City Building Permits

Town of Braintree, VT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Vermont Orange County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Braintree administers local zoning permits under its adopted Unified Bylaw (originally adopted March 4, 2010; updated July 2025). Planning Commission meets the third Thursday of each month. State DFS applies for commercial/public buildings.

Department
Town of Braintree Zoning Office
Address
932 Route 12A, Braintree, VT 05060
Phone
802-728-9787, ext. 105 (Zoning)
Website
https://braintreevt.gov/

Online Permit Portal

Open Braintree Forms and Applications

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

Application Process

  1. Review the Braintree Unified Bylaw to determine if a permit is required: https://braintreevt.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/btunifiedbylaw-Approved3-4-10.pdf (updated July 2025).
  2. Download the applicable permit application from https://braintreevt.gov/forms-applications/ (options: Zoning Permit, Minor Subdivision Permit, Major Subdivision Permit, Boundary Line Adjustment Permit, Certificate of Occupancy, Conditional Use Review, Variance Request, Waiver Request, Site Plan Review).
  3. Complete the application fully.
  4. Determine applicable fees from the Braintree Zoning Fee Schedule (effective August 5, 2025): https://braintreevt.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Braintree-Zoning-Fee-Schedule.pdf
  5. Submit with fees to the Town Office (932 Route 12A) during business hours (Monday-Wednesday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM) or contact Zoning Administrator Grace Persons at braintreetownclerk2@gmail.com.
  6. The Zoning Administrator reviews the application. Items requiring Planning Commission or Development Review Board consideration are scheduled for hearings (Planning Commission meets 3rd Thursday).
  7. Upon approval, permit is issued. Post on property before commencing work.
  8. Discuss with Zoning Administrator whether a Certificate of Occupancy is required; if so, CO fee is added to the total cost.

Typical processing time: 30 days from receipt of a complete application (Vermont statute requirement)

Source: Town of Braintree Zoning Office

General Requirements

All land development requiring a zoning permit under the Braintree Unified Bylaw: new construction, additions, alterations, change of use, subdivisions, boundary line adjustments.

Required Documents

  • Completed application
  • Site plan
  • Fee payment
  • Specific additional materials for subdivision, conditional use, variance, or site plan review
Permit validity
Vermont statute: two-year commencement, three-year substantial completion. Confirm with Zoning Administrator.
Building code
Braintree Unified Bylaw (adopted March 2010; updated July 2025); 2025 Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code (DFS); 2024 Vermont RBES
Owner-builder
Vermont allows owner-builders. State trade licenses required for electrical and plumbing.
Contractor requirements
No state general contractor license; electricians and plumbers must be Vermont state-licensed.

Fees

Payment note
Selected fees (as of August 5, 2025): Minor Subdivision: $100.00 base fee + $50.00 per lot created (inclusive of original lot); Major Subdivision: $100.00 base fee + $100.00 per lot created. Note: Zoning permit fee no longer includes Certificate of Occupancy; CO fee discussed with and determined by Zoning Administrator and added to final cost. All zoning fees include recording fees but do NOT include the recording fee for filing of subdivision plats. Contact Zoning Administrator for Zoning Permit base fee. State DFS fees: $8.00 per $1,000 valuation; minimum $50.00.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective August 5, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Agricultural structures (with notification)
  • Ordinary maintenance/repair

Important: Consult Zoning Administrator for the full current exemption list per Braintree Unified Bylaw and Vermont law.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • braintreetownclerk2@gmail.com (email)
  • 802-728-9787, ext. 105 (phone)
Inspection hours
Monday-Wednesday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM or by appointment

Typical inspection sequence: Planning Commission: 3rd Thursday of each month at the Braintree Town Office. Certificate of Occupancy: Required for some projects; discuss with Zoning Administrator at time of application. DFS inspections for commercial/public buildings: contact DFS at 802-479-7561.

Additional Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Braintree Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Braintree, VT?
All land development requiring a zoning permit under the Braintree Unified Bylaw: new construction, additions, alterations, change of use, subdivisions, boundary line adjustments.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Braintree, VT?
1. Review the Braintree Unified Bylaw to determine if a permit is required: https://braintreevt.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/btunifiedbylaw-Approved3-4-10.pdf (updated July 2025). 2. Download the applicable permit application from https://braintreevt.gov/forms-applications/ (options: Zoning Permit, Minor Subdivision Permit, Major Subdivision Permit, Boundary Line Adjustment Permit, Certificate of Occupancy, Conditional Use Review, Variance Request, Waiver Request, Site Plan Review). 3. Complete the application fully. 4. Determine applicable fees from the Braintree Zoning Fee Schedule (effective August 5, 2025): https://braintreevt.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Braintree-Zoning-Fee-Schedule.pdf 5. Submit with fees to the Town Office (932 Route 12A) during business hours (Monday-Wednesday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM) or contact Zoning Administrator Grace Persons at braintreetownclerk2@gmail.com. 6. The Zoning Administrator reviews the application. Items requiring Planning Commission or Development Review Board consideration are scheduled for hearings (Planning Commission meets 3rd Thursday). 7. Upon approval, permit is issued. Post on property before commencing work. 8. Discuss with Zoning Administrator whether a Certificate of Occupancy is required; if so, CO fee is added to the total cost.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Braintree, VT?
Typical processing time is 30 days from receipt of a complete application (Vermont statute requirement).
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Braintree, VT?
The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural structures (with notification); Ordinary maintenance/repair. Note: Consult Zoning Administrator for the full current exemption list per Braintree Unified Bylaw and Vermont law.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Braintree, VT?
Inspections can be scheduled via: braintreetownclerk2@gmail.com, 802-728-9787, ext. 105.

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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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