On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Greensboro
Construction, conversion, or structural alterations affecting footprint, roof plane, or height; structural renovations in Shoreland Protection District; accessory structures; new signs; home occupations; subdivisions; boundary line adjustments; changes of use.
Routine maintenance (roof, siding, windows, doors in original location; deck/porch replacement in original footprint; sign replacement in original location; painting)
- Exempt Routine maintenance (roof, siding, windows, doors in original location; deck/porch replacement in original footprint; sign replacement in original location; painting)
Required documents
- Completed zoning application form
- Names and addresses of adjoining property owners
- Site plan
- Description of work
- Building code
- 2025 Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code; 2024 Greensboro Zoning By-Law
- Permit validity
- Permit extensions available for $15 fee; contact the Zoning Administrator for standard validity period.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Administrative permits: several days. DRB hearing: weeks to months.
- 01 Determine if a zoning application is required under the 2024 Greensboro Zoning By-Law. Permits are required for: construction, conversion, or structural alterations affecting footprint, roof plane, or height; structural renovations in the Shoreland Protection District; boat houses, decks, porches, garages, carports, or sheds; new signs; home occupations; subdivisions; boundary line adjustments; changes of use; commercial structure creation or expansion.
- 02 Download the appropriate application form from https://greensborovt.gov/zoning/ (forms differ by district and project type).
- 03 Complete the application. Note: applications must include names and addresses of adjoining property owners.
- 04 Submit by mail (PO Box 119) or in person. Schedule an appointment with the Zoning Administrator: zoning@greensborovt.gov or (802) 533-2640.
- 05 Pay the applicable fee.
- 06 Administrative permits for permitted uses: issued within several days. DRB hearings: weeks to months.
- 07 After the Zoning Administrator issues the permit, a 15-day appeal period applies. After a DRB decision, a 30-day appeal period applies.
- 08 For public buildings, obtain a DFS state construction permit.
- 09 For projects with wastewater/well, obtain DEC permit.
- 10 If project involves an addition over 500 sq ft, energy code compliance (RBES/CBES certificate) is required.
Typical processing time: Administrative permits: several days. DRB hearing: weeks to months.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Greensboro building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$25.00
02
Permit fee formula
Accessory buildings, decks, additions: $25.00 + $15.00 recording fee
03
Penalty (no permit)
If project commences before approval, fees double.
New residential construction (standard): $50.00 + $15.00 recording fee; New residential construction (Shoreland Protection District): $150.00 + $15.00 recording fee; New commercial construction: $50.00 + $15.00 recording fee; Subdivision / boundary line adjustment: $25.00 + $15.00 recording fee; Development Review Board Hearing: $200.00; Site plan review: $50.00; Sign permit: $15.00; Recording fee (per page): $15.00; Extension of permit: $15.00
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact Zoning Administrator (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM-4:00 PM (appointment required)
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Greensboro permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Greensboro, VT? ▸
Construction, conversion, or structural alterations affecting footprint, roof plane, or height; structural renovations in Shoreland Protection District; accessory structures; new signs; home occupations; subdivisions; boundary line adjustments; changes of use.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Greensboro, VT? ▸
Building permit fees in Greensboro, VT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $25.00. Fees are calculated as: Accessory buildings, decks, additions: $25.00 + $15.00 recording fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Greensboro, VT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Greensboro, VT, follow these steps: 1. Determine if a zoning application is required under the 2024 Greensboro Zoning By-Law. Permits are required for: construction, conversion, or structural alterations affecting footprint, roof plane, or height; structural renovations in the Shoreland Protection District; boat houses, decks, porches, garages, carports, or sheds; new signs; home occupations; subdivisions; boundary line adjustments; changes of use; commercial structure creation or expansion. 2. Download the appropriate application form from https://greensborovt.gov/zoning/ (forms differ by district and project type). 3. Complete the application. Note: applications must include names and addresses of adjoining property owners. 4. Submit by mail (PO Box 119) or in person. Schedule an appointment with the Zoning Administrator: zoning@greensborovt.gov or (802) 533-2640. 5. Pay the applicable fee. 6. Administrative permits for permitted uses: issued within several days. DRB hearings: weeks to months. 7. After the Zoning Administrator issues the permit, a 15-day appeal period applies. After a DRB decision, a 30-day appeal period applies. 8. For public buildings, obtain a DFS state construction permit. 9. For projects with wastewater/well, obtain DEC permit. 10. If project involves an addition over 500 sq ft, energy code compliance (RBES/CBES certificate) is required.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Greensboro, VT? ▸
Building permit processing times in Greensboro, VT typically run Administrative permits: several days. DRB hearing: weeks to months.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Greensboro, VT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Greensboro, VT. The following work is generally exempt: Routine maintenance (roof, siding, windows, doors in original location; deck/porch replacement in original footprint; sign replacement in original location; painting). When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Greensboro, VT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Greensboro, VT via: Contact Zoning Administrator.
last verified April 2026
source Town of Greensboro Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/vermont/orleans/town-of-greensboro
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Greensboro Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.