VPIC
HOME
Community Planning
Resources by Topic
Where to Go for Help
Funding / Grant Sources
Education and Training
Events Calendar
SEARCH VPIC
Comments / Problems
About Us
For Assistance with Planning
For Assistance with Land Use Regulations and the Development Review Process
Top Ten Links for Information and Assistance
Please also check out...
Information and Publications on local land use planning and regulation in Vermont.
Frequently Asked Questions about planning and land use regulation.
FOR ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING - CONTACT:
Vermont's Regional Planning Commissions provide municipalities in each region with a wide range of planning services and should be the first stop for local officials seeking planning assistance.
The Vermont Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) - Planning Division administers the municipal planning grant program, coordinates state planning policy initiatives and training, publishes guidebooks for local officials including the Planning Manual for Vermont Municipalities and the Zoning Administrator's Handbook, and will provide phone or email assistance to local officials.
FOR ASSISTANCE WITH LAND USE REGULATIONS AND THE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESS - CONTACT:
The Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) - Municipal Assistance Center provides a wide-range of legal services for officials of member municipalities including: telephone and email advisory opinions on zoning, subdivision and other regulatory issues, conducts training seminars, publishes manuals and maintains a library of planning and zoning resource books as well as technical reports published by the American Planning Association's Planners' Advisory Service.
The Vermont
Secretary of State publishes guidebooks
for municipalities, available online, and provides training for local officials including annual leadership training for chairpersons.
The State Permit Assistance Division – Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
has regional Permit Specialists who can answer questions about state environmental permitting. For questions specifically
about Act 250, Vermont’s state land use permitting process, contact the coordinator at your
District Environmental Commission. TOP 10 LINKS FOR INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE Municipal Assistance Center of the VT League of Cities and Towns Orton Family Foundation People Can Plan Permit Assistance Division of the VT Agency of Natural Resources PlannersWeb Regional Planning Commissions Vermont Department Of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) Vermont Forum on Sprawl Vermont Planners Association (VPA) Vermont
State Statutes – Title 24 Chapter 117
in alphabetical order...
Comprised of professionals with diverse backgrounds in municipal law, public management, municipal research and water quality
protection. The "MAC's" mission is to provide local officials with the education, training and professional assistance they need
to fulfill their statutory duties.
Many tools and information resources for local communities are available at this site.
Clear and concise overview of local land use
planning and regulation. This site was designed for activists seeking to influence the process but can be helpful for anyone
engaged in local planning and development review.
Everything you need to know about State permitting programs. Scroll down to find out how to reach your local
Permit Specialist, your contact for questions about state permits. Click on Permit Handbook for a short explanation on all
State permits.
Website of the Planning Commissioners Journal, a national
journal for citizen planners addressing a wide range of issues faced by local volunteer planners and regulators. Over 50
articles and a comic strip can be viewed for free. While the PC J is published in Vermont the information is geared towards
citizen planners throughout the United States.
Vermont's 11 Regional Planning Commissions (RPCs) provide municipalities in each region with a wide range of planning services and should be
one of the first stops for local officials seeking planning assistance.
Access to programs supporting local efforts to improve communities including:
·Municipal Planning Grant Program (Land Use Planning)
·Vermont Community Development Program (Community Development)
·Designated downtowns and villages (Downtown Program)
·Historic preservation (Historic Preservation – Financial Assistance)
On-line information about good planning
practices for Vermont communities as well as notices of events and educational opportunities. Click on “Resources” for
publications and tools specifically geared towards assisting local land use officials.
A statewide, non-profit, membership-based organization of professional and citizen planners, landscape architects, engineers,
development specialists, and others who support good planning. VPA supports the planning profession through outreach,
professional development opportunities and encourages all members to maintain an open dialogue on contemporary planning issues.
Law governing local land use planning and regulation in Vermont. Start by checking out the Purpose and
Goals in § 4302.