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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Burlington
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).
- Exempt Alterations or repairs costing $1,000 or less
- Exempt Storm windows and storm doors
- Exempt Nonsolid fences
- Exempt Carpeting and draperies
- Exempt Painting
- Exempt Installation of personal property
- Exempt Floor covering (except as per Burlington Code of Ordinances 8-2)
- Exempt City of Burlington-owned construction
- Exempt Insulation upgrades where structural materials remain in place
Note: Contact the Department of Permitting and Inspections to confirm exempt work categories.
- Estimated construction cost
- Site plan and building plans as appropriate to project scope
- Short-form or comprehensive application form depending on project
- Building code
- 2025 Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code; 2025 Vermont Electrical Safety Rules; 2025 Vermont Plumbing Rules
- Permit validity
- Not specified on public pages; contact department.
- Owner-builder
- Not specified; contact department.
- Contractor requirements
- Vermont does not have a statewide general contractor license; trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) require state licenses.
Application process
Typical processing: State law allows up to 30 days; Burlington endeavors to be faster for complete applications.
- 01 Determine whether a Zoning (Land Use) Permit is required by contacting the Zoning Division at 802-865-7188.
- 02 Create an account on the OpenGov portal (burlingtonvt.portal.opengov.com).
- 03 Submit Zoning Permit application online; upload required plans and documents.
- 04 Await zoning approval (zoning approval always precedes construction permit issuance).
- 05 Concurrently submit Building/Construction Permit, Electrical Permit, Plumbing Permit, and/or Mechanical Permit through the same portal (concurrent submission is encouraged to expedite).
- 06 Pay applicable fees online or in person (cash or check payable to City of Burlington).
- 07 Receive issued permit and post it visibly on the property.
- 08 Schedule required inspections via Calendly link.
- 09 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.
Fee schedule
Effective Not specified
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Not specified) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Calendly (online)
- Trades Division: 802-863-9094 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Not specified
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Typical 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.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Burlington permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Burlington, VT? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Burlington, VT? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Burlington, VT? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Burlington, VT? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Burlington, VT? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Burlington, VT? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Department of Permitting and Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.