How much does a building permit cost in Vergennes, VT?

The minimum permit fee is $75. Fees are calculated as: Standard zoning permit (no DRB hearing): $75 application fee + $15 recording fee + $0.15 per sq. ft. of finished and unfinished area. Zoning permit (after DRB decision): $50 application fee + $15 recording fee + $0.15 per sq. ft..

How do I apply for a building permit in Vergennes, VT?

1. Contact the Zoning Administrator at zoning@vergennes.org or 802-877-1232 during office hours (Mon 12:30-4:30, Tue 8:00-12:00) to discuss the project and determine required permits. 2. Download the Zoning Permit Application. 3. Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan or sketch, project description, estimated costs, signatures of all property owners. 4. If the project requires DRB approval, also complete and submit the Development Review Board Application. DRB applications must be submitted by the Thursday before the 3rd Monday of the month. 5. Submit application and fees in person or by mail to the City offices. 6. The Zoning Administrator acts within 30 days of a complete application. If no action within 30 days, the permit is deemed approved per 24 V.S.A. § 4449. 7. Upon approval, the permit must be posted visibly at the property for 15 days (appeal period). 8. Work may begin after the 15-day appeal period. 9. Upon project completion, apply for Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Occupancy as applicable.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Vergennes, VT?

Inspections can be scheduled via: zoning@vergennes.org, 802-877-1232.

City Building Permits

Vergennes, VT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Vergennes, Vermont. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Vermont Addison County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the City of Vergennes.

Department: Zoning and Planning Department
Address: 120 Main Street, Vergennes, VT 05491
Phone: 802-877-1232
Email: zoning@vergennes.org
Website: https://www.vergennes.org/departments/zoning_and_planning.php

Online Permit Portal

Open Permits and Forms

Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Contact the Zoning Administrator at zoning@vergennes.org or 802-877-1232 during office hours (Mon 12:30-4:30, Tue 8:00-12:00) to discuss the project and determine required permits.
Download the Zoning Permit Application.
Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan or sketch, project description, estimated costs, signatures of all property owners.
If the project requires DRB approval, also complete and submit the Development Review Board Application. DRB applications must be submitted by the Thursday before the 3rd Monday of the month.
Submit application and fees in person or by mail to the City offices.
The Zoning Administrator acts within 30 days of a complete application. If no action within 30 days, the permit is deemed approved per 24 V.S.A. § 4449.
Upon approval, the permit must be posted visibly at the property for 15 days (appeal period).
Work may begin after the 15-day appeal period.
Upon project completion, apply for Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Occupancy as applicable.

Typical processing time: Up to 30 days per state law; routine administrative permits often issued more quickly.

Source: Zoning and Planning Department

General Requirements

No land development may commence without a zoning permit per the Vergennes Zoning and Subdivision Regulations (adopted June 2022).

Required Documents

Zoning Permit Application
Site plan showing property boundaries, setbacks, structure dimensions, and adjacent uses
Project description
Owner signatures
Applicable fees

Permit validity: Generally 2 years per Vermont practice; confirm with department.
Building code: 2025 Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code (applies to commercial/rental); Vergennes Zoning and Subdivision Regulations (adopted June 2022); Vermont RBES/CBES energy codes.
Owner-builder: No specific local owner-builder exemption. RBES Certificate required for new residential construction.
Contractor requirements: Vermont requires state licenses for electricians, plumbers, and mechanical contractors. No statewide general contractor license.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $75
Permit fee formula: Standard zoning permit (no DRB hearing): $75 application fee + $15 recording fee + $0.15 per sq. ft. of finished and unfinished area. Zoning permit (after DRB decision): $50 application fee + $15 recording fee + $0.15 per sq. ft.
Payment note: In-person at City Hall

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective May 1, 2021).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Zoning and Planning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

zoning@vergennes.org (email)
802-877-1232 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM; Tuesday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Final inspection required before Certificate of Occupancy or Compliance is issued.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2025 Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code (applies to commercial/rental); Vergennes Zoning and Subdivision Regulations (adopted June 2022); Vermont RBES/CBES energy codes.
Zoning information: View zoning info
DRB
Planning Commission
Zoning regulations (June 2022)
License lookup guide: Vermont Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Vermont Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Vermont hub: Vermont Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Zoning and Planning Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vergennes Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Vergennes, VT?: No land development may commence without a zoning permit per the Vergennes Zoning and Subdivision Regulations (adopted June 2022).
How much does a building permit cost in Vergennes, VT?: The minimum permit fee is $75. Fees are calculated as: Standard zoning permit (no DRB hearing): $75 application fee + $15 recording fee + $0.15 per sq. ft. of finished and unfinished area. Zoning permit (after DRB decision): $50 application fee + $15 recording fee + $0.15 per sq. ft..
How do I apply for a building permit in Vergennes, VT?: 1. Contact the Zoning Administrator at zoning@vergennes.org or 802-877-1232 during office hours (Mon 12:30-4:30, Tue 8:00-12:00) to discuss the project and determine required permits. 2. Download the Zoning Permit Application. 3. Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan or sketch, project description, estimated costs, signatures of all property owners. 4. If the project requires DRB approval, also complete and submit the Development Review Board Application. DRB applications must be submitted by the Thursday before the 3rd Monday of the month. 5. Submit application and fees in person or by mail to the City offices. 6. The Zoning Administrator acts within 30 days of a complete application. If no action within 30 days, the permit is deemed approved per 24 V.S.A. § 4449. 7. Upon approval, the permit must be posted visibly at the property for 15 days (appeal period). 8. Work may begin after the 15-day appeal period. 9. Upon project completion, apply for Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Occupancy as applicable.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Vergennes, VT?: Typical processing time is Up to 30 days per state law; routine administrative permits often issued more quickly..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Vergennes, VT?: Inspections can be scheduled via: zoning@vergennes.org, 802-877-1232.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Vergennes can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

Other cities in Addison County

Middlebury Panton Waltham Bristol

View all Addison County jurisdictions →