Town of St. Johnsbury, VT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Zoning permits for all land development within the incorporated limits of the Town of St. Johnsbury.

Department

Town of St. Johnsbury, Planning and Zoning

Address

Pomerleau Building, 51 Depot Square, Suite 3, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819

Phone

802-748-4331 ext. 3 (Zoning line: 802-748-3926 ext. 3)

Email

townclerk@stjvt.com

Website

https://www.stjvt.com/st-johnsbury-vt-planning-and-zoning

Application Process

1. Determine if the proposed work requires a local zoning permit (any land development requires a permit under Vermont law).
2. Contact the Planning & Zoning office to confirm requirements and obtain the applicable application form.
3. Prepare required documents: completed zoning permit application, site plan showing current conditions and proposed work, property boundaries, setbacks, and relevant dimensions.
4. Submit completed application with fee to the Planning & Zoning office in person or by mail.
5. Zoning Administrator reviews the application. Simple permitted-use applications may be reviewed administratively; conditional uses and variances go to the Development Review Board (DRB).
6. If DRB review is required, the DRB will schedule a public hearing.
7. Await permit decision. Respond to any requests for additional information.
8. Receive issued zoning permit. Post on job site.
9. Notify zoning office upon completion of work. A final inspection may be required.

Typical processing time: Administrative permits typically within a few days to 2 weeks; DRB hearings are scheduled monthly.

Source: Town of St. Johnsbury, Planning and Zoning

General Requirements

Any construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any building or structure; any change in use; division of land. Required for all land development in St. Johnsbury.

Required Documents

• Completed application form
• Site plan (showing property lines, existing structures, proposed work, setbacks)
• Description of proposed use
• Contractor information where applicable

Permit validity

2 years from date of issue; work must commence within that period.

Building code

2025 Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code (via state DFS authority for public buildings)

Owner-builder

Vermont does not license general contractors. Homeowners may perform their own construction work.

Contractor requirements

Electrical and plumbing work requires state-licensed tradespeople regardless of owner-builder status.

Fees

Payment note

Fee schedule is set by the Town of St. Johnsbury. Contact the Planning & Zoning office for the current fee schedule; no fee schedule was located on the public website as of research date.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Agricultural and silvicultural practices following applicable state guidelines
• Projects receiving a Certificate of Public Good from the Public Utilities Commission (e.g., certain telecom infrastructure)
• Normal property maintenance that does not alter structure, use, or footprint
• Specific minor structures may be exempt per local bylaw

Important: Confirm edge cases with the Zoning Administrator before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Zoning Administrator (phone)
• townclerk@stjvt.com (email)

Typical inspection sequence: Local zoning compliance may be verified by the Zoning Administrator.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2025 Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code (via state DFS authority for public buildings)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Town website
• NVDA profile
• License lookup guide: Vermont Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Vermont Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Vermont hub: Vermont Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of St. Johnsbury Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of St. Johnsbury, VT?

Any construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any building or structure; any change in use; division of land. Required for all land development in St. Johnsbury.

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of St. Johnsbury, VT?

1. Determine if the proposed work requires a local zoning permit (any land development requires a permit under Vermont law). 2. Contact the Planning & Zoning office to confirm requirements and obtain the applicable application form. 3. Prepare required documents: completed zoning permit application, site plan showing current conditions and proposed work, property boundaries, setbacks, and relevant dimensions. 4. Submit completed application with fee to the Planning & Zoning office in person or by mail. 5. Zoning Administrator reviews the application. Simple permitted-use applications may be reviewed administratively; conditional uses and variances go to the Development Review Board (DRB). 6. If DRB review is required, the DRB will schedule a public hearing. 7. Await permit decision. Respond to any requests for additional information. 8. Receive issued zoning permit. Post on job site. 9. Notify zoning office upon completion of work. A final inspection may be required.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of St. Johnsbury, VT?

Typical processing time is Administrative permits typically within a few days to 2 weeks; DRB hearings are scheduled monthly..

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of St. Johnsbury, VT?

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural and silvicultural practices following applicable state guidelines; Projects receiving a Certificate of Public Good from the Public Utilities Commission (e.g., certain telecom infrastructure); Normal property maintenance that does not alter structure, use, or footprint; Specific minor structures may be exempt per local bylaw. Note: Confirm edge cases with the Zoning Administrator before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of St. Johnsbury, VT?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Zoning Administrator, townclerk@stjvt.com.

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