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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Braintree
All land development requiring a zoning permit under the Braintree Unified Bylaw: new construction, additions, alterations, change of use, subdivisions, boundary line adjustments.
Agricultural structures (with notification)
Ordinary maintenance/repair
- Exempt Agricultural structures (with notification)
- Exempt Ordinary maintenance/repair
Note: Consult Zoning Administrator for the full current exemption list per Braintree Unified Bylaw and Vermont law.
Required documents
- Completed application
- Site plan
- Fee payment
- Specific additional materials for subdivision, conditional use, variance, or site plan review
- Building code
- Braintree Unified Bylaw (adopted March 2010; updated July 2025); 2025 Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code (DFS); 2024 Vermont RBES
- Permit validity
- Vermont statute: two-year commencement, three-year substantial completion. Confirm with Zoning Administrator.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 30 days from receipt of a complete application (Vermont statute requirement)
- 01 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).
- 02 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).
- 03 Complete the application fully.
- 04 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
- 05 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.
- 06 The Zoning Administrator reviews the application. Items requiring Planning Commission or Development Review Board consideration are scheduled for hearings (Planning Commission meets 3rd Thursday).
- 07 Upon approval, permit is issued. Post on property before commencing work.
- 08 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)
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Braintree permits
01 Do I need a building permit in 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.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Braintree, VT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Braintree, VT, follow these steps: 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.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Braintree, VT? ▸
Building permit processing times in Braintree, VT typically run 30 days from receipt of a complete application (Vermont statute requirement). Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Braintree, VT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Braintree, VT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Braintree, VT via: braintreetownclerk2@gmail.com, 802-728-9787, ext. 105.
last verified April 2026
source Town of Braintree Zoning Office ↗
entry id permits/vermont/orange/braintree
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Braintree Zoning Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.