Bolthole Index

Grand Isle County, Vermont

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Grand Isle County, Vermont

76Index Score / 100
#13 of 14 in Vermont

Grand Isle County, Vermont has no county building department or countywide zoning; zoning permits and any building permits come from the municipality1,2. The Town of Grand Isle requires a zoning permit for most development, while Alburgh has no local zoning2,3. Septic and water-supply permits for every town in the county come from Vermont DEC, not the town4.

Do you need a building permit in Grand Isle County, Vermont?

Grand Isle County does not issue a county building permit because it has no county building department.

Grand Isle County does not issue a county building permit because it has no county building department1. The Town of Grand Isle requires permits for most development, including new construction, substantial improvements, structure replacement or relocation, parcel changes, and changes of use, subject to listed exclusions3. Inside the Town of Grand Isle, building inspections in the bylaws cover periodic inspection of subdivision public improvements by town-retained consultants, not ordinary residential construction3. Elsewhere in the county, ask the municipality: Alburgh has no local zoning, and the Town of Grand Isle rules do not apply countywide2. Vermont has statewide residential energy standards but no comprehensive statewide residential building code7. State fire and building-safety inspections apply to covered public buildings, while an owner-occupied single-family residence is generally outside that public-building definition unless used for a covered purpose8. The Town of Grand Isle does not issue certificates of occupancy or compliance, though separate state approvals may still apply3.

Who is the Grand Isle County building department, and how do you reach them?

There is no Grand Isle County building department to call.

There is no Grand Isle County building department to call1. For land inside the Town of Grand Isle, contact the Zoning Administrative Officer at 9 Hyde Road, Grand Isle, VT 05458, phone (802) 372-8816, Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm9. The town identifies that officer as the first contact when development is proposed9. If a municipality has adopted a building code, state law provides for a municipal building inspector, pre-construction plans or specifications, permission before work begins, and construction inspections10,11. We could not confirm which other Grand Isle County municipalities have adopted those codes, so ask the municipality governing the parcel. In the Town of Grand Isle, the Selectboard sets permit fees, but the zoning bylaws do not publish the current amounts3.

Does Grand Isle County have zoning?

Grand Isle County does not administer countywide zoning; the Town of Grand Isle has zoning, while Alburgh does not, and rules in the other municipalities must be checked locally.

Grand Isle County does not administer countywide zoning; the Town of Grand Isle has zoning, while Alburgh does not, and rules in the other municipalities must be checked locally1,2. The Town of Grand Isle publishes six zoning districts with district-specific uses and standards3. Its general standards call for a one-acre lot, 150 feet of frontage, a 40-foot road-right-of-way setback, 25-foot side and rear setbacks, and a 15-foot driveway side setback, with additional shoreline, flood-hazard, subdivision, and use-specific rules3. Mobile, modular, and prefabricated homes used as dwellings are treated as single-family homes under the town bylaws3. We could not confirm a countywide minimum dwelling size or tiny-home-specific rule, so ask the municipality governing the parcel.

How do septic permits work in Grand Isle County?

Septic permits are not a town or county decision anywhere in Grand Isle County.

Septic permits are not a town or county decision anywhere in Grand Isle County. Vermont requires a state permit before constructing, replacing, or modifying a potable-water supply or wastewater system, subject to statutory exemptions12,13. The Vermont DEC Wastewater System and Potable Water Supply Program's Essex Regional Office serves Grand Isle County14. In Town of Grand Isle subdivisions, wastewater disposal remains subject to Vermont DEC rules, and a community system requires state permission3. A completed permitted system needs installation certification confirming that it follows the approved design and permit conditions13. A permitted holding tank has its own inspection schedule and must be inspected at least once per year15. Site feasibility deserves attention before purchase: 0% of Grand Isle County soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so obtain a site evaluation early6.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Grand Isle County?

In the Town of Grand Isle, an RV may be occupied without a zoning permit when it is readily movable, more than 25 feet from a property boundary, more than 40 feet from the near edge of a road right-of-way, and occupied no more than six months in a twelve-month period.

In the Town of Grand Isle, an RV may be occupied without a zoning permit when it is readily movable, more than 25 feet from a property boundary, more than 40 feet from the near edge of a road right-of-way, and occupied no more than six months in a twelve-month period3. Longer occupancy or a unit that is not readily movable is treated as a dwelling under the town zoning bylaws3. A qualifying primitive camp without interior plumbing beyond a sink with water may use Vermont's narrow exemption only when use is no more than three consecutive weeks and 60 total days per year; seasonal camps do not qualify16. A manufactured, modular, or prefabricated tiny home used as a dwelling in the Town of Grand Isle is treated as a single-family dwelling, but we could not confirm every tiny-home design or the rules outside that town3.

Building a home in Grand Isle County: the steps, in order

Identify the municipality governing the parcel because zoning and locally adopted building codes vary across Grand Isle County.

  1. Identify the municipality governing the parcel because zoning and locally adopted building codes vary across Grand Isle County2,7.
  2. Ask that municipality about land-use approval, setbacks, flood rules, fees, and any building code; in the Town of Grand Isle, start with the Zoning Administrative Officer3,9.
  3. Confirm how Vermont's Residential Building Energy Standards apply; the owner-builder exemption is limited to qualifying owner-built, owner-occupied construction and does not waive other permits5.
  4. Apply through the Essex Regional Office for required wastewater and potable-water approval12,14.
  5. Secure a written entrance permit from the state or municipality if work affects a highway right-of-way17.
  6. Complete required water and wastewater installation certification, then confirm whether the municipality requires any occupancy document; the Town of Grand Isle does not issue one3,13,18.

What to check before you buy land in Grand Isle County

Confirm the parcel's municipality and zoning district before relying on a county-level search result, because Grand Isle County does not administer a single zoning rulebook.

Confirm the parcel's municipality and zoning district before relying on a county-level search result, because Grand Isle County does not administer a single zoning rulebook2. Test septic feasibility early: 0% of county soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field6. Confirm the water source and obtain Vermont approval before constructing, replacing, or modifying a potable supply12. Domestic and residential wells are exempt from the separate commercial or industrial groundwater-withdrawal permit threshold19. Check flood mapping and local hazard bylaws because covered development requires local review and referral to Vermont's Agency of Natural Resources3,20. Verify legal driveway access and price the tax carrying cost: the effective property-tax rate is about 1.4%, and the median annual bill is about $4,9276,17.

Watch-outs

  • Do not confuse the Town of Grand Isle with Grand Isle County: the town-level standards described here do not apply automatically in the county's other municipalities2.
  • No county permit office does not mean no construction rules: Vermont energy standards, DEC approvals, municipal land-use bylaws, and any locally adopted building code can still apply5,12.
  • The Town of Grand Isle RV rule and Vermont DEC campground thresholds answer different questions; confirm both local land-use approval and wastewater or water-supply permitting before hosting campers3,21.

Sources

21 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 9, 2026

  1. Vermont ACCD - Planning Statutes and Rules (Title 24 Ch. 117) (2026 county census)
  2. Planning and Zoning - Town of Grand Isle, VT
  3. Grand Isle Zoning Bylaws and Subdivision Regulations, Amended October 25, 2021
  4. Vermont DEC - Wastewater System & Potable Water Supply Program (2026 county census)
  5. 30 V.S.A. § 51. Residential building energy standards; stretch code
  6. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  7. Vermont Act 47 Building Energy Code Study Committee Report
  8. 20 V.S.A. § 2731. Rules; inspections; variances
  9. Town of Grand Isle Zoning Administrative Officer (grandislevt.org)
  10. 24 V.S.A. § 3107. Certificate of permit; filing
  11. Title 24, Chapter 83: Building Inspectors and Regulation of Building
  12. 10 V.S.A. chapter 64 — Potable Water Supply and Wastewater System Permit
  13. 10 V.S.A. Chapter 64, Potable Water Supply and Wastewater System Permit
  14. Vermont DEC Wastewater System & Potable Water Supply Program, Essex Regional Office (dec.vermont.gov)
  15. 10 V.S.A. § 1979. Holding tanks
  16. 10 V.S.A. § 1974. Exemptions
  17. 19 V.S.A. § 1111 — Permitted use of highway rights-of-way (Vermont statewide rule)
  18. 24 V.S.A. § 4449. Zoning permit, certificate of occupancy, and municipal land use permit
  19. 10 V.S.A. chapter 48 — Groundwater Protection
  20. 24 V.S.A. § 4424 — Flood or hazard area bylaws (Vermont statewide rule)
  21. Camping & Outdoor Stay Drinking Water/Wastewater System Guidelines

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like 4 of its 6 neighbors, Grand Isle County has no countywide zoning.

RuleGrand Isle CountyFranklin CountyChittenden CountyLamoille CountyWashington CountyOrleans CountyAddison County
Building permitNot requiredLimitedNot requiredNot requiredLimitedNot requiredLimited
County zoningNoYesNoNoYesNoNo
Septic permitsVT DECVT Dept. of Env. ConservationVT DECVT DECVT DEC Wastewater System & Potable Water Supply ProgramVT DEC Wastewater System & Potable Water Supply ProgramVT DEC

County locator

Grand Isle County in Vermont

76
County map
Grand Isle County highlighted among the Vermont counties · colored by Index score

How Grand Isle County scores

76 / 100 · #13 of 14 in Vermont · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion49100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency6294% ev.
Admin Boringness82100% ev.
Durability73100% ev.
Property Autonomy59100% ev.
Carry Cost52100% ev.

Evidence strength: 99%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$460kTypical home
1.4%Property tax
$7,445Land / acre
38.8"Annual rain
0.3% of yrsSevere drought
0.7 / yr (+0.7)Mid-century 100°F days
10.2 daysMid-century dry spell
1.46" (+9.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.55×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,213Home insurance / yr
-0.8% / yrInsurance growth
0.77%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
54,139People within 30 min
667,944People within 2 hr
83,667Radius comparison (15 mi)
91.3People / sq mi
4.6%Federal land
97.3%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
0 acWorkable land screen
19.3%Wooded land
85.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
45.4°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Grand Isle County

Inside a city, town or township here, that government usually sets zoning and may issue its own building permits; the county’s rules above cover land outside them.

Answers from the rulebook for Grand Isle County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Grand Isle County rules

  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    The aggregate of municipal zoning rules in Grand Isle County, including independently documented zoning bylaws and district structures in the Towns of Grand Isle and South Hero.

    • This is a county aggregate of municipal rules; Grand Isle County itself does not administer each municipal ordinance.
    • Grand Isle municipality regulates land development through its zoning bylaws and subdivision regulations.
    • South Hero municipality regulates land development through zoning, subdivision, and flood-hazard regulations.
    • The documented municipal systems differ: Grand Isle identifies six zoning districts, while South Hero identifies five zoning districts.
    • South Hero regulations contain an exception for development otherwise exempted under Section 301 or the Vermont Planning and Development Act.
    • State, federal, wastewater, floodplain, and other applicable requirements may also apply.
    “These Bylaws divide the Town of Grand Isle into the following six (6) Zoning Districts.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local zoning within Grand Isle County; the actual rule-maker is each applicable municipality, not Grand Isle County.
      “A municipality may regulate land development in conformance with its adopted municipal plan”
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate of municipal zoning across Grand Isle County; the county is used only as the reporting geography and does not administer each municipal ordinance.
      “Although Alburgh does not have local zoning, the Town still requires driveway access permits BEFORE installation.”
    • Varies (with conditions) — Countywide aggregate of local zoning: zoning is administered through municipal bylaws rather than a single county zoning ordinance. The Town of Grand Isle is documented as having zoning bylaws and zoning permits.
      “Although Alburgh does not have local zoning, the Town still requires driveway access permits BEFORE installation.”
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate of municipal zoning in Grand Isle County towns; the county itself does not administer these bylaws
      “a municipality that has adopted a plan through its bylaws may define and regulate land development in any manner that the municipality establishes in its bylaws, provided those bylaws are in conformance with the plan and are adopted for the purposes set forth in section 4302 of this title.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Buildings or structures served by a Vermont-permitted sewage holding tank in Grand Isle County.

    • The inspection frequency and reports must be stated in the holding-tank permit.
    • Inspections must be no less frequent than once per year.
    • The designer must inspect the tank, visible piping, alarms, and water meters; report repairs or operational changes; report pumping dates and volumes; compare metered flow with pumping records; and explain significant deviations.
    • The owner must maintain a valid contract with a licensed wastewater hauler and submit pumping notices with inspection reports.

    minimum inspection frequency: per 1 per year

    “The frequency of inspections and reports shall be stated in the permit [...] but shall be no less frequent than once per year.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Zoning in Vermont is administered at the municipal (town) level under Title 24 Chapter 117; there is no county zoning in Grand Isle County.

    Vermont ACCD - Planning Statutes and Rules (Title 24 Ch. 117) ↗From the county’s own site, awaiting a second reviewer

Vermont rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Construction, additions, alterations, demolition, or installation of fixed building equipment at Vermont public buildings regulated by the Division of Fire Safety.

    • The Fire & Building Safety Code permits the authority having jurisdiction to specifically waive the construction-permit requirement.
    • The statutory public-building definition excludes an owner-occupied single-family residence unless it is used for a purpose described in 20 V.S.A. § 2730(a).
    • The statutory public-building definition also excludes family residences registered as child care homes or exempt from registration, and qualifying farm buildings on working farms.
    • The Division's application states that construction permits are required in addition to any other State or Town permits.
    • A municipality may receive an assignment from the Commissioner to enforce some or all State Fire Safety rules and standards under 20 V.S.A. § 2736.

    construction plan approval fee: per 8 USD per $1,000 total construction valuation (The fee may not exceed $185,000 or be less than $50.)

    “The owner, or a designated representative, of a building or premises shall obtain a construction permit before beginning any construction, addition, alteration, demolition or installation of fixed building equipment at the building site unless specifically waived by the AHJ.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction or alteration of buildings in Vermont municipalities that have adopted building codes, rules, or regulations under 24 V.S.A. § 3101; the rule applies to any Grand Isle County municipality only if that municipality has adopted the relevant code or regulations.
      “Before the construction or alteration of a building, the owner, builder, or architect shall submit to the building inspector a comprehensive statement in writing of the material to be used and the mode of construction of the proposed building or alteration, with plans and specifications, if there are any. Work thereon shall not be begun until the owner has received from the inspector a certificate of permission specifying the material of which the outer walls and other covering of the roof of such building are to be composed, the street upon which, and the distance therefrom at which such building is to be placed.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Residential construction in Vermont where the owner seeks exemption from the Residential Building Energy Standards under 30 V.S.A. § 51(h)(4), including construction in Grand Isle County.

    • The owner must be the builder.
    • The residential construction must be used as a dwelling by the owner.
    • The owner must direct the details of construction regarding installation of materials not complying with RBES.
    • Before entering into a binding purchase and sales agreement, the owner must disclose in writing to a prospective buyer the nature and extent of RBES noncompliance.
    • Any statement or certificate to a prospective buyer must itemize how the home does not comply and which measures do not meet the RBES standards in effect when construction commenced.
    • Any certificate must be recorded in the local land records and sent to the Department of Public Service within 30 days after the owner sells the property.
    • This is an exemption from the residential energy standards and does not establish an exemption from zoning, wastewater, land-use, or other permits.
    “The following residential construction shall not be subject to the requirements of this subchapter: [...] Residential construction by an owner, if all of the following apply:”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Residential construction by an owner in Grand Isle County subject to Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards.
      “Residential construction by an owner, if all of the following apply: [...] The owner of the residential construction is the builder, as defined under this section.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Residential construction in Grand Isle County seeking exemption from Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards under the owner-builder provision.
      “Residential construction by an owner, if all of the following apply: (A) The owner of the residential construction is the builder, as defined under this section.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Owner-builder exemption from Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards under 30 V.S.A. § 51(h)(4), including residential construction in Grand Isle County; this is not a general exemption from zoning, wastewater, or other permits.
      “(4) Residential construction by an owner, if all of the following apply: [...] (A) The owner of the residential construction is the builder, as defined under this section. [...] (B) The residential construction is used as a dwelling by the owner.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Residential construction exempt from Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards when the owner is also the builder and occupies the dwelling.
      “The following residential construction shall not be subject to the requirements of this subchapter: [...] (4) Residential construction by an owner, if all of the following apply:”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Residential construction and public-building construction in Vermont, including construction in Grand Isle County.

    • Residential construction must comply with Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards adopted by the Commissioner of Public Service.
    • The RBES statute covers new residential construction and additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs to existing residential buildings.
    • The statutory public-building framework includes buildings such as cooperatives or condominiums, buildings where people rent accommodations overnight or longer term, specified public-assembly and employment buildings, and buildings owned or occupied by the State, a county, municipality, village, or other public entity.
    • An owner-occupied single-family residence is excluded from the statutory definition of public building unless used for a purpose described in 20 V.S.A. § 2730(a).
    • An owner-occupied single-family residence with an accessory dwelling unit is excluded from the public-building definition unless rented overnight or for a longer term.
    • RBES exemptions include qualifying low-energy buildings or additions, manufactured homes subject to federal manufactured-housing standards, buildings or additions that are neither heated nor cooled, and qualifying owner-builder construction subject to disclosure and recording requirements.
    • A Vermont municipality may adopt the state stretch code under 30 V.S.A. § 51(d).

    RBES coverage: new construction, additions, alterations, renovations, and repairs to residential buildings · owner-builder exemption: owner must be the builder, use the construction as a dwelling, direct details involving noncompliant materials, and disclose noncompliance before a binding sale agreement (certificate must be recorded and sent to the Department of Public Service within 30 days following sale) · public-building exclusion: owner-occupied single-family residence (unless used for a purpose described in 20 V.S.A. § 2730(a))

    ““Residential construction” means new construction of residential buildings, and the construction of additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs to an existing residential building. [...] Residential construction shall be in compliance with the standards adopted by the Commissioner of Public Service in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.”
    9 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Building-code regulation applicable in Grand Isle County through Vermont state requirements and potentially municipality-adopted building codes.
      “When any municipality adopts or amends a building code, it shall impose requirements consistent with the current rules and standards adopted by the Commissioner”
    • Partial — Residential construction in Grand Isle County under Vermont statewide residential building energy standards, together with any municipal building codes adopted under state law.
      “Residential construction shall be in compliance with the standards adopted by the Commissioner of Public Service in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.”
    • Partial — Building-code adoption applicable statewide in Grand Isle County, including owner-occupied single-family residential construction and statewide residential and commercial energy standards.
      “It is important to note that while we do have statewide energy codes (i.e., RBES and CBES), Vermont does not have a statewide residential building code.”
    • Partial — Residential construction in Grand Isle County through Vermont's statewide residential building energy standards and related state energy-code requirements.
      “It is important to note that while we do have statewide energy codes (i.e., RBES and CBES), Vermont does not have a statewide residential building code.”
    • Partial — Residential construction statewide in Vermont, including Grand Isle County.
      “Residential construction shall be in compliance with the standards adopted by the Commissioner of Public Service in accordance with subsection (c) of this section. [...] After the effective date of the original or the amended RBES, any person commencing residential construction shall comply with the most recent version of the RBES.”
    • Partial — Vermont's statewide building-code framework, including the Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code for public buildings and statutory exemptions for specified residential, farm, child-care, and home-business categories.
      “The 2025 Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code establishes the minimum standards to protect the public from the risks of fire, explosion, hazardous materials, dangerous structural conditions and carbon monoxide poisoning within public buildings. [...] Several entities are exempted from this rule and include single family owner occupied homes, small working farms, registered day care facilities and some home businesses.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Public buildings in Vermont subject to the 2025 Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code.
      “The 2025 Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code establishes the minimum standards to protect the public from the risks of fire, explosion, hazardous materials, dangerous structural conditions and carbon monoxide poisoning within public buildings. These amended rules provide updates and incorporate more recent editions of the same national codes and standards that are currently adopted.”
    • Not adopted — Owner-occupied single-family residences in Vermont, unless the residence is used for a purpose that makes it a public building under 20 V.S.A. § 2730(a).
      “The term “public building” does not include: (1) An owner-occupied single-family residence, unless used for a purpose described in subsection (a) of this section.”
    • Partial — State fire and building safety rules for construction and occupied premises statewide, including residential premises within the statutory public-building and multiunit/residential categories.
      “Pursuant to his or her authority under this section, the Commissioner of Public Safety shall: [...] Update building codes on three-year cycles, consistent with codes developed by code-writing authorities, to keep pace with technology, products, and design.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Building inspection and inspector administration in Vermont municipalities that have adopted codes, rules, or regulations under 24 V.S.A. § 3101; applicable to a Grand Isle County municipality only if it has adopted such regulations.

    • Upon adoption of qualifying codes, rules, or regulations, the municipal legislative body must appoint a building inspector and may appoint a deputy inspector.
    • The inspector must be a disinterested and competent person with experience in construction of various building types.
    • The inspector must daily examine buildings undergoing alteration or erection and may order safety-related changes or stop work.
    • The statutory framework does not establish a county inspection department.
    “Upon the adoption of any codes, rules, or regulations as provided in section 3101 of this title, the mayor and board of aldermen of a city, the selectboard of a town, or the trustees of an incorporated village shall appoint and may remove a building inspector, and may appoint and may remove a deputy building inspector, prescribe their duties, and fix their compensation.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Premises and public buildings in Grand Isle County subject to Vermont Division of Fire Safety rules.
      “The Commissioner shall conduct inspections of premises to ensure that the rules adopted under this subchapter are being observed”
    • Limited — Premises and buildings subject to Vermont fire-prevention and building-code rules administered by the Commissioner of Public Safety.
      “The Commissioner may also conduct inspections to ensure that buildings are constructed in accordance with approved plans and drawings.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Land development and occupancy in Vermont municipalities that have adopted bylaws under 24 V.S.A. chapter 117, including any Grand Isle County municipality with applicable bylaws.

    • A land-development permit is required within the area affected by adopted bylaws.
    • A certificate of occupancy is required only if the adopted bylaws so provide.
    • The certificate is issued by the municipal administrative officer and must state that the proposed use conforms to the bylaws.
    • A certificate required under 30 V.S.A. § 51 or § 53 is a condition precedent to issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
    • Permits are subject to statutory appeal-period and posting requirements.
    • Applications and permits must state that State permits may be required before construction.
    “If the bylaws so adopted so provide, it shall be unlawful to use or occupy or permit the use or occupancy of any land or structure, or part thereof, created, erected, changed, converted, or wholly or partly altered or enlarged in its use or structure after the effective date of this chapter, within the area affected by those bylaws, until a certificate of occupancy is issued therefor by the administrative officer, stating that the proposed use of the structure or land conforms to the requirements of those bylaws.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Use or occupancy of land or structures subject to an adopted municipal bylaw that provides for certificates of occupancy, and public assembly places that change ownership or increase occupant load.
      “If the bylaws so adopted so provide, it shall be unlawful to use or occupy or permit the use or occupancy of any land or structure, or part thereof, created, erected, changed, converted, or wholly or partly altered or enlarged in its use or structure after the effective date of this chapter, within the area affected by those bylaws, until a certificate of occupancy is issued therefor by the administrative officer, stating that the proposed use of the structure or land conforms to the requirements of those bylaws.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Vermont municipal zoning bylaws and zoning maps; the State statute authorizes and describes the framework for local zoning districts but does not publish each municipality's actual district map or district boundaries.

    • Municipal zoning bylaws may classify different uses and structures into separate districts shown on a zoning map made part of the bylaws.
    • Actual district names, boundaries, permitted uses, conditional uses, and dimensional standards are local and must be obtained from the relevant municipality.
    • Special overlay districts may supplement or modify underlying zoning requirements, including for floodplains, shorelands, aquifer protection, ridgelines, scenic features, and highway areas.
    “different provisions may be applied to different classes of situations, uses, and structures and to different and separate districts of the municipality”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Municipal land-use standards throughout Vermont, including setback requirements applicable to particular uses, districts, or hazard areas.

    • Specific setback distances are established by applicable municipal bylaws or other applicable state requirements.
    • Housing decisions may adjust municipal standards only under the statutory findings described in 24 V.S.A. § 4464(b)(7)(B).
    “dimensions, location, [...] and use of structures; [...] distances to be left unoccupied by uses and structures; [...] different provisions may be applied [...] to different and separate districts”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Municipal building-height standards throughout Vermont; the applicable height limit is determined by local bylaws and district standards.

    • The statute does not establish a statewide numeric height limit.
    • For housing developments, a municipal panel may not reduce building height below that allowed in the municipal bylaws except under the statutory modification findings.

    building height: As allowed in applicable municipal bylaws (Subject to 24 V.S.A. § 4464(b)(7)(B) adjustments)

    “limit the building size to less than that allowed in the municipal bylaws, including reducing the building footprint or height;”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    A tiny house used as a detached dwelling unit of less than 400 square feet of floor area excluding lofts.

    • The 2024 Residential Building Energy Standards apply the listed tiny-house energy requirements.
    • Tiny houses must comply with envelope, insulation, and fenestration requirements.
    • All other Energy Code provisions remain required, except that the mechanical-ventilation system need not be balanced and may be exhaust-only.
    • Adopted municipal bylaws may separately require a municipal land-use permit and conformity with the bylaws for land development in the affected area.

    tiny-house floor area: < 400 square feet (Lofts are excluded from floor area.)

    “Tiny Houses must comply with the specific envelope, insulation, and fenestration requirements in Section 6.4. All other code provisions are still required”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Placement and occupancy of manufactured/mobile homes in Vermont municipalities, including districts that allow year-round residential development.

    • Effective July 1, 2026.
    • A municipal bylaw may not exclude manufactured/mobile homes from a district that allows year-round residential development, except under the same terms and conditions applicable to conventional housing.
    • The statutory exception in 24 V.S.A. § 4412(1)(B) refers to 24 V.S.A. § 4414(1)(E) design review districts and § 4414(1)(F) local historic districts and landmarks.
    • Municipalities may establish site standards for individual sites within preexisting mobile home parks concerning distances between structures and other standards necessary to ensure public health, safety, and welfare.
    • Those site standards may not prohibit replacement of mobile homes on existing lots.
    • The Act directs the Office of Legislative Counsel to replace “mobile home” with “manufactured home” throughout the statutes as needed for consistency with the Act, without changing meaning.
    “Except as provided in subdivisions 4414(1)(E) and (F) of this title, no bylaw shall have the effect of excluding mobile homes, modular housing, or prefabricated housing from any district that allows year-round residential development in the municipality, except upon the same terms and conditions as conventional housing is excluded. A municipality may establish specific site standards in the bylaws to regulate individual sites within preexisting mobile home parks with regard to distances between structures and other standards as necessary to ensure public health, safety, and welfare, provided the standards do not have the effect of prohibiting the replacement of mobile homes on existing lots.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    One accessory dwelling unit within or appurtenant to a single-family dwelling on an owner-occupied lot in Vermont municipalities.

    • The unit must be within or appurtenant to a single-family dwelling on an owner-occupied lot.
    • Flood hazard and fluvial erosion area bylaws adopted under 24 V.S.A. § 4424 are an exception.
    • The single-family dwelling with an accessory dwelling unit is subject to the same review, dimensional, and other controls applicable to a single-family dwelling without an accessory dwelling unit.
    • The property must have sufficient wastewater capacity.
    • The unit must not exceed 30 percent of the total habitable floor area of the single-family dwelling or 900 square feet, whichever is greater.
    • A municipality may adopt less restrictive accessory-dwelling-unit rules.
    • Conversion of an existing detached nonresidential building to habitable space for an accessory dwelling unit may not be subject to criteria more restrictive than those used for a single-family dwelling without an accessory dwelling unit.

    maximum floor area: 30% of the total habitable floor area or 900 square feet, whichever is greater

    “Except for flood hazard and fluvial erosion area bylaws adopted pursuant to section 4424 of this title, no bylaw shall have the effect of excluding as a permitted use one accessory dwelling unit that is located within or appurtenant to a single-family dwelling on an owner-occupied lot. A bylaw shall require a single-family dwelling with an accessory dwelling unit to be subject to the same review, dimensional, or other controls as required for a single-family dwelling without an accessory dwelling unit.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Statewide regulation of soil-based wastewater systems and sewerage connections in Vermont, including systems subject to 10 V.S.A. chapter 64 and municipalities that receive delegated authority.

    • The Secretary of Natural Resources is the default permitting authority under 10 V.S.A. chapter 64.
    • The Secretary may delegate to a municipality authority to implement all sections of chapter 64 except §§ 1975 and 1978, or permitting for qualifying projects served by both sanitary sewer and water service lines connected to infrastructure owned and controlled by the municipality.
    • A municipality receiving delegation must submit a written request and satisfy statutory requirements concerning application processing, a licensed designer, enforcement, annual reporting, system capacity, and compliance with adopted rules.
    • Municipal ordinances and zoning bylaws regulating potable water supplies and wastewater systems are generally superseded by chapter 64, but consistent local procedural requirements and local ordinances applying to exempt systems are not superseded in municipalities receiving delegation.
    • A municipality may assess fees sufficient to support municipal services provided under the delegation.
    “The Secretary may delegate to a municipality authority to: (A) implement all sections of this chapter, except for sections 1975 and 1978 of this title; or (B) implement permitting under this chapter for the subdivision of land, a building or structure, or a campground”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Potable water supply and wastewater-system permitting in Grand Isle County.
      “(a)(1) The Secretary may delegate to a municipality authority to: [...] (A) implement all sections of this chapter, except for sections 1975 and 1978 of this title;”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, replacement, or modification of potable water supplies or wastewater systems; new buildings or structures; new or modified connections; and specified changes of use in Grand Isle County under Vermont law.

    • The rule is subject to the exemptions in 10 V.S.A. §§ 1974 and 1978.
    • A permit is required before constructing, replacing, or modifying a potable water supply or wastewater system.
    • A permit is required before constructing a new building or structure.
    • A permit is required before making a new or modified connection to a new or existing potable water supply or wastewater system.
    • A permit is required before changing the use of a building or structure in a manner that increases design flows or modifies other operational requirements.
    • The application must use a form prescribed by the Secretary and include documents and information required by rule.
    • A licensed designer must certify that the permit design complies with the rules.
    • Examples of statutory exemptions include qualifying buildings, structures, campgrounds, and lots substantially completed or existing before January 1, 2007; qualifying primitive camps used no more than three consecutive weeks per year and no more than 60 days per year; specified water-treatment systems; certain transportation-project subdivisions; and operation of a failed single-groundwater-source supply serving one single-family residence.

    soil-based wastewater system design flow: < 6500 gallons per day (Systems at or above this threshold may be regulated under other state wastewater permitting programs.)

    “Except as provided in this section and sections 1974 and 1978 of this title, a person shall obtain a permit from the Secretary before: [...] (3) constructing, replacing, or modifying a potable water supply or wastewater system;”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New buildings and structures, and construction, replacement, or modification of potable water supplies or wastewater systems in Grand Isle County.
      “(a) Except as provided in this section and sections 1974 and 1978 of this title, a person shall obtain a permit from the Secretary before: [...] (3) constructing, replacing, or modifying a potable water supply or wastewater system; [...] (5) constructing a new building or structure;”
    • Required — Construction, replacement, or modification of a statewide potable water supply or wastewater system, including a septic system; also specified building, subdivision, failed-system, connection, and use-change activities.
      “Except as provided in this section and sections 1974 and 1978 of this title, a person shall obtain a permit from the Secretary before: [...] (3) constructing, replacing, or modifying a potable water supply or wastewater system;”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Primitive camps without interior plumbing, including qualifying camps in Grand Isle County.

    • The camp may have no interior plumbing consisting of more than a sink with water.
    • Use may not exceed three consecutive weeks per year.
    • Use may not exceed 60 total days per year.
    • The exemption does not apply to seasonal camps.

    maximum consecutive use: <= 3 weeks per year · maximum total use: <= 60 days per year

    “used no more than three consecutive weeks per year and no more than a total of 60 days per year, shall be exempt. [...] seasonal camps.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Off-grid wastewater disposal systems that qualify as potable-water-supply or wastewater systems under Vermont law.
      “Primitive camps with no interior plumbing consisting of more than a sink with water, that are used no more than three consecutive weeks per year and no more than a total of 60 days per year, shall be exempt. This exemption does not apply to seasonal camps.”
  • Well permitLimited

    A new or increased groundwater withdrawal from a well or spring for commercial or industrial use in Grand Isle County.

    • A groundwater withdrawal permit is required before a commercial or industrial new or increased withdrawal exceeds 57,600 gallons per day from any well or spring on a single tract of land or at a place of business.
    • A new or increased withdrawal includes adding withdrawal from one or more new wells or increasing the rate above the maximum in an existing permit.
    • For previously unpermitted withdrawals, the threshold is an increase after July 1, 2010 of 25 percent of baseline withdrawal or 57,600 gallons, whichever is smaller.
    • The statute exempts groundwater withdrawals for fire suppression or other public emergency purposes, domestic or residential use, farming, licensed dairy processors and milk handlers, public water systems, and closed-loop, standing-column, or similar non-extractive geothermal heat pumps.
    • The Secretary may require a permit for a non-exempt withdrawal if it violates Vermont Water Quality Standards or has an undue adverse effect on specified existing uses, public water systems, wetlands, or hydrologically interconnected water resources.
    • A permit may be valid for no more than 10 years and includes priority for drinking-water, farming, or dairy-processing withdrawals during shortages.
    • The statute does not state a county-specific variation for Grand Isle County.

    commercial or industrial groundwater withdrawal threshold: > 57600 gallons per day (new or increased withdrawal from a well or spring on a single tract of land or at a place of business) · previously unpermitted withdrawal increase threshold: 25 percent of baseline withdrawal (or an increase of 57,600 gallons, whichever is smaller; increase measured after July 1, 2010) · maximum permit duration: <= 10 years

    “no person, for commercial or industrial uses, shall make a new or increased groundwater withdrawal of more than 57,600 gallons a day”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, replacement, or modification of a potable water supply, including a well serving as a potable water source, in Grand Isle County under Vermont law.
      “a person shall obtain a permit from the Secretary before: [...] constructing, replacing, or modifying a potable water supply or wastewater system;”
    • Required — Construction and operation of a new non-public potable water supply in Vermont, including a supply using a drilled, driven, or dug well.
      “the construction of a new potable water supply or wastewater system;”
    • Not required (with conditions) — Construction of a replacement potable-water supply, including a replacement well, serving only one single-family residence on a lot with no other buildings or structures and no campground.
      “The construction of a replacement supply serving only one single-family residence”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    New or replacement water or sewer service connections to municipal mains in Grand Isle County.

    • The Vermont DEC Regional Office Program reviews and approves the project.
    • An application must be filed with the appropriate Regional Office.
    • Sewer components must comply with Appendix 1-A of the Wastewater System and Potable Water Supply Rules; water components must comply with Part 11 of Chapter 21 of the Water Supply Rule.
    “The Regional Office Program reviews projects for compliance and issues permits in the administration of Chapter 1, Wastewater System and Potable Water Supply Rules. Part of the responsibility of the Program is to review and approve projects that have new or replacement water or sewer service connections to municipal water and sewer mains.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — New or modified connections to potable-water or wastewater systems statewide.
      “making a new or modified connection to a new or existing potable water supply or wastewater system; or”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Farm structures associated with required agricultural practices in Vermont municipalities; the exemption does not cover dwellings for human habitation.

    • The exemption applies to required agricultural practices, including construction of farm structures, as defined by the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets.
    • The person must notify the municipality of the intent to build the farm structure.
    • The person must abide by setbacks approved by the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets.
    • No municipal permit is required for the farm structure.
    • A farm structure excludes a dwelling for human habitation.
    • Municipal panels may still impose reasonable conditions in land-development decisions to protect wildlife habitat, threatened or endangered species, or other natural, historic, or scenic resources.
    “A bylaw under this chapter shall not regulate: (A) required agricultural practices, including the construction of farm structures”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of land into two or more lots or other divisions for sale, development, or lease in Vermont municipalities that adopt subdivision bylaws.

    • A municipality may regulate subdivision; the statute does not require every municipality to adopt subdivision bylaws.
    • Subdivision bylaws must establish standards and procedures for approval, modification, or disapproval of plats.
    • Specific local standards and review procedures vary by municipality.
    “a municipality may regulate the division of a lot or parcel of land into two or more lots”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveway, entrance, or approach work affecting a Vermont State or town highway right-of-way, including grade, drainage, or adjacent land work that diverts water onto the right-of-way.

    • A written permit is required from the Agency for State highways.
    • A written permit is required from the legislative body or its designee for town highways.
    • Permit conditions must require compliance with applicable local highway and land-use ordinances and regulations.
    • Reasonable entrance and exit generally may not be denied except on limited-access highways or as necessary for stated safety, service-level, infrastructure, planning, or regional-plan reasons.
    • For development contributing 75 or more peak-hour trips to State highways or class 1 town highways, reasonable service-level conditions may be imposed.

    peak-hour-trip threshold: >= 75 trips (Applies to development contributing 75 or more peak-hour trips to State highways or class 1 town highways.)

    “without a written permit from the Agency, in the case of State highways, or the legislative body or designee of a municipality”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    New construction or substantial improvement in flood hazard or other hazard areas subject to Vermont municipal flood hazard bylaws.

    • Flood hazard bylaws must require compliance with State Flood Hazard Area Standards and additional National Flood Insurance Program requirements.
    • Where a flood hazard bylaw applies with another bylaw, compliance is prerequisite to a zoning permit.
    • Where a flood hazard bylaw applies without a zoning bylaw, a flood hazard area or hazard area permit is required.
    • Before granting a permit, the application must be sent to the Agency of Natural Resources or designee with proof of receipt.
    • The permit cannot be granted until 30 days have elapsed after mailing or ANR has delivered comments.
    • The rule does not apply to planting projects deemed permitted under subsection 4424(c), subject to the statutory exceptions for larger undertakings involving structures, berms, or other physical disturbance and certain forestry operations.

    ANR review waiting period: >= 30 days (No waiting period is required if the Agency delivers comments earlier.)

    “either 30 days have elapsed following the mailing or the Agency or its designee delivers comments on the application.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals throughout Vermont; municipalities may regulate their operation by ordinance or bylaw.

    • Municipal regulation may not adversely impact the availability of long-term rental housing.
    • The statutory definition is a furnished house, condominium, dwelling room, or self-contained dwelling unit rented to transient, traveling, or vacationing members of the public for fewer than 30 consecutive days and more than 14 days per calendar year.
    • This claim establishes municipal authority to regulate, not a statewide determination that every short-term rental is permitted or prohibited.

    maximum rental duration in statutory definition: < 30 consecutive days · annual rental-duration threshold in statutory definition: > 14 days per calendar year

    “To regulate by means of an ordinance or bylaw the operation of short-term rentals within the municipality”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Act 250 land-use permit and permit-amendment applications statewide in Vermont.

    • Applicants are also responsible for newspaper publication and land-record recording costs.
    • Construction applications are charged $6.65 per $1,000 of the first $15,000,000 of construction costs and $3.12 per $1,000 above $15,000,000.
    • An additional $0.75 per $1,000 of the first $15,000,000 is paid to the Agency of Natural Resources for review.
    • Applications involving creation of lots are charged $125 per lot.
    • The minimum fee is $187.50 for original applications and $62.50 for amendment applications.
    • The maximum fee for an individual permit or permit-amendment application is $165,000.
    • Municipal and State governmental projects do not pay these fees except publication and recording costs.
    • Residential development in a designated Vermont neighborhood or neighborhood development area is charged no more than 50 percent of the otherwise applicable fee, payable within 30 days after the permit is issued or denied.
    • Fee-refund requests must be submitted within 90 days after withdrawal; refund percentages depend on whether withdrawal occurs before or after a hearing.
    • A supplemental fee may be required if actual construction costs were understated; failure to pay may support permit revocation.

    construction fee, first $15,000,000: per 6.65 USD per $1,000 construction cost · construction fee above $15,000,000: per 3.12 USD per $1,000 construction cost · ANR review fee: per 0.75 USD per $1,000 of first $15,000,000 construction cost · lot creation fee: per 125 USD per lot · minimum original application fee: 187.5 USD · minimum amendment application fee: 62.5 USD · maximum individual permit or amendment fee: <= 165000 USD

    “For applications for projects involving construction, $6.65 for each $1,000.00 of the first $15,000,000.00 of construction costs”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Permit processPartial

    Land development in Vermont municipalities where bylaws have been adopted; the statute establishes the baseline municipal permit process but does not provide every local application form or review requirement.

    • A permit is required only within the area affected by adopted bylaws.
    • The administrative officer may issue a permit only if it conforms to the bylaws.
    • A certificate of occupancy is required only if the adopted bylaws so provide.
    • Permits do not take effect until the applicable appeal period has passed, or until appeals are resolved as specified by statute.
    • Applications and permits must state that State permits may also be required before construction begins.
    • Local bylaws may impose additional procedures and requirements.

    permit appeal-effect period: until applicable appeal period passes or appeal is resolved (Environmental Division appeal may delay effectiveness until the court rules on a stay or 15 days expire, whichever comes first.)

    “No land development may be commenced within the area affected by the bylaws without a permit issued by the administrative officer.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Vacation or recreational camping and campgrounds in Vermont, including Grand Isle County.

    • A wastewater or water-supply permit is required when operating, creating, or modifying a campground or when hosting campers for more than twelve nights per year.
    • The fact sheet states that no wastewater or water-supply permit is needed under listed conditions, including fewer than four campsites, no more than twelve nights of camping at a campground per year, no piped water or sewer connections, no wastewater discharge to the ground, applicable rule exemptions, and vacation or recreational use only.

    campsites defining a campground: >= 4 campsites on a lot · permit threshold for hosting campers: > 12 nights per year

    “four (4) or more campsites [...] host campers for more than twelve (12) nights a year.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Temporary only (with conditions) — Recreational vehicles used as camping or travel dwelling units at Vermont recreational campgrounds or camping parks.
      “A recreational campground or camping park is property where transient residence is offered or provided for seasonal or short-term vacation or recreational purposes on which may be located cabins, tents, or lean-tos, or campsites designed for temporary set-up of portable or mobile camping, recreational, or travel dwelling units, including tents, campers, and recreational vehicles such as motor homes, travel trailers, truck campers, and van campers.”
    • Limited — Recreational-vehicle occupancy in a campground of more than three vacation or recreational campsites, where creating or modifying the campground affects potable water, wastewater, or their provision or disposal requirements.
      “a person shall obtain a permit from the Secretary before: [...] creating or modifying a campground in a manner that affects a potable water supply”
    • Prohibited — Overnight camping on a public highway right-of-way, a public-highway rest area, or public land not designated as an overnight camping area by the controlling agency, department, or municipality.
      “A person shall not use [...] any public land not so designated [...] as an overnight camping area for the purpose of overnight camping.”
  • county zoning authorityNone

    County authority to adopt zoning for unincorporated land statewide.

    • The zoning enabling provision grants authority to a municipality, not to a county.
    • For Chapter 117, municipality is defined as a town, city, incorporated village, or unorganized town or gore; counties are not included.
    • Municipal zoning bylaws apply within the municipality and may include unorganized towns or gores, but this does not confer zoning authority on a county government.
    ““Municipality” means a town, a city, or an incorporated village or an unorganized town or gore.”
  • county building authorityNone

    County authority to require building permits or adopt building codes for residential construction in unincorporated areas statewide.

    • 24 V.S.A. § 3101 grants local building-code authority to the mayor and board of aldermen of a city, selectboard of a town, or trustees of an incorporated village.
    • For Chapter 117, municipality means a town, city, incorporated village, or unorganized town or gore; counties are not included.
    • State fire and building safety rules administered by the Commissioner of Public Safety remain applicable where their statutory scope reaches the premises; that state authority is not county authority.
    “The mayor and board of aldermen of a city, the selectboard of a town, or the trustees of an incorporated village, may, in accordance with this chapter, establish codes and regulations for the construction, maintenance, repair, and alteration of buildings and other structures within the municipality.”

Inside cities and towns in Grand Isle County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Building permitLimited

    Development activities in the Town of Grand Isle, Grand Isle County, Vermont, including new construction, substantial improvement, replacement or relocation of structures, enlargement of mining, excavation or landfill, and changes of use.

    • The Town of Grand Isle bylaws state that permits are required for all development activities in all districts, subject to listed exclusions.
    • Exclusions in the Shoreline District and Areas of Special Flood Hazard are subject to special rules in Appendix A.
    • Fixed or movable enclosed structures or decks under 100 square feet are excluded if height is under 35 feet and they are not attached to or adjacent to another structure.
    • Open structures of any size are excluded if height is under 35 feet and they are not attached to or adjacent to another structure; examples include play structures, sports equipment, utility poles, ornamental structures, private non-commercial antennas, bird houses, flag poles, gazebos, above-ground swimming pools with minor surrounding walkways and decks up to 100 square feet, and one portable garage up to 200 square feet.
    • Fences and comparable barriers, including dry-laid stone walls, are excluded.
    • Entry stairs and associated landings of 48 square feet or less attached to permitted structures, without sidewalls and with a roof overhang of not more than one foot, are excluded from setback requirements.
    • Control and ground-level structures of any size, including retaining walls, fences, ground-level patios, steps and stairs, are excluded; a deck less than two feet above natural grade around its entire perimeter is classified as a ground-level patio.
    • In the Shoreline District, lake-access stair landings cannot exceed 48 square feet, and decks, patios and gazebos under 150 square feet must be set back 25 feet from the shoreline.
    • Land donated or sold below market value to the Town is exempt from the subdivision regulatory process only if the Selectboard accepts it, municipal use is restricted in perpetuity, minimum lot size and frontage requirements are met unless joined to an existing municipal parcel, municipal construction remains subject to the bylaws and all local and State permits, the sale price is at least 20 percent below market value, required voter approval occurs before funding, and boundaries are surveyed and recorded.
    • Rooftop solar collectors under 10 feet high and other listed renewable-energy devices and structures are excluded when the stated complying-structure and flat-roof conditions apply.
    • Small turbines on complying structures do not require a Town permit when turbine blades are less than 20 feet in diameter; height is not regulated by these bylaws.
    • Public utility power-generating plants and transmission facilities are excluded from this permit-process provision.
    • The Zoning Administrative Officer may issue permits for single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, agricultural uses, and permitted uses under Section 3.2 without Development Review Board action; permits for other structures or uses require Development Review Board action.
    • The bylaws effective date is October 25, 2021.
    • This claim is limited to the Town of Grand Isle and does not establish a countywide rule for other municipalities in Grand Isle County.
    “Permits are required for all development activities in all districts with the following exclusions. Exclusions in the Shoreline District and the Areas of Special Flood Hazard are subject to special rules (See Appendix A).”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New residential land development and single-family or two-family dwellings in the Town of Grand Isle.
      “A building permit, issued by the ZAO, is required to erect or substantially improve a structure, change its use or move the structure.”
    • Required — New residential land development in the Town of North Hero.
      “Allowed uses may either be Permitted (P) or Conditional (C). All allowed uses require a Zoning Permit issued by the ZA.”
    • Required — New residential construction and other land development in the Town of South Hero.
      “No land development as defined herein shall commence without a zoning permit issued by the Zoning Administrator, unless specifically exempted under Section 301(E) of these Regulations.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Periodic inspections of public improvements during installation for subdivision projects in the Town of Grand Isle.

    • The bylaw describes periodic inspection by Town-retained consultants during installation of public improvements in subdivision projects.
    • The source does not establish a general building-code inspection requirement for ordinary residential construction.
    “Such fee must include the costs of publication, public hearings, administrative review, and for periodic inspection by the Town retained Consultants during the installation of public improvements.”
  • Certificate of occupancyNot required

    Town-issued certificates of occupancy or certificates of compliance for development governed by the Town of Grand Isle Zoning Bylaws and Subdivision Regulations.

    • This claim concerns the Town of Grand Isle zoning program and does not determine whether a separate state, fire-safety, energy-code, or other approval may apply.
    “The Town does not issue certificates of occupancy or certificates of compliance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land development within the Town of Grand Isle, Grand Isle County, Vermont.

    • The Town enforces its zoning bylaws, issues zoning permits, and reviews applications submitted to the Development Review Board.
    • The official 2021 bylaws state minimum dimensional requirements applicable in all districts: one-acre lot size, 150 feet of continuous frontage, 40-foot setback from the near edge of the public or private road right-of-way, 25-foot side and rear yard setbacks, and a 15-foot driveway setback from side boundaries.
    • Shoreline setbacks must match Vermont Shoreland Protection Act requirements; additional district, flood-hazard, wastewater, subdivision, and use-specific rules may apply.

    minimum lot size: 1 acre · minimum frontage: 150 continuous feet · road right-of-way setback: 40 feet (Corner lots have 2 setbacks.) · side and rear yard setbacks: 25 feet · driveway setback from side boundaries: 15 feet (See Section 4.7 for shared driveway rules.)

    “Minimum Dimensional Requirements in all Districts are as follow: Lot size 1 Acre Frontage 150 continuous feet Setback 40 feet from near edge of public and private road right-of-way. (Corner lots have 2 setbacks) Yard setbacks 25 feet to side and rear property lines Driveway 15 feet setback from side boundaries. (See Section 4.7 for shared driveway rules)”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts established by the Town of North Hero Development Regulations for North Hero, Vermont.

    • District boundaries are shown on the Official Zoning Map.
    • The signed Official Zoning Map in the Town Clerk's Office is the final authority as to zoning status.
    • The Flood Hazard Overlay District is an additional overlay based on current FEMA/NFIP flood-hazard studies and maps.
    • Development in the Shorelands District must comply with Section 7.8 Shoreline Protection and may require state or federal permits.

    adoption/amendment date: 2026-01-19

    “The Town of North Hero is hereby divided into the following Zoning Districts as shown on the Official Zoning Map:”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — The Town of Grand Isle, a municipality within Grand Isle County.
      “These Bylaws divide the Town of Grand Isle into the following six (6) Zoning Districts. 1. Village 2. Commercial/Light Industrial 3. Rural Residential and Agricultural 4. Commercial Recreation Shoreline 5. Residential Shoreline 6. Small Off-Shore Islands”
    • Not published (with conditions) — Current local zoning districts in the Town of Alburgh, Grand Isle County, Vermont.
      “Although Alburgh does not have local zoning, the Town still requires driveway access permits BEFORE installation.”
    • Published — Zoning districts established by the Town of South Hero Development Regulations for South Hero, Vermont.
      “The Town of South Hero is divided into the following zoning districts:”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential lots in South Hero Village, Keeler Bay Village, Rural Residential, Shoreland, Conservation, and Flood Hazard Overlay districts.

    • Flood Hazard Overlay uses the underlying district's minimum lot size.
    • Village districts have no districtwide lot-size or density requirement, but site-layout and form requirements may affect a particular site.
    • Subdivision lots must meet applicable dimensional standards unless approved as a planned unit development.

    Rural Residential minimum lot size: 1 acre · Shoreland minimum lot size: 0.75 acre · Conservation minimum lot size: 25 acres · Village minimum lot size: no districtwide requirement (site layout and form requirements may affect allowable lot size and density)

    “Minimum Lot Size (acres) 1 0.75 25 [...] Lot Size and Density There is no districtwide lot size or density requirement; however, the site layout and form requirements in Article III may impact allowable lot size and density for a particular site.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential structures and lots in South Hero Village, Keeler Bay Village, Rural Residential, Shoreland, Conservation, and Flood Hazard Overlay districts.

    • Flood Hazard Overlay standards are the same as the underlying district unless more restrictive overlay requirements apply.
    • Rural Residential right-of-way setbacks may be reduced based on neighboring structures but never below 10 feet.
    • Lake-access structures and certain flood or retaining walls have stated exemptions.
    • Village districts use flexible road setbacks and separate property-line setbacks.

    Rural Residential road right-of-way setback: 25 feet (may be reduced based on neighboring buildings, but not below 10 feet) · Shoreland and Conservation road right-of-way setback: 25 feet · Rural Residential, Shoreland, and Conservation principal-structure property-line setback: 25 feet · Rural Residential, Shoreland, and Conservation accessory-structure property-line setback: 15 feet (15 feet also applies to private-right-of-way lots) · Shoreland lake setback: 75 feet (lake-access structures are exempt) · Village principal-structure road setback: 10 to 40 feet (flexible setback) · Village property-line setback for principal structures: 10 feet · Village property-line setback for accessory structures: 5 feet

    “Flexible Structure Setback from Public and Private Road Right-of-Way [...] 10 feet min; 40 feet max [...] Minimum Structure Setback from Property Lines [...] 10 feet 5 feet 10 feet 5 feet”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Residential development in all zoning districts of the Town of Grand Isle.
      “Minimum Dimensional Requirements in all Districts are as follow: Lot size 1 Acre Frontage 150 continuous feet Setback 40 feet from near edge of public and private road right-of-way. (Corner lots have 2 setbacks) Yard setbacks 25 feet to side and rear property lines Driveway 15 feet setback from side boundaries.”
    • None (with conditions) — County land-use setbacks administered by the Town of Alburgh.
      “Although Alburgh does not have local zoning, the Town still requires driveway access permits BEFORE installation.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Structures in the Town of Grand Isle

    • Agricultural structures and municipal water storage tanks are exempt from the 35-foot limit.
    • The Development Review Board may approve greater height if the structure does not constitute a hazard and the portion above 35 feet remains unoccupied except for normal maintenance.
    • The DRB may establish a lower maximum height to preserve an exceptional scenic view or enable a solar heating system.

    maximum structure height: <= 35 feet above average natural grade (unless Conditional Use Approval is obtained from the DRB)

    “exceed thirty-five (35) feet”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicles parked and occupied on property in the Town of Grand Isle, including property of the owner or of a relative or friend with permission.

    • No zoning permit is required for the described recreational-vehicle use.
    • The recreational vehicle must be located more than 25 feet from property boundaries.
    • The recreational vehicle must be located more than 40 feet from the near edge of any public or private road right-of-way.
    • Occupancy is limited to no more than six months in any twelve-month period.
    • The bylaw separately classifies a camping vehicle used for living quarters and sited so as not to be readily movable, or occupied for more than six months in any twelve-month period, as a dwelling subject to dwelling regulations and permitting requirements.

    minimum setback from property boundaries: > 25 feet · minimum setback from road right-of-way: > 40 feet (near edge of any public or private road right-of-way) · maximum occupancy: <= 6 months per 12-month period

    “Recreational vehicles may be parked and occupied on the property of the owner or on the property of a relative or friend, with their permission, without a zoning permit, subject to the following conditions: 1. Recreational vehicles must be located more than twenty-five (25) feet from the boundaries of the property and more than forty (40) feet from the near edge of any public or private road right-of-way. 2. Recreational vehicles may be occupied no more than six (6) months in any twelve (12) month period.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping vehicles used for living quarters, camping trailer parks, and campgrounds in the Town of Grand Isle.

    • A camping vehicle used for living quarters and sited so as not to be readily movable, or occupied for more than six months in any twelve-month period, is classified as a dwelling and is subject to all zoning-bylaw regulations applicable to dwellings, including permitting requirements.
    • New camping trailer parks and campgrounds, and alterations or additions to existing camping trailer parks or campgrounds, require Conditional Use approval.
    • Camping trailer parks and campgrounds are subject to the bylaw and State law; if requirements conflict, the more restrictive requirement applies.
    • Camping trailer parks and campgrounds must conform to the current Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Department of Environmental Conservation Environmental Protection Rules, Chapter 1, Wastewater System and Potable Water Supply Rules.
    • Road layout and width must provide reasonable emergency-vehicle access to all sites.

    maximum occupancy before dwelling classification: <= 6 months per 12-month period (More than six months causes dwelling classification and permitting requirements)

    “Any camping vehicle used for living quarters and sited so as not to be readily movable or occupied for more than six (6) months in any twelve (12) month period is classified as a dwelling and is subject to all Zoning Bylaw regulations applicable to dwellings, including requirements for permitting. New Camping Trailer Parks and Campgrounds, and any alterations or additions to an existing Camping Trailer Park or Campground require Conditional Use approval.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Mobile, modular, or prefabricated housing units used as housing in the Town of Grand Isle.

    • Mobile, modular, or prefabricated housing units are treated as single-family dwellings.
    • They must meet the same zoning requirements applicable to single-family dwellings.
    • Mobile homes are permitted in approved mobile-home parks subject to the bylaw and State law; where requirements conflict, the more restrictive applies.
    • New mobile-home parks and additions or alterations to existing mobile-home parks require Conditional Use approval by the Development Review Board.
    • Existing nonconforming mobile-home park alterations, expansions, or replacements require proof of adequate wastewater capacity and compliance with the listed spacing, access, utilities, emergency-services, and public-health conditions, unless waived after conditional-use review.

    minimum separation from another primary structure for certain nonconforming mobile-home-park work: >= 50 feet (Subject to possible waiver after conditional-use review if replacement would otherwise be prohibited)

    “Pursuant to the Act, Section 4412(1)(B), mobile, modular or prefabricated housing units are treated as single-family dwellings and must meet the same zoning requirements applicable to single-family dwellings. Mobile homes are permitted in approved mobile home parks subject to the requirements of this section and State Law. If a conflict in requirements exists the more restrictive applies.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units within or appurtenant to a single-family dwelling in the Town of Grand Isle.

    • The accessory dwelling must be an efficiency or one-bedroom apartment clearly subordinate to a single-family dwelling and include independent sleeping, food-preparation, and sanitation facilities.
    • The owner must occupy either the primary dwelling or the accessory dwelling.
    • The property must have sufficient wastewater capacity.
    • The unit may not exceed 30 percent of the total habitable floor area of the single-family dwelling.
    • Applicable setback and parking requirements must be met.
    • Conditional Use review is required if creation of the accessory dwelling involves a new accessory structure, an increase in the height or floor area of the existing dwelling, or an increase in parking-area dimensions.

    maximum accessory-unit share of total habitable floor area: <= 30 percent

    “An accessory dwelling unit, to be located within or appurtenant to a single-family dwelling and the owner must occupy either the primary dwelling or the accessory dwelling, shall be considered to constitute a single-family residential use of property, provided there is compliance with all the following: 1. The property has sufficient wastewater capacity. 2. The unit does not exceed thirty (30) percent of the total habitable floor area of the single-family dwelling. 3. Applicable setback and parking requirements specified in the bylaws are met.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable

    Common agricultural tillage, ground care, gardening, or excavating in cemeteries in the Town of Grand Isle

    • The exemption is stated in the Town of Grand Isle Zoning Bylaws and applies to the listed activities.
    “exempt from these Bylaws”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and other land development activity in the Town of Grand Isle

    • Subdivision wastewater disposal is regulated by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Conservation, under the Wastewater System and Potable Water Supply Rules, effective September 29, 2007, or as revised.
    • The Development Review Board may allow a community wastewater disposal system if permitted by state regulations.
    “must be submitted to them”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveways and private roads serving development in the Town of Grand Isle.

    • Site plan approval and conditional-use approval by the Development Review Board are required for a driveway, private road, water supply, or wastewater disposal facility for common use by three or more dwellings.
    • Industrial uses must have direct driveway access to Route 2 or Route 314.
    • Driveways generally must be set back fifteen feet from side boundaries, but shared driveways are exempt from that setback when the required recorded easements protect the owners.

    driveway side-boundary setback: 15 feet (Shared driveways are exempt if required easements are recorded) · common-use dwelling threshold: >= 3 dwellings (Triggers site-plan and conditional-use approval)

    “Driveway 15 feet setback from side boundaries.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Proposed construction and other development in areas of special flood hazard in the Town of Grand Isle.

    • The rules apply to areas identified on the most current FEMA/NFIP flood studies and maps adopted by reference.
    • Conditional-use approval is required for new buildings, substantial improvements to existing buildings, and development in a floodway before administrative-officer permitting.
    • The administrative officer must submit the application and supporting information to Vermont ANR's River Management Section before issuing a permit.
    • A permit may issue only after Agency comments are received or thirty days have expired from mailing the application, whichever occurs sooner.
    • On-site wastewater systems may not be located in a floodway.

    Agency comment waiting period: 30 days (Permit may issue sooner if Agency comments are received first)

    “A permit is required”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Permits administered under the Town of Grand Isle zoning bylaws.

    • Fees for all permits are established by the Selectboard.
    • Notice-of-intent procedures for certain agricultural structures have no fee.
    • The source does not publish the current Selectboard fee schedule.

    permit fee schedule: Established by the Selectboard; amount not stated in the bylaws (No fee for the specified agricultural notice-of-intent procedure)

    “fees for all permits are established by the Selectboard.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning permit applications in the Town of Grand Isle.

    • Initial contact must be made with the Zoning Administrative Officer.
    • The completed application, fee, plot plan, required information, and approvals must be submitted.
    • The ZAO may issue or deny the permit in writing or refer the application to the Development Review Board or State for consideration.
    • The bylaws state a thirty-day action period after submission of the completed materials.

    ZAO action period: 30 days (Begins after submission of completed application, fee, plot plan, required information, and approvals)

    “Within thirty (30) days”

Set by your town or city, not the county

In Vermont, zoning is adopted by each town or city, so Grand Isle County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your town or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.

  • Minimum dwelling size
  • Lot coverage

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Grand Isle County, Vermont

Is Grand Isle County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Grand Isle County scores 76/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and mixed durability signals.

How much does land cost in Grand Isle County, Vermont?

Land in Grand Isle County runs about $7,445 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Grand Isle County?

Grand Isle County gets about 38.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.3% of years.

How remote is Grand Isle County?

A representative private-land location has about 54,139 people within a 30-minute drive and 667,944 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Grand Isle compares in Vermont

Compare side-by-side →See all 14 Vermont counties ranked →