In Vermont, an Act 250 land use permit is required for certain kinds of development and subdivision activities. The requirements vary depending on the size of the parcels involved, and whether your city or town has robust zoning and subdivision bylaws. The publication Act 250 Jurisdiction Categories provides a broad overview of Act 250 jurisdiction, but the Act 250 Statute and the Act 250 Rules are far more specific. To determine whether you need an Act 250 permit, contact your Act 250 district coordinator to discuss your project. You can look up your district number by town.
A jurisdictional opinion (JO) is a formal written determination of whether a project will require an Act 250 permit or amendment. To learn more about requesting a JO, or to fill out a JO Request Form, check out our Jurisdictional Opinions & Project Review Sheets page.
How do I apply?
Start by contacting your district coordinator. If an application is required for your project, you’ll need to fill out an application form online. On average, 95% of applications are reviewed using the “minor” review process - in which a draft permit is posted for public notice, and no hearing is held unless requested by a state agency, municipality, regional planning commission, or interested person who might be impacted by the proposed project. About 5% of applications require an in-person hearing with the district commission (a "major" review).
How much does it cost to obtain an Act 250 permit?
The application fee is $6.65 per $1,000 of construction costs (including site preparation, utilities, buildings, and landscaping) for the first $15,000,000 of construction costs, and $3.12 per $1,000 of construction costs thereafter. In addition, a fee of $125 per lot is required for subdivisions. An additional fee of $0.75 for each $1,000 of the first $15,000,000 of construction costs is collected on behalf of the Vermont Agency of National Resources (ANR) to account for ANR's review of Act 250 applications. Municipal and state projects are exempt from Act 250 fees. See the Act 250 Fee Statute (10 V.S.A. § 6083a) for more detailed information about fees.
How long does it take to get an Act 250 permit?
Two-thirds of Act 250 permits are issued in less than 90 days. More complex projects can take longer. In general, the more time and effort put into preparing a complete and thorough application, the less time the review process will require. Applicants are encouraged to meet with their district coordinator prior to application, to discuss what information will be required to ensure that all Act 250 criteria are addressed and that the application will be complete enough for the district commission to review.
Do I need any other permits?
ANR administers other programs that might require permits for your project. To determine which ANR permits might be needed for a project, use ANR’s online Permit Navigator tool. It asks a series of questions and generates a report with referrals to specific ANR programs. For further assistance, contact your ANR Community Assistance Specialist.