Burlington Zoning Overview

Burlington is a city in Chittenden County, Vermont with approximately 44,743 residents. The city manages land use and development through its local zoning ordinance, which divides the municipality into districts regulating permitted uses, building heights, lot sizes, setbacks, and density.

Burlington follows the VT Fire & Building Safety Code (29 V.S.A. Chapter 6) for building construction standards.

Primary Zoning Districts

The RL (Residential Low Density) district is a low-density single-family residential district with 15,000 sq ft minimum lots with a 35 ft height limit. Setbacks are 25 ft (front), 10 ft (side), and 25 ft (rear). The RM (Residential Medium Density) district is a medium-density residential district allowing duplexes and small multi-family with 6,000 sq ft minimum lots with a 40 ft height limit. Setbacks are 20 ft (front), 5 ft (side), and 20 ft (rear). The RH (Residential High Density) district is a high-density residential district for multi-family housing with 4,000 sq ft minimum lots with a 45 ft height limit. Setbacks are 15 ft (front), 5 ft (side), and 15 ft (rear). The NMU (Neighborhood Mixed Use) district is a mixed-use district allowing residential and neighborhood-scale commercial uses with a 45 ft height limit. Setbacks are 10 ft (front), 0 ft (side), and 10 ft (rear). The ELM (Enterprise Light Manufacturing) district is a light industrial and manufacturing district with a 45 ft height limit. Setbacks are 20 ft (front), 10 ft (side), and 20 ft (rear).

ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules

Vermont state law (24 V.S.A. § 4412(1)(E)) requires all municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Under this statewide mandate, property owners in Burlington may build one ADU per single-family dwelling, subject to local dimensional and design standards.

ADUs provide flexible housing options such as in-law apartments, rental units, or home offices. Contact the Burlington Planning Department for current local requirements including maximum size, setbacks, owner-occupancy rules, and permitting procedures.

Development Process

Development in Burlington generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the city's planning and building departments. The process typically involves:

1. Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
2. Site Plan Review — For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
3. Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
4. Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
5. Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure

For projects that do not conform to existing zoning, property owners may need to seek a variance, special exception, or rezoning through the local board of zoning appeals or planning commission.

Key Considerations

Before starting any development project in Burlington, property owners should:

• Verify the zoning classification of their property
• Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for their specific district
• Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
• Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
• Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
• Contact the Planning Department at (802) 865-7188 for pre-application guidance

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Burlington and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of Burlington or the municipal code before making development decisions.