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

The minimum permit fee is $30. Fees are calculated as: $8.50 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost plus $15 recording fee; small projects under approximately $3,000 pay flat $30. Plan check fee: Not separately stated; included in application fees.

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

1. Determine whether a Zoning (Land Use) Permit is required by contacting the Zoning Division at 802-865-7188. 2. Create an account on the OpenGov portal (burlingtonvt.portal.opengov.com). 3. Submit Zoning Permit application online; upload required plans and documents. 4. Await zoning approval (zoning approval always precedes construction permit issuance). 5. Concurrently submit Building/Construction Permit, Electrical Permit, Plumbing Permit, and/or Mechanical Permit through the same portal (concurrent submission is encouraged to expedite). 6. Pay applicable fees online or in person (cash or check payable to City of Burlington). 7. Receive issued permit and post it visibly on the property. 8. Schedule required inspections via Calendly link. 9. After final inspection, obtain Certificate of Occupancy.

What work is exempt from building permits in Burlington, VT?

The following work is generally exempt: Alterations or repairs costing $1,000 or less; Storm windows and storm doors; Nonsolid fences; Carpeting and draperies; Painting; Installation of personal property; Floor covering (except as per Burlington Code of Ordinances 8-2); City of Burlington-owned construction; Insulation upgrades where structural materials remain in place. Note: Contact the Department of Permitting and Inspections to confirm exempt work categories.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Calendly, Trades Division: 802-863-9094. Not specified.

City Building Permits

Burlington, VT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Vermont Chittenden County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Burlington is an independent city and the county seat. The Department handles zoning permits, building/construction permits, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits, and rental registration.

Department: Department of Permitting and Inspections
Address: 645 Pine Street, Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: 802-863-0442
Email: PermittingInspections@burlingtonvt.gov
Website: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/276/Permitting-Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open OpenGov

Platform: OpenGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine whether a Zoning (Land Use) Permit is required by contacting the Zoning Division at 802-865-7188.
Create an account on the OpenGov portal (burlingtonvt.portal.opengov.com).
Submit Zoning Permit application online; upload required plans and documents.
Await zoning approval (zoning approval always precedes construction permit issuance).
Concurrently submit Building/Construction Permit, Electrical Permit, Plumbing Permit, and/or Mechanical Permit through the same portal (concurrent submission is encouraged to expedite).
Pay applicable fees online or in person (cash or check payable to City of Burlington).
Receive issued permit and post it visibly on the property.
Schedule required inspections via Calendly link.
After final inspection, obtain Certificate of Occupancy.

Typical processing time: State law allows up to 30 days; Burlington endeavors to be faster for complete applications.

Source: Department of Permitting and Inspections

General Requirements

A zoning (land use) permit is required before a building permit for most construction. A building/construction permit is required for most construction work. Short-form applications are available for simple projects (decks, windows, roofing, siding, fences, signs).

Required Documents

Estimated construction cost
Site plan and building plans as appropriate to project scope
Short-form or comprehensive application form depending on project

Permit validity: Not specified on public pages; contact department.
Building code: 2025 Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code; 2025 Vermont Electrical Safety Rules; 2025 Vermont Plumbing Rules
Owner-builder: Not specified; contact department.
Contractor requirements: Vermont does not have a statewide general contractor license; trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) require state licenses.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $30
Plan check fee: Not separately stated; included in application fees
Permit fee formula: $8.50 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost plus $15 recording fee; small projects under approximately $3,000 pay flat $30
Penalty (no permit): Work begun without a permit incurs additional penalties per Burlington Code of Ordinances Section 8-28(f); retroactive permit surcharges apply
Payment note: Online payment via OpenGov (credit/debit); in-person at Zoning Division (cash or check). Development Review fees and Impact fees are due after permit approval.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Not specified).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Alterations or repairs costing $1,000 or less
Storm windows and storm doors
Nonsolid fences
Carpeting and draperies
Painting
Installation of personal property
Floor covering (except as per Burlington Code of Ordinances 8-2)
City of Burlington-owned construction
Insulation upgrades where structural materials remain in place

Important: Contact the Department of Permitting and Inspections to confirm exempt work categories.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Calendly (online)
Trades Division: 802-863-9094 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Not specified
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections are required at various stages; contact Trades Division (802-863-9094) to confirm sequence for specific trade permits. Zoning changes during construction require permit amendment before Certificate of Occupancy.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2025 Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code; 2025 Vermont Electrical Safety Rules; 2025 Vermont Plumbing Rules
Verify contractor license: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation
Zoning information: View zoning info
Open Data: Fire, Building, and Trades Applications
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 Department of Permitting and Inspections before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Burlington Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Burlington, VT?: A zoning (land use) permit is required before a building permit for most construction. A building/construction permit is required for most construction work. Short-form applications are available for simple projects (decks, windows, roofing, siding, fences, signs).
How much does a building permit cost in Burlington, VT?: The minimum permit fee is $30. Fees are calculated as: $8.50 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost plus $15 recording fee; small projects under approximately $3,000 pay flat $30. Plan check fee: Not separately stated; included in application fees.
How do I apply for a building permit in Burlington, VT?: 1. Determine whether a Zoning (Land Use) Permit is required by contacting the Zoning Division at 802-865-7188. 2. Create an account on the OpenGov portal (burlingtonvt.portal.opengov.com). 3. Submit Zoning Permit application online; upload required plans and documents. 4. Await zoning approval (zoning approval always precedes construction permit issuance). 5. Concurrently submit Building/Construction Permit, Electrical Permit, Plumbing Permit, and/or Mechanical Permit through the same portal (concurrent submission is encouraged to expedite). 6. Pay applicable fees online or in person (cash or check payable to City of Burlington). 7. Receive issued permit and post it visibly on the property. 8. Schedule required inspections via Calendly link. 9. After final inspection, obtain Certificate of Occupancy.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Burlington, VT?: Typical processing time is State law allows up to 30 days; Burlington endeavors to be faster for complete applications..
What work is exempt from building permits in Burlington, VT?: The following work is generally exempt: Alterations or repairs costing $1,000 or less; Storm windows and storm doors; Nonsolid fences; Carpeting and draperies; Painting; Installation of personal property; Floor covering (except as per Burlington Code of Ordinances 8-2); City of Burlington-owned construction; Insulation upgrades where structural materials remain in place. Note: Contact the Department of Permitting and Inspections to confirm exempt work categories.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Burlington, VT?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Calendly, Trades Division: 802-863-9094. Not specified.

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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.

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