Windham County, Vermont
In Dummerston, all land development requires a zoning permit. Land development is defined in the Dummerston Bylaw as "the division of a parcel into two or more parcels, the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation or enlargement of any building or other structure, or of any mining, excavation of landfill, and any change in the use of any building or other structure, or land, or extension of use of land". Normal maintenance and repair of an existing structure that does not result in exterior alterations, expansion, or a change of use does not require a zoning permit. Although accepted agriculture practices are exempt, the construction of farm structures does require written notification, and a site plan showing that structure setbacks are met must be submitted to the zoning administrator.
** Small accessory buildings may not require a permit and may be exempt from meeting the full side and rear setbacks, but must still meet the front yard setback for your zoning district. Please call the zoning administrator for help in deciding what requirements must be met before beginning construction.**
Thirty days is allowed by State statute for approval of zoning permits and the permit must be displayed for 15 days after issue to allow for appeals before construction may begin, so please plan accordingly. Applications to the DRB for a variance or a conditional use permit must be submitted at least 4 weeks before the DRB meeting (usually the 3rd Tuesday of the month).
Permit applications for zoning can be found in the File Cabinet here at the Town website - just click right here. An Application Checklist is included with your downloadable application package. The Checklist will help you to submit a complete application and reduce the chance of any delays in the start of your project. The fee schedule is also in the File Cabinet.
Please call or stop by the Town Office if you have any questions about the process. I am usually at the Town Office on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM and Wednesday from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. You can also call (257-1496) or email me (zoning@dummerston.org) to make an appointment. I read my emails when I am out of the office and most questions can be answered quickly through email.
Roger Vincent Jasaitis
Dummerston Zoning Administrator