (§4422)
☐ Transfer Development Rights (§4423)
☐ Freestanding Shorelands Bylaws (§4424)
☐ Freestanding River Corridor Protection Areas (§4424)
☐ Freestanding Flood or Hazard Areas (§4424)
☐ Enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program
☐ Other Special or Freestanding Bylaws (§4424)
List
☐ Capital Budget & Program (§4430)
☐ Impact Fees (Chapter 131, §4422)
☐ Judicial Bureau Ticketing Option for Enforcement (§4452 & 1974a of Title)
☐ Advisory Commissions/Committees (§4433(1))
☐ Historic Preservation Commissions (§4433(3))
☐ Design Review Commissions (§4433(4))
☐ Housing Commissions (§4433(5))
☐ Development Review Board (§4460)
☐ Zoning Board of Adjustment (§4460)
☐ Joint Board of Adjustment Development Review Board (§4460)
☐ Full-time Administrative Officer
☐ Part-time Administrative Officer
☐ Volunteer/stipend Administrative Officer
☐ Staff planner(s)
☐ Availability of planning Information on municipal website:
☐ Municipal plan and maps
☐ Bylaws
☐ Fee schedule
☐ Contact information for administrative officer
☐ Information about Planning Commission
☐ Information about the Appropriate Municipal Panel (ZBA/DRB)
Primary website URL:
State of Vermont
Agency of Commerce &
Community Development
Department of Housing &
Community Development
Municipal Planning Commission
Bylaw Reporting Form
Provisional Form pursuant to Act 47 of 2023, The HOME Act
This provisional form issued pursuant to the Act 47 of 2023 is subject to change.
The Department welcomes feedback on the form’s implementation of the Act.
Published June 30, 2023
Contacts: Jenni Lavoie, Contracts & Grants Administrator
jennifer.lavoie@vermont.gov, 802.828.1948Jacob Hemmerick, Community Planning & Policy Manager jacob.hemmerick@vermont.gov, 802.828.5249
Why is this form required?
Vermont’s Municipal & Regional Planning & Development Act (24 V.S.A 4441) requires
a municipal planning commission to prepare a report when considering an amendment
to a bylaw. Act 47 of 2023 adds a requirement to the report to include findings on
conformance with sections 4412, 4413, and 4414 of the Act. It also adds a requirement
that the municipal planning commission provide the report to the Department of Housing
and Community Development upon approval of an adoption or amendment. The report
must be submitted with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) files, a complete bylaw,
and information about municipal planning and governance and systems. The form will
be published on the Vermont Planning Data Center, here:
https://accdmaps.vermont.gov/MunicipalPlanningDataCenter/. Bylaw submission and
posting supports the availability of Vermont’s adopted municipal bylaws from a central
digital source for statewide access and use.
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
How does a municipality submit the form?
Upon completion of the sections below, upload a saved version of the file here. The
form must be submitted with the approved bylaw(s) and any GIS shapefiles (when
adding or amending district boundaries of record on the Vermont Open Geodata Portal).
The form can be saved as a Microsoft Word document (DOC) or converted to a Portable
Document Format (PDF) file. If you need assistance completing the form, please reach
out to the contact above or your municipality’s regional planning commission.
Type of Bylaw Filing
Select all that apply.
☐New bylaw(s)
☐Amendment to existing bylaw(s)
☐Repeal of existing bylaw(s)
Explain multiple selections.
Type of Bylaw(s)
Select all that apply.
☐Unified Development (select all bylaws included in the unified bylaws below)
☐Zoning
Does the bylaw add or change any zoning districts or boundaries?
☐Yes
☐No
☐Subdivision
☐Interim
☐Flood Hazard
☐River Corridor
☐Shoreland Protection
☐Other: (explain)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Date of Hearing(s)
Planning Commission Hearing(s) (enter date[s])
Legislative Body Hearing(s) (enter date[s])
Date of Adoption
Skip this section if the bylaw is proposed for hearing.
Date of Popular Election (enter date only if subject to a popular election/vote) Date of Last Action (enter date of final approval action by voters or legislative body)
Bylaw Summary & Statement of Purpose
Provide a brief explanation of the bylaw and a statement of purpose (per 24 V.S.A.
4441). Use as much space as needed.
Findings on Municipal Plan Furtherance
Explain how the bylaw conforms with or furthers the goals and policies contained in the
municipal plan. Use as much space as needed.
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Safe & Affordable Housing
Explain the effect of the bylaw on the availability of safe and affordable housing. Use as much space as needed.
Findings on Required Provisions & Prohibited Effects
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4412. Use as much space as
needed.
Include explanations on how the bylaws conform with these provisions (as applicable):
Mobile, modular and prefabricated housing
Mobile home parks
Duplex uses
Multi-unit dwelling uses
Accessory dwelling unit uses
Residential care homes or group homes
Hotels for emergency housing
Existing small lots
Required frontage
Home occupations
Childcare home or facility
Heights of renewable energy structures
Nonconformities
Communications antennae and facilities
Planting projects in flood hazards
Accessory on-farm businesses
Lot and dimensional standards for minimum dwelling unit density
Density for affordable housing
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Limitations on Municipal Bylaws
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4413. Use as much space as needed.
Include explanations on how the bylaws conform with these provisions (as applicable):
State- or community-owned and -operated institutions and facilities
Public and private schools and other institutions
Places of worship
Public and private hospitals
Regional solid waste management facilities
Hazardous waste management facilities
Emergency shelters
Required agricultural practices
Accepted silvicultural practices
Solar energy devices
Ancillary telecommunications improvements and lines
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Permissible Types of Regulation
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4414. Use as much space as needed.
Select all regulations adopted by the municipality:
☐ Zoning (§4414)
☐ Downtown, Village Center, and Growth Center Districts
☐ Agricultural, Rural Residential, Forest & Recreation Districts
☐ Airport Hazard Areas
☐ Shorelands
☐ Design Review Districts
☐ Historic District/Landmark Bylaws
☐ River Corridors and Buffers
☐ Overlay Districts (§4414)
List overlays:
☐ Conditional Use Review (§4414)
☐ Parking & Loading Standards (§4414)
☐ Performance Standards (§4414)
☐ Energy Resource Standards (§4414)
☐ Inclusionary Zoning (§4414)
☐ Waiver Provisions (§4414)
☐ Stormwater Management Standards (§4414)
☐ Wireless Telecommunication Bylaws (§4414)
☐ Water/Wastewater Permit Sequencing Standards (§4414)
☐ Green Development Incentives (§4414)
☐ Solar Screening Standards (§4414)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Municipal Plan Future Land Uses & Density Compatibility
Explain how the bylaw is compatible with the proposed future land uses and densities of the municipal plan.
Planned Community Facilities
Explain how the bylaw carries out, as applicable, any specific proposals for any planned
community facilities.
Municipal Planning Implementation Information
Upon adoption of the bylaw(s), select all elements of the municipal planning program
that apply in the municipality:
☐ Unexpired Municipal Plan
☐ RPC-Approved Municipal Plan & Confirmed Planning Process (§4350)
☐ Interim Bylaws (§4415)
☐ Site Plan Review (§4416)
☐ Planned Unit Development (§4417)
☐ Subdivision (§4418)
☐ Administrative approvals of minor subdivisions/boundary adjustments (§4463)
☐ Unified Development Bylaws (§4419)
☐ Local Act 250 Review of Municipal Impacts (§4419)
☐ On The Record Review/Adopted Municipal Administrative Procedures (§4471)
☐ Official Map (§4421)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
☐ Public Facilities Phasing (§4422)
☐ Transfer Development Rights (§4423)
☐ Freestanding Shorelands Bylaws (§4424)
☐ Freestanding River Corridor Protection Areas (§4424)
☐ Freestanding Flood or Hazard Areas (§4424)
☐ Enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program
☐ Other Special or Freestanding Bylaws (§4424)
List
☐ Capital Budget & Program (§4430)
☐ Impact Fees (Chapter 131, §4422)
☐ Judicial Bureau Ticketing Option for Enforcement (§4452 & 1974a of Title)
☐ Advisory Commissions/Committees (§4433(1))
☐ Historic Preservation Commissions (§4433(3))
☐ Design Review Commissions (§4433(4))
☐ Housing Commissions (§4433(5))
☐ Development Review Board (§4460)
☐ Zoning Board of Adjustment (§4460)
☐ Joint Board of Adjustment Development Review Board (§4460)
☐ Full-time Administrative Officer
☐ Part-time Administrative Officer
☐ Volunteer/stipend Administrative Officer
☐ Staff planner(s)
☐ Availability of planning Information on municipal website:
☐ Municipal plan and maps
☐ Bylaws
☐ Fee schedule
☐ Contact information for administrative officer
☐ Information about Planning Commission
☐ Information about the Appropriate Municipal Panel (ZBA/DRB)
Primary website URL:
State of Vermont
Agency of Commerce &
Community Development
Department of Housing &
Community Development
Municipal Planning Commission
Bylaw Reporting Form
Provisional Form pursuant to Act 47 of 2023, The HOME Act
This provisional form issued pursuant to the Act 47 of 2023 is subject to change.
The Department welcomes feedback on the form’s implementation of the Act.
Published June 30, 2023
Contacts: Jenni Lavoie, Contracts & Grants Administrator
jennifer.lavoie@vermont.gov, 802.828.1948Jacob Hemmerick, Community Planning & Policy Manager jacob.hemmerick@vermont.gov, 802.828.5249
Why is this form required?
Vermont’s Municipal & Regional Planning & Development Act (24 V.S.A 4441) requires
a municipal planning commission to prepare a report when considering an amendment
to a bylaw. Act 47 of 2023 adds a requirement to the report to include findings on
conformance with sections 4412, 4413, and 4414 of the Act. It also adds a requirement
that the municipal planning commission provide the report to the Department of Housing
and Community Development upon approval of an adoption or amendment. The report
must be submitted with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) files, a complete bylaw,
and information about municipal planning and governance and systems. The form will
be published on the Vermont Planning Data Center, here:
https://accdmaps.vermont.gov/MunicipalPlanningDataCenter/. Bylaw submission and
posting supports the availability of Vermont’s adopted municipal bylaws from a central
digital source for statewide access and use.
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
How does a municipality submit the form?
Upon completion of the sections below, upload a saved version of the file here. The
form must be submitted with the approved bylaw(s) and any GIS shapefiles (when
adding or amending district boundaries of record on the Vermont Open Geodata Portal).
The form can be saved as a Microsoft Word document (DOC) or converted to a Portable
Document Format (PDF) file. If you need assistance completing the form, please reach
out to the contact above or your municipality’s regional planning commission.
Type of Bylaw Filing
Select all that apply.
☐New bylaw(s)
☐Amendment to existing bylaw(s)
☐Repeal of existing bylaw(s)
Explain multiple selections.
Type of Bylaw(s)
Select all that apply.
☐Unified Development (select all bylaws included in the unified bylaws below)
☐Zoning
Does the bylaw add or change any zoning districts or boundaries?
☐Yes
☐No
☐Subdivision
☐Interim
☐Flood Hazard
☐River Corridor
☐Shoreland Protection
☐Other: (explain)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Date of Hearing(s)
Planning Commission Hearing(s) (enter date[s])
Legislative Body Hearing(s) (enter date[s])
Date of Adoption
Skip this section if the bylaw is proposed for hearing.
Date of Popular Election (enter date only if subject to a popular election/vote) Date of Last Action (enter date of final approval action by voters or legislative body)
Bylaw Summary & Statement of Purpose
Provide a brief explanation of the bylaw and a statement of purpose (per 24 V.S.A.
4441). Use as much space as needed.
Findings on Municipal Plan Furtherance
Explain how the bylaw conforms with or furthers the goals and policies contained in the
municipal plan. Use as much space as needed.
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Safe & Affordable Housing
Explain the effect of the bylaw on the availability of safe and affordable housing. Use as much space as needed.
Findings on Required Provisions & Prohibited Effects
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4412. Use as much space as
needed.
Include explanations on how the bylaws conform with these provisions (as applicable):
Mobile, modular and prefabricated housing
Mobile home parks
Duplex uses
Multi-unit dwelling uses
Accessory dwelling unit uses
Residential care homes or group homes
Hotels for emergency housing
Existing small lots
Required frontage
Home occupations
Childcare home or facility
Heights of renewable energy structures
Nonconformities
Communications antennae and facilities
Planting projects in flood hazards
Accessory on-farm businesses
Lot and dimensional standards for minimum dwelling unit density
Density for affordable housing
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Limitations on Municipal Bylaws
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4413. Use as much space as needed.
Include explanations on how the bylaws conform with these provisions (as applicable):
State- or community-owned and -operated institutions and facilities
Public and private schools and other institutions
Places of worship
Public and private hospitals
Regional solid waste management facilities
Hazardous waste management facilities
Emergency shelters
Required agricultural practices
Accepted silvicultural practices
Solar energy devices
Ancillary telecommunications improvements and lines
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Permissible Types of Regulation
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4414. Use as much space as needed.
Select all regulations adopted by the municipality:
☐ Zoning (§4414)
☐ Downtown, Village Center, and Growth Center Districts
☐ Agricultural, Rural Residential, Forest & Recreation Districts
☐ Airport Hazard Areas
☐ Shorelands
☐ Design Review Districts
☐ Historic District/Landmark Bylaws
☐ River Corridors and Buffers
☐ Overlay Districts (§4414)
List overlays:
☐ Conditional Use Review (§4414)
☐ Parking & Loading Standards (§4414)
☐ Performance Standards (§4414)
☐ Energy Resource Standards (§4414)
☐ Inclusionary Zoning (§4414)
☐ Waiver Provisions (§4414)
☐ Stormwater Management Standards (§4414)
☐ Wireless Telecommunication Bylaws (§4414)
☐ Water/Wastewater Permit Sequencing Standards (§4414)
☐ Green Development Incentives (§4414)
☐ Solar Screening Standards (§4414)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Municipal Plan Future Land Uses & Density Compatibility
Explain how the bylaw is compatible with the proposed future land uses and densities of the municipal plan.
Planned Community Facilities
Explain how the bylaw carries out, as applicable, any specific proposals for any planned
community facilities.
Municipal Planning Implementation Information
Upon adoption of the bylaw(s), select all elements of the municipal planning program
that apply in the municipality:
☐ Unexpired Municipal Plan
☐ RPC-Approved Municipal Plan & Confirmed Planning Process (§4350)
☐ Interim Bylaws (§4415)
☐ Site Plan Review (§4416)
☐ Planned Unit Development (§4417)
☐ Subdivision (§4418)
☐ Administrative approvals of minor subdivisions/boundary adjustments (§4463)
☐ Unified Development Bylaws (§4419)
☐ Local Act 250 Review of Municipal Impacts (§4419)
☐ On The Record Review/Adopted Municipal Administrative Procedures (§4471)
☐ Official Map (§4421)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
☐ Public Facilities Phasing (§4422)
☐ Transfer Development Rights (§4423)
☐ Freestanding Shorelands Bylaws (§4424)
☐ Freestanding River Corridor Protection Areas (§4424)
☐ Freestanding Flood or Hazard Areas (§4424)
☐ Enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program
☐ Other Special or Freestanding Bylaws (§4424)
List
☐ Capital Budget & Program (§4430)
☐ Impact Fees (Chapter 131, §4422)
☐ Judicial Bureau Ticketing Option for Enforcement (§4452 & 1974a of Title)
☐ Advisory Commissions/Committees (§4433(1))
☐ Historic Preservation Commissions (§4433(3))
☐ Design Review Commissions (§4433(4))
☐ Housing Commissions (§4433(5))
☐ Development Review Board (§4460)
☐ Zoning Board of Adjustment (§4460)
☐ Joint Board of Adjustment Development Review Board (§4460)
☐ Full-time Administrative Officer
☐ Part-time Administrative Officer
☐ Volunteer/stipend Administrative Officer
☐ Staff planner(s)
☐ Availability of planning Information on municipal website:
☐ Municipal plan and maps
☐ Bylaws
☐ Fee schedule
☐ Contact information for administrative officer
☐ Information about Planning Commission
☐ Information about the Appropriate Municipal Panel (ZBA/DRB)
Primary website URL:
State of Vermont
Agency of Commerce &
Community Development
Department of Housing &
Community Development
Municipal Planning Commission
Bylaw Reporting Form
Provisional Form pursuant to Act 47 of 2023, The HOME Act
This provisional form issued pursuant to the Act 47 of 2023 is subject to change.
The Department welcomes feedback on the form’s implementation of the Act.
Published June 30, 2023
Contacts: Jenni Lavoie, Contracts & Grants Administrator
jennifer.lavoie@vermont.gov, 802.828.1948Jacob Hemmerick, Community Planning & Policy Manager jacob.hemmerick@vermont.gov, 802.828.5249
Why is this form required?
Vermont’s Municipal & Regional Planning & Development Act (24 V.S.A 4441) requires
a municipal planning commission to prepare a report when considering an amendment
to a bylaw. Act 47 of 2023 adds a requirement to the report to include findings on
conformance with sections 4412, 4413, and 4414 of the Act. It also adds a requirement
that the municipal planning commission provide the report to the Department of Housing
and Community Development upon approval of an adoption or amendment. The report
must be submitted with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) files, a complete bylaw,
and information about municipal planning and governance and systems. The form will
be published on the Vermont Planning Data Center, here:
https://accdmaps.vermont.gov/MunicipalPlanningDataCenter/. Bylaw submission and
posting supports the availability of Vermont’s adopted municipal bylaws from a central
digital source for statewide access and use.
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
How does a municipality submit the form?
Upon completion of the sections below, upload a saved version of the file here. The
form must be submitted with the approved bylaw(s) and any GIS shapefiles (when
adding or amending district boundaries of record on the Vermont Open Geodata Portal).
The form can be saved as a Microsoft Word document (DOC) or converted to a Portable
Document Format (PDF) file. If you need assistance completing the form, please reach
out to the contact above or your municipality’s regional planning commission.
Type of Bylaw Filing
Select all that apply.
☐New bylaw(s)
☐Amendment to existing bylaw(s)
☐Repeal of existing bylaw(s)
Explain multiple selections.
Type of Bylaw(s)
Select all that apply.
☐Unified Development (select all bylaws included in the unified bylaws below)
☐Zoning
Does the bylaw add or change any zoning districts or boundaries?
☐Yes
☐No
☐Subdivision
☐Interim
☐Flood Hazard
☐River Corridor
☐Shoreland Protection
☐Other: (explain)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Date of Hearing(s)
Planning Commission Hearing(s) (enter date[s])
Legislative Body Hearing(s) (enter date[s])
Date of Adoption
Skip this section if the bylaw is proposed for hearing.
Date of Popular Election (enter date only if subject to a popular election/vote) Date of Last Action (enter date of final approval action by voters or legislative body)
Bylaw Summary & Statement of Purpose
Provide a brief explanation of the bylaw and a statement of purpose (per 24 V.S.A.
4441). Use as much space as needed.
Findings on Municipal Plan Furtherance
Explain how the bylaw conforms with or furthers the goals and policies contained in the
municipal plan. Use as much space as needed.
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Safe & Affordable Housing
Explain the effect of the bylaw on the availability of safe and affordable housing. Use as much space as needed.
Findings on Required Provisions & Prohibited Effects
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4412. Use as much space as
needed.
Include explanations on how the bylaws conform with these provisions (as applicable):
Mobile, modular and prefabricated housing
Mobile home parks
Duplex uses
Multi-unit dwelling uses
Accessory dwelling unit uses
Residential care homes or group homes
Hotels for emergency housing
Existing small lots
Required frontage
Home occupations
Childcare home or facility
Heights of renewable energy structures
Nonconformities
Communications antennae and facilities
Planting projects in flood hazards
Accessory on-farm businesses
Lot and dimensional standards for minimum dwelling unit density
Density for affordable housing
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Limitations on Municipal Bylaws
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4413. Use as much space as needed.
Include explanations on how the bylaws conform with these provisions (as applicable):
State- or community-owned and -operated institutions and facilities
Public and private schools and other institutions
Places of worship
Public and private hospitals
Regional solid waste management facilities
Hazardous waste management facilities
Emergency shelters
Required agricultural practices
Accepted silvicultural practices
Solar energy devices
Ancillary telecommunications improvements and lines
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Permissible Types of Regulation
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4414. Use as much space as needed.
Select all regulations adopted by the municipality:
☐ Zoning (§4414)
☐ Downtown, Village Center, and Growth Center Districts
☐ Agricultural, Rural Residential, Forest & Recreation Districts
☐ Airport Hazard Areas
☐ Shorelands
☐ Design Review Districts
☐ Historic District/Landmark Bylaws
☐ River Corridors and Buffers
☐ Overlay Districts (§4414)
List overlays:
☐ Conditional Use Review (§4414)
☐ Parking & Loading Standards (§4414)
☐ Performance Standards (§4414)
☐ Energy Resource Standards (§4414)
☐ Inclusionary Zoning (§4414)
☐ Waiver Provisions (§4414)
☐ Stormwater Management Standards (§4414)
☐ Wireless Telecommunication Bylaws (§4414)
☐ Water/Wastewater Permit Sequencing Standards (§4414)
☐ Green Development Incentives (§4414)
☐ Solar Screening Standards (§4414)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Municipal Plan Future Land Uses & Density Compatibility
Explain how the bylaw is compatible with the proposed future land uses and densities of the municipal plan.
Planned Community Facilities
Explain how the bylaw carries out, as applicable, any specific proposals for any planned
community facilities.
Municipal Planning Implementation Information
Upon adoption of the bylaw(s), select all elements of the municipal planning program
that apply in the municipality:
☐ Unexpired Municipal Plan
☐ RPC-Approved Municipal Plan & Confirmed Planning Process (§4350)
☐ Interim Bylaws (§4415)
☐ Site Plan Review (§4416)
☐ Planned Unit Development (§4417)
☐ Subdivision (§4418)
☐ Administrative approvals of minor subdivisions/boundary adjustments (§4463)
☐ Unified Development Bylaws (§4419)
☐ Local Act 250 Review of Municipal Impacts (§4419)
☐ On The Record Review/Adopted Municipal Administrative Procedures (§4471)
☐ Official Map (§4421)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
☐ Public Facilities Phasing (§4422)
☐ Transfer Development Rights (§4423)
☐ Freestanding Shorelands Bylaws (§4424)
☐ Freestanding River Corridor Protection Areas (§4424)
☐ Freestanding Flood or Hazard Areas (§4424)
☐ Enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program
☐ Other Special or Freestanding Bylaws (§4424)
List
☐ Capital Budget & Program (§4430)
☐ Impact Fees (Chapter 131, §4422)
☐ Judicial Bureau Ticketing Option for Enforcement (§4452 & 1974a of Title)
☐ Advisory Commissions/Committees (§4433(1))
☐ Historic Preservation Commissions (§4433(3))
☐ Design Review Commissions (§4433(4))
☐ Housing Commissions (§4433(5))
☐ Development Review Board (§4460)
☐ Zoning Board of Adjustment (§4460)
☐ Joint Board of Adjustment Development Review Board (§4460)
☐ Full-time Administrative Officer
☐ Part-time Administrative Officer
☐ Volunteer/stipend Administrative Officer
☐ Staff planner(s)
☐ Availability of planning Information on municipal website:
☐ Municipal plan and maps
☐ Bylaws
☐ Fee schedule
☐ Contact information for administrative officer
☐ Information about Planning Commission
☐ Information about the Appropriate Municipal Panel (ZBA/DRB)
Primary website URL:
State of Vermont
Agency of Commerce &
Community Development
Department of Housing &
Community Development
Municipal Planning Commission
Bylaw Reporting Form
Provisional Form pursuant to Act 47 of 2023, The HOME Act
This provisional form issued pursuant to the Act 47 of 2023 is subject to change.
The Department welcomes feedback on the form’s implementation of the Act.
Published June 30, 2023
Contacts: Jenni Lavoie, Contracts & Grants Administrator
jennifer.lavoie@vermont.gov, 802.828.1948Jacob Hemmerick, Community Planning & Policy Manager jacob.hemmerick@vermont.gov, 802.828.5249
Why is this form required?
Vermont’s Municipal & Regional Planning & Development Act (24 V.S.A 4441) requires
a municipal planning commission to prepare a report when considering an amendment
to a bylaw. Act 47 of 2023 adds a requirement to the report to include findings on
conformance with sections 4412, 4413, and 4414 of the Act. It also adds a requirement
that the municipal planning commission provide the report to the Department of Housing
and Community Development upon approval of an adoption or amendment. The report
must be submitted with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) files, a complete bylaw,
and information about municipal planning and governance and systems. The form will
be published on the Vermont Planning Data Center, here:
https://accdmaps.vermont.gov/MunicipalPlanningDataCenter/. Bylaw submission and
posting supports the availability of Vermont’s adopted municipal bylaws from a central
digital source for statewide access and use.
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
How does a municipality submit the form?
Upon completion of the sections below, upload a saved version of the file here. The
form must be submitted with the approved bylaw(s) and any GIS shapefiles (when
adding or amending district boundaries of record on the Vermont Open Geodata Portal).
The form can be saved as a Microsoft Word document (DOC) or converted to a Portable
Document Format (PDF) file. If you need assistance completing the form, please reach
out to the contact above or your municipality’s regional planning commission.
Type of Bylaw Filing
Select all that apply.
☐New bylaw(s)
☐Amendment to existing bylaw(s)
☐Repeal of existing bylaw(s)
Explain multiple selections.
Type of Bylaw(s)
Select all that apply.
☐Unified Development (select all bylaws included in the unified bylaws below)
☐Zoning
Does the bylaw add or change any zoning districts or boundaries?
☐Yes
☐No
☐Subdivision
☐Interim
☐Flood Hazard
☐River Corridor
☐Shoreland Protection
☐Other: (explain)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Date of Hearing(s)
Planning Commission Hearing(s) (enter date[s])
Legislative Body Hearing(s) (enter date[s])
Date of Adoption
Skip this section if the bylaw is proposed for hearing.
Date of Popular Election (enter date only if subject to a popular election/vote) Date of Last Action (enter date of final approval action by voters or legislative body)
Bylaw Summary & Statement of Purpose
Provide a brief explanation of the bylaw and a statement of purpose (per 24 V.S.A.
4441). Use as much space as needed.
Findings on Municipal Plan Furtherance
Explain how the bylaw conforms with or furthers the goals and policies contained in the
municipal plan. Use as much space as needed.
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Safe & Affordable Housing
Explain the effect of the bylaw on the availability of safe and affordable housing. Use as much space as needed.
Findings on Required Provisions & Prohibited Effects
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4412. Use as much space as
needed.
Include explanations on how the bylaws conform with these provisions (as applicable):
Mobile, modular and prefabricated housing
Mobile home parks
Duplex uses
Multi-unit dwelling uses
Accessory dwelling unit uses
Residential care homes or group homes
Hotels for emergency housing
Existing small lots
Required frontage
Home occupations
Childcare home or facility
Heights of renewable energy structures
Nonconformities
Communications antennae and facilities
Planting projects in flood hazards
Accessory on-farm businesses
Lot and dimensional standards for minimum dwelling unit density
Density for affordable housing
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Limitations on Municipal Bylaws
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4413. Use as much space as needed.
Include explanations on how the bylaws conform with these provisions (as applicable):
State- or community-owned and -operated institutions and facilities
Public and private schools and other institutions
Places of worship
Public and private hospitals
Regional solid waste management facilities
Hazardous waste management facilities
Emergency shelters
Required agricultural practices
Accepted silvicultural practices
Solar energy devices
Ancillary telecommunications improvements and lines
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Permissible Types of Regulation
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4414. Use as much space as needed.
Select all regulations adopted by the municipality:
☐ Zoning (§4414)
☐ Downtown, Village Center, and Growth Center Districts
☐ Agricultural, Rural Residential, Forest & Recreation Districts
☐ Airport Hazard Areas
☐ Shorelands
☐ Design Review Districts
☐ Historic District/Landmark Bylaws
☐ River Corridors and Buffers
☐ Overlay Districts (§4414)
List overlays:
☐ Conditional Use Review (§4414)
☐ Parking & Loading Standards (§4414)
☐ Performance Standards (§4414)
☐ Energy Resource Standards (§4414)
☐ Inclusionary Zoning (§4414)
☐ Waiver Provisions (§4414)
☐ Stormwater Management Standards (§4414)
☐ Wireless Telecommunication Bylaws (§4414)
☐ Water/Wastewater Permit Sequencing Standards (§4414)
☐ Green Development Incentives (§4414)
☐ Solar Screening Standards (§4414)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Municipal Plan Future Land Uses & Density Compatibility
Explain how the bylaw is compatible with the proposed future land uses and densities of the municipal plan.
Planned Community Facilities
Explain how the bylaw carries out, as applicable, any specific proposals for any planned
community facilities.
Municipal Planning Implementation Information
Upon adoption of the bylaw(s), select all elements of the municipal planning program
that apply in the municipality:
☐ Unexpired Municipal Plan
☐ RPC-Approved Municipal Plan & Confirmed Planning Process (§4350)
☐ Interim Bylaws (§4415)
☐ Site Plan Review (§4416)
☐ Planned Unit Development (§4417)
☐ Subdivision (§4418)
☐ Administrative approvals of minor subdivisions/boundary adjustments (§4463)
☐ Unified Development Bylaws (§4419)
☐ Local Act 250 Review of Municipal Impacts (§4419)
☐ On The Record Review/Adopted Municipal Administrative Procedures (§4471)
☐ Official Map (§4421)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
☐ Public Facilities Phasing (§4422)
☐ Transfer Development Rights (§4423)
☐ Freestanding Shorelands Bylaws (§4424)
☐ Freestanding River Corridor Protection Areas (§4424)
☐ Freestanding Flood or Hazard Areas (§4424)
☐ Enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program
☐ Other Special or Freestanding Bylaws (§4424)
List
☐ Capital Budget & Program (§4430)
☐ Impact Fees (Chapter 131, §4422)
☐ Judicial Bureau Ticketing Option for Enforcement (§4452 & 1974a of Title)
☐ Advisory Commissions/Committees (§4433(1))
☐ Historic Preservation Commissions (§4433(3))
☐ Design Review Commissions (§4433(4))
☐ Housing Commissions (§4433(5))
☐ Development Review Board (§4460)
☐ Zoning Board of Adjustment (§4460)
☐ Joint Board of Adjustment Development Review Board (§4460)
☐ Full-time Administrative Officer
☐ Part-time Administrative Officer
☐ Volunteer/stipend Administrative Officer
☐ Staff planner(s)
☐ Availability of planning Information on municipal website:
☐ Municipal plan and maps
☐ Bylaws
☐ Fee schedule
☐ Contact information for administrative officer
☐ Information about Planning Commission
☐ Information about the Appropriate Municipal Panel (ZBA/DRB)
Primary website URL:
State of Vermont
Agency of Commerce &
Community Development
Department of Housing &
Community Development
Municipal Planning Commission
Bylaw Reporting Form
Provisional Form pursuant to Act 47 of 2023, The HOME Act
This provisional form issued pursuant to the Act 47 of 2023 is subject to change.
The Department welcomes feedback on the form’s implementation of the Act.
Published June 30, 2023
Contacts: Jenni Lavoie, Contracts & Grants Administrator
jennifer.lavoie@vermont.gov, 802.828.1948Jacob Hemmerick, Community Planning & Policy Manager jacob.hemmerick@vermont.gov, 802.828.5249
Why is this form required?
Vermont’s Municipal & Regional Planning & Development Act (24 V.S.A 4441) requires
a municipal planning commission to prepare a report when considering an amendment
to a bylaw. Act 47 of 2023 adds a requirement to the report to include findings on
conformance with sections 4412, 4413, and 4414 of the Act. It also adds a requirement
that the municipal planning commission provide the report to the Department of Housing
and Community Development upon approval of an adoption or amendment. The report
must be submitted with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) files, a complete bylaw,
and information about municipal planning and governance and systems. The form will
be published on the Vermont Planning Data Center, here:
https://accdmaps.vermont.gov/MunicipalPlanningDataCenter/. Bylaw submission and
posting supports the availability of Vermont’s adopted municipal bylaws from a central
digital source for statewide access and use.
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
How does a municipality submit the form?
Upon completion of the sections below, upload a saved version of the file here. The
form must be submitted with the approved bylaw(s) and any GIS shapefiles (when
adding or amending district boundaries of record on the Vermont Open Geodata Portal).
The form can be saved as a Microsoft Word document (DOC) or converted to a Portable
Document Format (PDF) file. If you need assistance completing the form, please reach
out to the contact above or your municipality’s regional planning commission.
Type of Bylaw Filing
Select all that apply.
☐New bylaw(s)
☐Amendment to existing bylaw(s)
☐Repeal of existing bylaw(s)
Explain multiple selections.
Type of Bylaw(s)
Select all that apply.
☐Unified Development (select all bylaws included in the unified bylaws below)
☐Zoning
Does the bylaw add or change any zoning districts or boundaries?
☐Yes
☐No
☐Subdivision
☐Interim
☐Flood Hazard
☐River Corridor
☐Shoreland Protection
☐Other: (explain)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Date of Hearing(s)
Planning Commission Hearing(s) (enter date[s])
Legislative Body Hearing(s) (enter date[s])
Date of Adoption
Skip this section if the bylaw is proposed for hearing.
Date of Popular Election (enter date only if subject to a popular election/vote) Date of Last Action (enter date of final approval action by voters or legislative body)
Bylaw Summary & Statement of Purpose
Provide a brief explanation of the bylaw and a statement of purpose (per 24 V.S.A.
4441). Use as much space as needed.
Findings on Municipal Plan Furtherance
Explain how the bylaw conforms with or furthers the goals and policies contained in the
municipal plan. Use as much space as needed.
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Safe & Affordable Housing
Explain the effect of the bylaw on the availability of safe and affordable housing. Use as much space as needed.
Findings on Required Provisions & Prohibited Effects
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4412. Use as much space as
needed.
Include explanations on how the bylaws conform with these provisions (as applicable):
Mobile, modular and prefabricated housing
Mobile home parks
Duplex uses
Multi-unit dwelling uses
Accessory dwelling unit uses
Residential care homes or group homes
Hotels for emergency housing
Existing small lots
Required frontage
Home occupations
Childcare home or facility
Heights of renewable energy structures
Nonconformities
Communications antennae and facilities
Planting projects in flood hazards
Accessory on-farm businesses
Lot and dimensional standards for minimum dwelling unit density
Density for affordable housing
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Limitations on Municipal Bylaws
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4413. Use as much space as needed.
Include explanations on how the bylaws conform with these provisions (as applicable):
State- or community-owned and -operated institutions and facilities
Public and private schools and other institutions
Places of worship
Public and private hospitals
Regional solid waste management facilities
Hazardous waste management facilities
Emergency shelters
Required agricultural practices
Accepted silvicultural practices
Solar energy devices
Ancillary telecommunications improvements and lines
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Permissible Types of Regulation
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4414. Use as much space as needed.
Select all regulations adopted by the municipality:
☐ Zoning (§4414)
☐ Downtown, Village Center, and Growth Center Districts
☐ Agricultural, Rural Residential, Forest & Recreation Districts
☐ Airport Hazard Areas
☐ Shorelands
☐ Design Review Districts
☐ Historic District/Landmark Bylaws
☐ River Corridors and Buffers
☐ Overlay Districts (§4414)
List overlays:
☐ Conditional Use Review (§4414)
☐ Parking & Loading Standards (§4414)
☐ Performance Standards (§4414)
☐ Energy Resource Standards (§4414)
☐ Inclusionary Zoning (§4414)
☐ Waiver Provisions (§4414)
☐ Stormwater Management Standards (§4414)
☐ Wireless Telecommunication Bylaws (§4414)
☐ Water/Wastewater Permit Sequencing Standards (§4414)
☐ Green Development Incentives (§4414)
☐ Solar Screening Standards (§4414)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Municipal Plan Future Land Uses & Density Compatibility
Explain how the bylaw is compatible with the proposed future land uses and densities of the municipal plan.
Planned Community Facilities
Explain how the bylaw carries out, as applicable, any specific proposals for any planned
community facilities.
Municipal Planning Implementation Information
Upon adoption of the bylaw(s), select all elements of the municipal planning program
that apply in the municipality:
☐ Unexpired Municipal Plan
☐ RPC-Approved Municipal Plan & Confirmed Planning Process (§4350)
☐ Interim Bylaws (§4415)
☐ Site Plan Review (§4416)
☐ Planned Unit Development (§4417)
☐ Subdivision (§4418)
☐ Administrative approvals of minor subdivisions/boundary adjustments (§4463)
☐ Unified Development Bylaws (§4419)
☐ Local Act 250 Review of Municipal Impacts (§4419)
☐ On The Record Review/Adopted Municipal Administrative Procedures (§4471)
☐ Official Map (§4421)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
☐ Public Facilities Phasing (§4422)
☐ Transfer Development Rights (§4423)
☐ Freestanding Shorelands Bylaws (§4424)
☐ Freestanding River Corridor Protection Areas (§4424)
☐ Freestanding Flood or Hazard Areas (§4424)
☐ Enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program
☐ Other Special or Freestanding Bylaws (§4424)
List
☐ Capital Budget & Program (§4430)
☐ Impact Fees (Chapter 131, §4422)
☐ Judicial Bureau Ticketing Option for Enforcement (§4452 & 1974a of Title)
☐ Advisory Commissions/Committees (§4433(1))
☐ Historic Preservation Commissions (§4433(3))
☐ Design Review Commissions (§4433(4))
☐ Housing Commissions (§4433(5))
☐ Development Review Board (§4460)
☐ Zoning Board of Adjustment (§4460)
☐ Joint Board of Adjustment Development Review Board (§4460)
☐ Full-time Administrative Officer
☐ Part-time Administrative Officer
☐ Volunteer/stipend Administrative Officer
☐ Staff planner(s)
☐ Availability of planning Information on municipal website:
☐ Municipal plan and maps
☐ Bylaws
☐ Fee schedule
☐ Contact information for administrative officer
☐ Information about Planning Commission
☐ Information about the Appropriate Municipal Panel (ZBA/DRB)
Primary website URL:
State of Vermont
Agency of Commerce &
Community Development
Department of Housing &
Community Development
Municipal Planning Commission
Bylaw Reporting Form
Provisional Form pursuant to Act 47 of 2023, The HOME Act
This provisional form issued pursuant to the Act 47 of 2023 is subject to change.
The Department welcomes feedback on the form’s implementation of the Act.
Published June 30, 2023
Contacts: Jenni Lavoie, Contracts & Grants Administrator
jennifer.lavoie@vermont.gov, 802.828.1948Jacob Hemmerick, Community Planning & Policy Manager jacob.hemmerick@vermont.gov, 802.828.5249
Why is this form required?
Vermont’s Municipal & Regional Planning & Development Act (24 V.S.A 4441) requires
a municipal planning commission to prepare a report when considering an amendment
to a bylaw. Act 47 of 2023 adds a requirement to the report to include findings on
conformance with sections 4412, 4413, and 4414 of the Act. It also adds a requirement
that the municipal planning commission provide the report to the Department of Housing
and Community Development upon approval of an adoption or amendment. The report
must be submitted with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) files, a complete bylaw,
and information about municipal planning and governance and systems. The form will
be published on the Vermont Planning Data Center, here:
https://accdmaps.vermont.gov/MunicipalPlanningDataCenter/. Bylaw submission and
posting supports the availability of Vermont’s adopted municipal bylaws from a central
digital source for statewide access and use.
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
How does a municipality submit the form?
Upon completion of the sections below, upload a saved version of the file here. The
form must be submitted with the approved bylaw(s) and any GIS shapefiles (when
adding or amending district boundaries of record on the Vermont Open Geodata Portal).
The form can be saved as a Microsoft Word document (DOC) or converted to a Portable
Document Format (PDF) file. If you need assistance completing the form, please reach
out to the contact above or your municipality’s regional planning commission.
Type of Bylaw Filing
Select all that apply.
☐New bylaw(s)
☐Amendment to existing bylaw(s)
☐Repeal of existing bylaw(s)
Explain multiple selections.
Type of Bylaw(s)
Select all that apply.
☐Unified Development (select all bylaws included in the unified bylaws below)
☐Zoning
Does the bylaw add or change any zoning districts or boundaries?
☐Yes
☐No
☐Subdivision
☐Interim
☐Flood Hazard
☐River Corridor
☐Shoreland Protection
☐Other: (explain)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Date of Hearing(s)
Planning Commission Hearing(s) (enter date[s])
Legislative Body Hearing(s) (enter date[s])
Date of Adoption
Skip this section if the bylaw is proposed for hearing.
Date of Popular Election (enter date only if subject to a popular election/vote) Date of Last Action (enter date of final approval action by voters or legislative body)
Bylaw Summary & Statement of Purpose
Provide a brief explanation of the bylaw and a statement of purpose (per 24 V.S.A.
4441). Use as much space as needed.
Findings on Municipal Plan Furtherance
Explain how the bylaw conforms with or furthers the goals and policies contained in the
municipal plan. Use as much space as needed.
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Safe & Affordable Housing
Explain the effect of the bylaw on the availability of safe and affordable housing. Use as much space as needed.
Findings on Required Provisions & Prohibited Effects
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4412. Use as much space as
needed.
Include explanations on how the bylaws conform with these provisions (as applicable):
Mobile, modular and prefabricated housing
Mobile home parks
Duplex uses
Multi-unit dwelling uses
Accessory dwelling unit uses
Residential care homes or group homes
Hotels for emergency housing
Existing small lots
Required frontage
Home occupations
Childcare home or facility
Heights of renewable energy structures
Nonconformities
Communications antennae and facilities
Planting projects in flood hazards
Accessory on-farm businesses
Lot and dimensional standards for minimum dwelling unit density
Density for affordable housing
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Limitations on Municipal Bylaws
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4413. Use as much space as needed.
Include explanations on how the bylaws conform with these provisions (as applicable):
State- or community-owned and -operated institutions and facilities
Public and private schools and other institutions
Places of worship
Public and private hospitals
Regional solid waste management facilities
Hazardous waste management facilities
Emergency shelters
Required agricultural practices
Accepted silvicultural practices
Solar energy devices
Ancillary telecommunications improvements and lines
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Permissible Types of Regulation
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4414. Use as much space as needed.
Select all regulations adopted by the municipality:
☐ Zoning (§4414)
☐ Downtown, Village Center, and Growth Center Districts
☐ Agricultural, Rural Residential, Forest & Recreation Districts
☐ Airport Hazard Areas
☐ Shorelands
☐ Design Review Districts
☐ Historic District/Landmark Bylaws
☐ River Corridors and Buffers
☐ Overlay Districts (§4414)
List overlays:
☐ Conditional Use Review (§4414)
☐ Parking & Loading Standards (§4414)
☐ Performance Standards (§4414)
☐ Energy Resource Standards (§4414)
☐ Inclusionary Zoning (§4414)
☐ Waiver Provisions (§4414)
☐ Stormwater Management Standards (§4414)
☐ Wireless Telecommunication Bylaws (§4414)
☐ Water/Wastewater Permit Sequencing Standards (§4414)
☐ Green Development Incentives (§4414)
☐ Solar Screening Standards (§4414)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Municipal Plan Future Land Uses & Density Compatibility
Explain how the bylaw is compatible with the proposed future land uses and densities of the municipal plan.
Planned Community Facilities
Explain how the bylaw carries out, as applicable, any specific proposals for any planned
community facilities.
Municipal Planning Implementation Information
Upon adoption of the bylaw(s), select all elements of the municipal planning program
that apply in the municipality:
☐ Unexpired Municipal Plan
☐ RPC-Approved Municipal Plan & Confirmed Planning Process (§4350)
☐ Interim Bylaws (§4415)
☐ Site Plan Review (§4416)
☐ Planned Unit Development (§4417)
☐ Subdivision (§4418)
☐ Administrative approvals of minor subdivisions/boundary adjustments (§4463)
☐ Unified Development Bylaws (§4419)
☐ Local Act 250 Review of Municipal Impacts (§4419)
☐ On The Record Review/Adopted Municipal Administrative Procedures (§4471)
☐ Official Map (§4421)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
☐ Public Facilities Phasing (§4422)
☐ Transfer Development Rights (§4423)
☐ Freestanding Shorelands Bylaws (§4424)
☐ Freestanding River Corridor Protection Areas (§4424)
☐ Freestanding Flood or Hazard Areas (§4424)
☐ Enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program
☐ Other Special or Freestanding Bylaws (§4424)
List
☐ Capital Budget & Program (§4430)
☐ Impact Fees (Chapter 131, §4422)
☐ Judicial Bureau Ticketing Option for Enforcement (§4452 & 1974a of Title)
☐ Advisory Commissions/Committees (§4433(1))
☐ Historic Preservation Commissions (§4433(3))
☐ Design Review Commissions (§4433(4))
☐ Housing Commissions (§4433(5))
☐ Development Review Board (§4460)
☐ Zoning Board of Adjustment (§4460)
☐ Joint Board of Adjustment Development Review Board (§4460)
☐ Full-time Administrative Officer
☐ Part-time Administrative Officer
☐ Volunteer/stipend Administrative Officer
☐ Staff planner(s)
☐ Availability of planning Information on municipal website:
☐ Municipal plan and maps
☐ Bylaws
☐ Fee schedule
☐ Contact information for administrative officer
☐ Information about Planning Commission
☐ Information about the Appropriate Municipal Panel (ZBA/DRB)
Primary website URL:
State of Vermont
Agency of Commerce &
Community Development
Department of Housing &
Community Development
Municipal Planning Commission
Bylaw Reporting Form
Provisional Form pursuant to Act 47 of 2023, The HOME Act
This provisional form issued pursuant to the Act 47 of 2023 is subject to change.
The Department welcomes feedback on the form’s implementation of the Act.
Published June 30, 2023
Contacts: Jenni Lavoie, Contracts & Grants Administrator
jennifer.lavoie@vermont.gov, 802.828.1948Jacob Hemmerick, Community Planning & Policy Manager jacob.hemmerick@vermont.gov, 802.828.5249
Why is this form required?
Vermont’s Municipal & Regional Planning & Development Act (24 V.S.A 4441) requires
a municipal planning commission to prepare a report when considering an amendment
to a bylaw. Act 47 of 2023 adds a requirement to the report to include findings on
conformance with sections 4412, 4413, and 4414 of the Act. It also adds a requirement
that the municipal planning commission provide the report to the Department of Housing
and Community Development upon approval of an adoption or amendment. The report
must be submitted with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) files, a complete bylaw,
and information about municipal planning and governance and systems. The form will
be published on the Vermont Planning Data Center, here:
https://accdmaps.vermont.gov/MunicipalPlanningDataCenter/. Bylaw submission and
posting supports the availability of Vermont’s adopted municipal bylaws from a central
digital source for statewide access and use.
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
How does a municipality submit the form?
Upon completion of the sections below, upload a saved version of the file here. The
form must be submitted with the approved bylaw(s) and any GIS shapefiles (when
adding or amending district boundaries of record on the Vermont Open Geodata Portal).
The form can be saved as a Microsoft Word document (DOC) or converted to a Portable
Document Format (PDF) file. If you need assistance completing the form, please reach
out to the contact above or your municipality’s regional planning commission.
Type of Bylaw Filing
Select all that apply.
☐New bylaw(s)
☐Amendment to existing bylaw(s)
☐Repeal of existing bylaw(s)
Explain multiple selections.
Type of Bylaw(s)
Select all that apply.
☐Unified Development (select all bylaws included in the unified bylaws below)
☐Zoning
Does the bylaw add or change any zoning districts or boundaries?
☐Yes
☐No
☐Subdivision
☐Interim
☐Flood Hazard
☐River Corridor
☐Shoreland Protection
☐Other: (explain)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Date of Hearing(s)
Planning Commission Hearing(s) (enter date[s])
Legislative Body Hearing(s) (enter date[s])
Date of Adoption
Skip this section if the bylaw is proposed for hearing.
Date of Popular Election (enter date only if subject to a popular election/vote) Date of Last Action (enter date of final approval action by voters or legislative body)
Bylaw Summary & Statement of Purpose
Provide a brief explanation of the bylaw and a statement of purpose (per 24 V.S.A.
4441). Use as much space as needed.
Findings on Municipal Plan Furtherance
Explain how the bylaw conforms with or furthers the goals and policies contained in the
municipal plan. Use as much space as needed.
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Safe & Affordable Housing
Explain the effect of the bylaw on the availability of safe and affordable housing. Use as much space as needed.
Findings on Required Provisions & Prohibited Effects
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4412. Use as much space as
needed.
Include explanations on how the bylaws conform with these provisions (as applicable):
Mobile, modular and prefabricated housing
Mobile home parks
Duplex uses
Multi-unit dwelling uses
Accessory dwelling unit uses
Residential care homes or group homes
Hotels for emergency housing
Existing small lots
Required frontage
Home occupations
Childcare home or facility
Heights of renewable energy structures
Nonconformities
Communications antennae and facilities
Planting projects in flood hazards
Accessory on-farm businesses
Lot and dimensional standards for minimum dwelling unit density
Density for affordable housing
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Limitations on Municipal Bylaws
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4413. Use as much space as needed.
Include explanations on how the bylaws conform with these provisions (as applicable):
State- or community-owned and -operated institutions and facilities
Public and private schools and other institutions
Places of worship
Public and private hospitals
Regional solid waste management facilities
Hazardous waste management facilities
Emergency shelters
Required agricultural practices
Accepted silvicultural practices
Solar energy devices
Ancillary telecommunications improvements and lines
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Permissible Types of Regulation
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4414. Use as much space as needed.
Select all regulations adopted by the municipality:
☐ Zoning (§4414)
☐ Downtown, Village Center, and Growth Center Districts
☐ Agricultural, Rural Residential, Forest & Recreation Districts
☐ Airport Hazard Areas
☐ Shorelands
☐ Design Review Districts
☐ Historic District/Landmark Bylaws
☐ River Corridors and Buffers
☐ Overlay Districts (§4414)
List overlays:
☐ Conditional Use Review (§4414)
☐ Parking & Loading Standards (§4414)
☐ Performance Standards (§4414)
☐ Energy Resource Standards (§4414)
☐ Inclusionary Zoning (§4414)
☐ Waiver Provisions (§4414)
☐ Stormwater Management Standards (§4414)
☐ Wireless Telecommunication Bylaws (§4414)
☐ Water/Wastewater Permit Sequencing Standards (§4414)
☐ Green Development Incentives (§4414)
☐ Solar Screening Standards (§4414)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Municipal Plan Future Land Uses & Density Compatibility
Explain how the bylaw is compatible with the proposed future land uses and densities of the municipal plan.
Planned Community Facilities
Explain how the bylaw carries out, as applicable, any specific proposals for any planned
community facilities.
Municipal Planning Implementation Information
Upon adoption of the bylaw(s), select all elements of the municipal planning program
that apply in the municipality:
☐ Unexpired Municipal Plan
☐ RPC-Approved Municipal Plan & Confirmed Planning Process (§4350)
☐ Interim Bylaws (§4415)
☐ Site Plan Review (§4416)
☐ Planned Unit Development (§4417)
☐ Subdivision (§4418)
☐ Administrative approvals of minor subdivisions/boundary adjustments (§4463)
☐ Unified Development Bylaws (§4419)
☐ Local Act 250 Review of Municipal Impacts (§4419)
☐ On The Record Review/Adopted Municipal Administrative Procedures (§4471)
☐ Official Map (§4421)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
☐ Public Facilities Phasing (§4422)
☐ Transfer Development Rights (§4423)
☐ Freestanding Shorelands Bylaws (§4424)
☐ Freestanding River Corridor Protection Areas (§4424)
☐ Freestanding Flood or Hazard Areas (§4424)
☐ Enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program
☐ Other Special or Freestanding Bylaws (§4424)
List
☐ Capital Budget & Program (§4430)
☐ Impact Fees (Chapter 131, §4422)
☐ Judicial Bureau Ticketing Option for Enforcement (§4452 & 1974a of Title)
☐ Advisory Commissions/Committees (§4433(1))
☐ Historic Preservation Commissions (§4433(3))
☐ Design Review Commissions (§4433(4))
☐ Housing Commissions (§4433(5))
☐ Development Review Board (§4460)
☐ Zoning Board of Adjustment (§4460)
☐ Joint Board of Adjustment Development Review Board (§4460)
☐ Full-time Administrative Officer
☐ Part-time Administrative Officer
☐ Volunteer/stipend Administrative Officer
☐ Staff planner(s)
☐ Availability of planning Information on municipal website:
☐ Municipal plan and maps
☐ Bylaws
☐ Fee schedule
☐ Contact information for administrative officer
☐ Information about Planning Commission
☐ Information about the Appropriate Municipal Panel (ZBA/DRB)
Primary website URL:
State of Vermont
Agency of Commerce &
Community Development
Department of Housing &
Community Development
Municipal Planning Commission
Bylaw Reporting Form
Provisional Form pursuant to Act 47 of 2023, The HOME Act
This provisional form issued pursuant to the Act 47 of 2023 is subject to change.
The Department welcomes feedback on the form’s implementation of the Act.
Published June 30, 2023
Contacts: Jenni Lavoie, Contracts & Grants Administrator
jennifer.lavoie@vermont.gov, 802.828.1948Jacob Hemmerick, Community Planning & Policy Manager jacob.hemmerick@vermont.gov, 802.828.5249
Why is this form required?
Vermont’s Municipal & Regional Planning & Development Act (24 V.S.A 4441) requires
a municipal planning commission to prepare a report when considering an amendment
to a bylaw. Act 47 of 2023 adds a requirement to the report to include findings on
conformance with sections 4412, 4413, and 4414 of the Act. It also adds a requirement
that the municipal planning commission provide the report to the Department of Housing
and Community Development upon approval of an adoption or amendment. The report
must be submitted with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) files, a complete bylaw,
and information about municipal planning and governance and systems. The form will
be published on the Vermont Planning Data Center, here:
https://accdmaps.vermont.gov/MunicipalPlanningDataCenter/. Bylaw submission and
posting supports the availability of Vermont’s adopted municipal bylaws from a central
digital source for statewide access and use.
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
How does a municipality submit the form?
Upon completion of the sections below, upload a saved version of the file here. The
form must be submitted with the approved bylaw(s) and any GIS shapefiles (when
adding or amending district boundaries of record on the Vermont Open Geodata Portal).
The form can be saved as a Microsoft Word document (DOC) or converted to a Portable
Document Format (PDF) file. If you need assistance completing the form, please reach
out to the contact above or your municipality’s regional planning commission.
Type of Bylaw Filing
Select all that apply.
☐New bylaw(s)
☐Amendment to existing bylaw(s)
☐Repeal of existing bylaw(s)
Explain multiple selections.
Type of Bylaw(s)
Select all that apply.
☐Unified Development (select all bylaws included in the unified bylaws below)
☐Zoning
Does the bylaw add or change any zoning districts or boundaries?
☐Yes
☐No
☐Subdivision
☐Interim
☐Flood Hazard
☐River Corridor
☐Shoreland Protection
☐Other: (explain)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Date of Hearing(s)
Planning Commission Hearing(s) (enter date[s])
Legislative Body Hearing(s) (enter date[s])
Date of Adoption
Skip this section if the bylaw is proposed for hearing.
Date of Popular Election (enter date only if subject to a popular election/vote) Date of Last Action (enter date of final approval action by voters or legislative body)
Bylaw Summary & Statement of Purpose
Provide a brief explanation of the bylaw and a statement of purpose (per 24 V.S.A.
4441). Use as much space as needed.
Findings on Municipal Plan Furtherance
Explain how the bylaw conforms with or furthers the goals and policies contained in the
municipal plan. Use as much space as needed.
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Safe & Affordable Housing
Explain the effect of the bylaw on the availability of safe and affordable housing. Use as much space as needed.
Findings on Required Provisions & Prohibited Effects
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4412. Use as much space as
needed.
Include explanations on how the bylaws conform with these provisions (as applicable):
Mobile, modular and prefabricated housing
Mobile home parks
Duplex uses
Multi-unit dwelling uses
Accessory dwelling unit uses
Residential care homes or group homes
Hotels for emergency housing
Existing small lots
Required frontage
Home occupations
Childcare home or facility
Heights of renewable energy structures
Nonconformities
Communications antennae and facilities
Planting projects in flood hazards
Accessory on-farm businesses
Lot and dimensional standards for minimum dwelling unit density
Density for affordable housing
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Limitations on Municipal Bylaws
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4413. Use as much space as needed.
Include explanations on how the bylaws conform with these provisions (as applicable):
State- or community-owned and -operated institutions and facilities
Public and private schools and other institutions
Places of worship
Public and private hospitals
Regional solid waste management facilities
Hazardous waste management facilities
Emergency shelters
Required agricultural practices
Accepted silvicultural practices
Solar energy devices
Ancillary telecommunications improvements and lines
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Findings on Permissible Types of Regulation
Explain how the bylaw conforms with 24 V.S.A. 4414. Use as much space as needed.
Select all regulations adopted by the municipality:
☐ Zoning (§4414)
☐ Downtown, Village Center, and Growth Center Districts
☐ Agricultural, Rural Residential, Forest & Recreation Districts
☐ Airport Hazard Areas
☐ Shorelands
☐ Design Review Districts
☐ Historic District/Landmark Bylaws
☐ River Corridors and Buffers
☐ Overlay Districts (§4414)
List overlays:
☐ Conditional Use Review (§4414)
☐ Parking & Loading Standards (§4414)
☐ Performance Standards (§4414)
☐ Energy Resource Standards (§4414)
☐ Inclusionary Zoning (§4414)
☐ Waiver Provisions (§4414)
☐ Stormwater Management Standards (§4414)
☐ Wireless Telecommunication Bylaws (§4414)
☐ Water/Wastewater Permit Sequencing Standards (§4414)
☐ Green Development Incentives (§4414)
☐ Solar Screening Standards (§4414)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
Municipal Plan Future Land Uses & Density Compatibility
Explain how the bylaw is compatible with the proposed future land uses and densities of the municipal plan.
Planned Community Facilities
Explain how the bylaw carries out, as applicable, any specific proposals for any planned
community facilities.
Municipal Planning Implementation Information
Upon adoption of the bylaw(s), select all elements of the municipal planning program
that apply in the municipality:
☐ Unexpired Municipal Plan
☐ RPC-Approved Municipal Plan & Confirmed Planning Process (§4350)
☐ Interim Bylaws (§4415)
☐ Site Plan Review (§4416)
☐ Planned Unit Development (§4417)
☐ Subdivision (§4418)
☐ Administrative approvals of minor subdivisions/boundary adjustments (§4463)
☐ Unified Development Bylaws (§4419)
☐ Local Act 250 Review of Municipal Impacts (§4419)
☐ On The Record Review/Adopted Municipal Administrative Procedures (§4471)
☐ Official Map (§4421)
Vermont Municipal Bylaw Reporting Form
☐ Public Facilities Phasing (§4422)
☐ Transfer Development Rights (§4423)
☐ Freestanding Shorelands Bylaws (§4424)
☐ Freestanding River Corridor Protection Areas (§4424)
☐ Freestanding Flood or Hazard Areas (§4424)
☐ Enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program
☐ Other Special or Freestanding Bylaws (§4424)
List
☐ Capital Budget & Program (§4430)
☐ Impact Fees (Chapter 131, §4422)
☐ Judicial Bureau Ticketing Option for Enforcement (§4452 & 1974a of Title)
☐ Advisory Commissions/Committees (§4433(1))
☐ Historic Preservation Commissions (§4433(3))
☐ Design Review Commissions (§4433(4))
☐ Housing Commissions (§4433(5))
☐ Development Review Board (§4460)
☐ Zoning Board of Adjustment (§4460)
☐ Joint Board of Adjustment Development Review Board (§4460)
☐ Full-time Administrative Officer
☐ Part-time Administrative Officer
☐ Volunteer/stipend Administrative Officer
☐ Staff planner(s)
☐ Availability of planning Information on municipal website:
☐ Municipal plan and maps
☐ Bylaws
☐ Fee schedule
☐ Contact information for administrative officer
☐ Information about Planning Commission
☐ Information about the Appropriate Municipal Panel (ZBA/DRB)
Primary website URL:
PAGE 1
DRAFT MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
27 AUGUST 2024
The South Burlington Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, 27
August 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the Auditorium, City Hall, 180 Market Street, and via Zoom
remote technology.
MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Louisos, Chair; M. Mittag, D. Macdonald, P. Engels, D. Leban, C.
Laurence, H. Riehle
ALSO PRESENT: P. Conner, Director of Planning and Zoning; N. Atherton, City Planner; L.
McDonald, Principal of Marcotte School and students Quinn, Lee, Azilee, Camila, Nora,
Sierra, Lil, Katie, Nora and their friends and families; T. Barritt, A. Chalnick, M. Scanlan, E.
Fitzgerald, R. Doyle
Mr. Conner presided over the meeting until the election of Commission officers.
1. Instructions on exiting the building in case of an emergency:
Mr. Conner provided instructions on emergency exit from the building.
2. Agenda: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items:
No changes were made to the agenda.
3. Open to the public for items not related to the Agenda:
No issues were raised.
4. Planning Commissioner announcements and staff report:
There were no announcements.
Mr. Conner reported that the City Council has warned the draft amendments to the Land
Development Regulations (LDRs) which means that those amendments are not in effect.
PLANNING COMMISSION August 27, 2024 PAGE 2
5. Planning Commission Organizational Meeting and Officer Elections:
Mr. Conner opened the floor for nominations.
Mr. Mittag nominated and Ms. Riehle seconded the following slate of Officers:
Chair – Ms. Louisos
Vice Chair – Mr. Macdonald
Clerk – Mr. Engels
There were no further nominations, and the nominated slate of officers was unanimously
approved.
Mr. Mittag then moved that the Planning Commission meet on the second and fourth
Tuesdays of the month at 7:00 p.m. for FY25, to be adjusted for holidays. Ms. Riehle
seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
6. Street Name – New road east of City Hall, north of Market Street:
Mr. Conner welcomed the Principal, students and families of Marcotte School.
Ms. Louisos then explained that the students of Marcotte School were invited to
nominate the new road leading to their school. She also explained the nature of the
Planning Commission, how they are appointed and serve as volunteers to determine how
the city uses its land, develops housing, creates parks, etc.
Ms. McDonald then introduced the students and explained that Marcotte School
conducted a year-long process including the selection of a committee which met with
Planning Department people to learn the requirements for street names, then
brainstormed ideas for names, reported back to their classes, came up with 3 “finalists”
and then held a school-wide vote.
Students said proposed names included Central Boulevard, Library Lane, Kindness Court,
Marky Way, Dattilio Drive, Somebody Street, Snow Day Way, Principal Lane, Pencil
Street, Moo Moo Drive, and Dustpan Drive. The three finalists were: Dattilio Drive,
Elementary Avenue, and Learners’ Lane.
In the school wide vote, 71.4% of students chose Dattilio Drive. The students explained
that Ms. Dattilio has been Marcotte School’s front office person for 44 years and guides
everyone through their school years. The Dattilio family is also very community minded
including Firefighters, teachers, and a new member of the Police Department.
Planning Commission members applauded the process and noted it was the best street
name presentation they have ever received.
PLANNING COMMISSION August 27, 2024 PAGE 3
Ms. Riehle then moved to name the street east of City Hall and north of Market Street
Dattilio Drive. Mr. Macdonald seconded. The motion passed with all members (and one
dog!) voting in favor.
Mr. Conner explained that Dattilio Drive is now the official street name. City staff will
inform the Post Office and 911. They will also order the street sign. When the sign is
installed, there will be an event for students, staff and families to attend.
7. LDR Amendments: Potential Recommendations to City Council on Minimum
Density and Master Plan Requirements:
Mr. Conner noted that 4 City Council members were present but would not be conducting
any Council business.
Mr. Conner then explained that when the amendments were presented at the most recent
Council meeting, there was a question raised regarding minimum density and the
requirement for master planning. The Council asked that Ms. Louisos provide some
options for them to consider as part of her presentation on September 16.
Mr. Conner then reviewed the current regulations which include a Conservation PUD
and/or Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) and the option for a 2-acre “carve
out”. The TND have a minimum density of 4-8 units per acre. Any subdivision of 4 or
more acres, construction in phases, PUDs, and/or future development potential required a
Master Plan. No Master Plan is required for the 2-acre “carve out.”
In the amendments approved by the Planning Commission and submitted to the Council,
there are no mandatory PUDs and no Conservation PUD (the latter no longer exists).
There is an optional General PUD for amendments to existing PUDs in IA and Airport
Districts. For subdivisions of 2 or more acres, the applicant must demonstrate adequate
space for 4 to 8 units per acre.
Ms. Leban expressed concern that they have eliminated the potential for creativity.
Mr. Conner noted that in recent decisions regarding PUDs, the Courts wanted there to be
the same level of “predictability.” In the proposed amendments, a TND developer will
know what to submit and will have regulations to back them up in Court.
Ms. Leban said she feared there would be a lot of “cookie-cutter” buildings because of
the lack of flexibility and the City could wind up with neighborhoods it doesn’t want. Mr.
Laurence noted there are requirements for civic spaces and variety of building types. He
felt that would preclude “cookie-cutters.”
PLANNING COMMISSION August 27, 2024 PAGE 4
Mr. Conner then noted under the now warned LDRs, PUDs are optional. Minimum
density applies to 2 to 4 acres with space for 4 to 8 units per acre including space for
water and sewer. A Master Plan is required for 2 or more acres, 2 or more phases, and
clear development potential. There is a one-time “carve out” of up to 2 acres when there
is a 4-acre (or more) parcel to begin with. If a developer wants to do more with the
property, it will require a Master Plan. There is no minimum density for the “carve out.”
The issue that arose relates to the onerousness of the Master Plan.
Mr. Mittag said a Master Plan requires the hiring of an engineer, which is very expensive.
He was not opposed to the minimum density on the part of the property to be developed
though he agreed it could eliminate creativity. He noted that a property owner may want
to farm the remaining acreage or let it go to forest, and this should be allowed. A new
owner, or the same owner later on, could submit a plan to develop that land in the future.
Mr. Laurence said the Master Plan precludes something that make the land
undevelopable in the future. Mr. Mittag said a property owner would be stupid to do that,
and there could be language to preclude that.
Mr. Macdonald asked if there is a less onerous tool to accomplish that.
Ms. Louisos wanted to be sure that Open Space remained an option.
Mr. Conner then suggested an option: Assuming there is value to a Master Plan, there
could be an “undesignated” portion of property with very limited rules that would include
accessibility of that property. There would have to be a safeguard to ensure that the
property stays “undesignated” for 10 years. The owner/developer could not come back a
few months later with a development plan.
Mr. Laurence liked making it as simple as possible. Ms. Leban noted that 10 years is
almost nothing in commercial development. Mr. Mittag said the section in question
related to residential development. Ms. Leban noted there is commercial as well, but not
purely commercial.
Mr. Conner said one question relates to access involving crossing of a wetland and
whether to account for that now or leave it up to the DRB later.
Ms. Louisos suggested possible language: “a clear access plan that does not impact
resources.”
Mr. Laurence suggested some geometric rule with the yield plan as an option.
Mr. Mittag suggested using the right-of-way as access. He asked staff to draft language
regarding “undesignated land” and language which prohibits blocking access to the
undeveloped land. Mr. Conner said staff will give that a try.
PLANNING COMMISSION August 27, 2024 PAGE 5
Mr. Conner then noted there are existing neighborhoods that would have benefitted from
a Master Plan. He cited existing situations where a commercial development has made
some land inaccessible (e.g., Meadowland Drive).
Mr. Engels asked how much land this applies to. Mr. Conner estimated about 700 acres,
including land now owned by UVM.
Ms. Leban agreed with Mr. Mittag’s approach as long as it involves low-scale residential.
She didn’t think it would work with moderate residential or commercial. Mr. Conner said
the “players” change with moderate/commercial property which is mostly owned by
developers.
Mr. Conner then said a second option could be for a 3-acre parcel with no “carve out”
option at present to be allowed a “carve out” as long as a 2-acre piece remains.
Members were OK with that option.
Members agreed that a commercial property should have a Master Plan.
8. Form Based Code Update Project and Update on City Center Green Project:
Mr. Atherton said there are 2 potential locations for a City Center Green: the parking lot
across Market St. from City Hall or University Mall (pending redevelopment of that
property). There is no existing funding for this. The City Council would have to assign
funding. There is a presentation of what the Green could look like, and there will be
public comment through the third week in September. The recommendation will go to
the Council for action on 4 October.
Mr. Mittag said UMall feels “disconnected.” He felt it would be ideal if they could include
the parking lot behind the “Blue Mall.”
Ms. Leban noted there hasn’t been much thought regarding pedestrian movement
through City Center.
Mr. Engels asked about availability of the property. He cited the value of the Market
Street option. Mr. Conner said the City would have to negotiate with the owners.
Ms. Riehle noted that none of the properties under consideration are owned by the City
and funding would have to be addressed as well as whether the property owners want to
sell the property.
9. Other Business:
There was no other business.
PLANNING COMMISSION August 27, 2024 PAGE 6
As there was no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was
adjourned by common consent at 9:20 p.m.
___________________________________
Clerk