How much does a building permit cost in Town of Derby, VT?

The minimum permit fee is $200. Fees are calculated as: Contact Zoning Administrator for full schedule.

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Derby, VT?

1. Determine if a zoning permit is required under the Derby Zoning Bylaw (January 8, 2024). Permits are required for new construction, additions, structural alterations, changes of use, demolition, subdivision, and signage within town limits. 2. Download the Application for Zoning Permit from https://derbyvt.org/formspermitsapplications/ or pick up at the Town Office at 124 Main Street. 3. Complete the application form, including property information, description of work, and required supporting materials (site plan, drawings as applicable). 4. Submit to the Zoning Administrator Bob Kelley at 124 Main Street, Derby, VT 05829 during office hours (Mon-Thu 7:00-5:00). 5. Pay the applicable permit fee. 6. The Zoning Administrator reviews the application. Permitted uses are approved administratively. Applications requiring Development Review Board (DRB) review are scheduled for a public hearing. 7. Zoning permits are valid for two years; construction must commence within that period. 8. For public buildings, obtain a separate DFS state construction permit. 9. For projects with a wastewater system or well, obtain the required DEC permit.

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Derby, VT?

The following work is generally exempt: Routine maintenance and repairs that do not alter footprint, use, or structure; Single-family owner-occupied dwellings exempt from DFS state construction permits. Note: Confirm with Zoning Administrator.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Derby, VT?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact Zoning Administrator.

City Building Permits

Town of Derby, VT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Vermont Orleans County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Derby is a town in northern Orleans County bordering Canada with two incorporated villages: Derby Center and Derby Line.

Department: Derby Planning and Zoning Department
Address: 124 Main Street, Derby, VT 05829
Phone: (802) 766-2017
Email: derbyza@derbyvt.org
Website: https://derbyvt.org/town-departments/planning-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Open Zoning Permit Application

Platform: Paper-based • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Zoning Permit Application

Application Process

Determine if a zoning permit is required under the Derby Zoning Bylaw (January 8, 2024). Permits are required for new construction, additions, structural alterations, changes of use, demolition, subdivision, and signage within town limits.
Download the Application for Zoning Permit from https://derbyvt.org/formspermitsapplications/ or pick up at the Town Office at 124 Main Street.
Complete the application form, including property information, description of work, and required supporting materials (site plan, drawings as applicable).
Submit to the Zoning Administrator Bob Kelley at 124 Main Street, Derby, VT 05829 during office hours (Mon-Thu 7:00-5:00).
Pay the applicable permit fee.
The Zoning Administrator reviews the application. Permitted uses are approved administratively. Applications requiring Development Review Board (DRB) review are scheduled for a public hearing.
Zoning permits are valid for two years; construction must commence within that period.
For public buildings, obtain a separate DFS state construction permit.
For projects with a wastewater system or well, obtain the required DEC permit.

Typical processing time: Administrative permits typically issued within days to a few weeks. DRB hearings take longer.

Source: Derby Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

New construction, additions, alterations, changes of use, demolition, signage, subdivision of land.

Required Documents

Completed zoning permit application form
Site plan
Description of work

Permit validity: 2 years from issuance; construction must commence within the permit period.
Building code: 2025 Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code; Derby Zoning Bylaw (January 8, 2024)
Owner-builder: No state general contractor license required; property owners may act as their own contractor.
Contractor requirements: Vermont state electrical and plumbing licenses required for trades.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $200
Permit fee formula: Contact Zoning Administrator for full schedule
Payment note: Development Review Board appeal fee: $200. Derby Zoning Bylaw contains authoritative fee schedule; contact ZA at (802) 766-2017.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Derby Planning and Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Contact Zoning Administrator (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday-Thursday 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM; closed Friday

Additional Resources

Building code: 2025 Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code; Derby Zoning Bylaw (January 8, 2024)
Zoning information: View zoning info
Derby forms and permits
Vermont DFS permit portal
Act 250
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 Derby Planning and Zoning Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Derby Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Derby, VT?: New construction, additions, alterations, changes of use, demolition, signage, subdivision of land.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Derby, VT?: The minimum permit fee is $200. Fees are calculated as: Contact Zoning Administrator for full schedule.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Derby, VT?: 1. Determine if a zoning permit is required under the Derby Zoning Bylaw (January 8, 2024). Permits are required for new construction, additions, structural alterations, changes of use, demolition, subdivision, and signage within town limits. 2. Download the Application for Zoning Permit from https://derbyvt.org/formspermitsapplications/ or pick up at the Town Office at 124 Main Street. 3. Complete the application form, including property information, description of work, and required supporting materials (site plan, drawings as applicable). 4. Submit to the Zoning Administrator Bob Kelley at 124 Main Street, Derby, VT 05829 during office hours (Mon-Thu 7:00-5:00). 5. Pay the applicable permit fee. 6. The Zoning Administrator reviews the application. Permitted uses are approved administratively. Applications requiring Development Review Board (DRB) review are scheduled for a public hearing. 7. Zoning permits are valid for two years; construction must commence within that period. 8. For public buildings, obtain a separate DFS state construction permit. 9. For projects with a wastewater system or well, obtain the required DEC permit.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Derby, VT?: Typical processing time is Administrative permits typically issued within days to a few weeks. DRB hearings take longer..
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Derby, VT?: The following work is generally exempt: Routine maintenance and repairs that do not alter footprint, use, or structure; Single-family owner-occupied dwellings exempt from DFS state construction permits. Note: Confirm with Zoning Administrator.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Derby, VT?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact Zoning Administrator.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Town of Derby can be complicated.

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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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