Bolthole Index

Windham County, Vermont

Building permits, zoning and land rules in the Town of Londonderry, Vermont

The Town of Londonderry in Windham County requires a town zoning permit or subdivision approval for land development unless a specific exemption applies; the available sources do not establish a separate town building permit.1 Vermont handles most septic and potable-water permits because Londonderry has no local septic regulations.2

At a glance

Building approval
Town zoning permit or subdivision approval required for land development unless exempt; no separate town building permit confirmed1
Zoning
Londonderry has town zoning, subdivision and flood-hazard regulations3
Septic and water
Vermont permit generally required, subject to statutory exceptions4
Driveway access
Town application required for new or altered driveways or utility road crossings5
RV living
Long-term residential occupancy could not be confirmed; ask the Zoning Administrator and Vermont DEC6
Short-term rentals
Annual town registration required before operating7

Who to call

Zoning

Town of Londonderry Zoning Administrator

Town zoning permits, land-use and development questions, enforcement and zoning appeals

(802) 824-3356

[email protected]

100 Old School Street

Septic permits

Vermont DEC Wastewater System & Potable Water Supply Program

State permits for non-public water systems and wastewater systems, including septic systems

802-828-1535

1 National Life Drive, Davis 4 Montpelier, VT 05620-3521

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Town of Londonderry means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in the Town of Londonderry, Vermont?

Londonderry's adopted rules require a zoning permit or subdivision approval for land development unless the project is specifically exempt.1 The town's Zoning Administrator is the point of contact for applications involving buildings, land use or development.8 The available material does not establish a separate municipal building permit, so ask that office which zoning or development approval fits the proposed work.

A zoning permit does not settle every construction requirement. Residential construction must comply with Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards unless an exemption applies.9 Vermont's public-building code generally excludes an owner-occupied single-family residence unless its use puts it in a covered category.10 The owner-builder exemption is limited to energy standards and does not waive Londonderry zoning approval, wastewater approval or other applicable requirements.11

Does the Town of Londonderry have zoning?

The Town of Londonderry has zoning, subdivision and flood-hazard regulations, and the town publishes a zoning map.312 Setbacks, minimum lot size, minimum dwelling size, lot coverage and building height depend on the applicable district, but we could not confirm the current numeric schedule; ask the Zoning Administrator to identify the parcel's district and controlling dimensional table before designing a house.1314

Londonderry requires an access permit application for a new or altered driveway or utility road crossing.5 State law separately requires written approval from the appropriate highway authority for work affecting a State or town highway right-of-way.15

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in the Town of Londonderry?

We could not confirm that Londonderry allows long-term residential occupancy of an RV on private land. Vermont campground rules describe short-term recreational stays, not year-round residence, so ask the Zoning Administrator and Vermont DEC about the proposed use, location, water supply and wastewater plan.16

A tiny home used as a dwelling remains land development subject to Londonderry zoning approval unless a specific exemption applies.1 We could not confirm a townwide minimum dwelling size or the current district setbacks and lot standards. Off-grid sanitation also requires careful review: Vermont generally requires approval for a wastewater system unless an exemption applies, and the available rule does not resolve every composting-toilet or incineration-toilet design.17

How do septic and well permits work inside the Town of Londonderry?

Londonderry has no local septic regulations, and Vermont has jurisdiction over construction of most new septic systems.2 State approval is generally required before constructing, replacing or modifying a potable-water supply or wastewater system, subject to statutory exceptions.4 The Vermont DEC program reviews and issues permits for non-public water and wastewater systems in the Springfield region.18

A substantially completed permitted water or wastewater system is not valid until Vermont receives the required installer or licensed-designer certification covering inspection and testing.19 Only 9.8% of Windham County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so confirm a workable design before treating a parcel as buildable.20

Inside Londonderry's municipal wastewater service area, an owner may apply to connect to the public sewage system; the ordinance does not require every parcel to connect.21 A new or replacement private system within that service area may be built if it is properly permitted and receives the applicable State approval.22

How do you build a home in the Town of Londonderry, step by step?

Start with the Zoning Administrator to identify the parcel's district, allowed use and required town review.8 Confirm wastewater and potable-water feasibility with Vermont DEC before fixing the house site, because state approval generally applies to new or modified systems.4

Next, submit the applicable town zoning, site-plan, conditional-use, subdivision or variance materials. Londonderry publishes those application paths, and site-plan and conditional-review filings use the town's site-development-plan checklist.23 Obtain the driveway access approval for any new or altered driveway or utility road crossing.5

After town approval, wait through the required appeal period before beginning construction and obtain any other required town or State approvals.24 Apply the Vermont energy standards unless a specific exemption fits, then complete the permitted water and wastewater work and submit the required installation certification.919

What should you check before buying land in the Town of Londonderry?

Confirm the zoning district, allowed use, dimensional rules, legal access, wastewater feasibility and whether the parcel lies within the municipal wastewater service area. Londonderry's zoning map and regulations control the local land-use answer, while Vermont generally controls private wastewater and potable-water systems.122

Windham County is 91.6% wooded, and 51.8% of county land has a slope of 15% or less.2526 Only 9.8% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field.20 Those countywide figures are screening context rather than a parcel determination; a steep or constrained site can make the zoning envelope, driveway and wastewater layout compete for the same buildable ground.54

Watch-outs

  • A Londonderry zoning permit does not become usable immediately after approval; the required appeal period must pass before construction begins.24
  • Long-term residential RV occupancy could not be confirmed for Londonderry; ask the Zoning Administrator and Vermont DEC before relying on an RV as a residence.6
  • Londonderry requires annual registration before a dwelling begins operating as a short-term rental.7

Sources

  1. Londonderry Unified Development Regulations (Town of Londonderry), quoted and re-checked
  2. Town Of Londonderry Town Plan (Town of Londonderry), quoted and re-checked
  3. Londonderry Unified Development Regulations (Town of Londonderry), quoted and re-checked
  4. 10 V.S.A. § 1973 — Permits (Vermont statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  5. londonderryvt.gov (Town of Londonderry), quoted and re-checked
  6. Zoning Administrator (Town of Londonderry), quoted and re-checked
  7. Ordinance to Regulate the Operation of Short-Term Rentals (Town of Londonderry), quoted and re-checked
  8. Town of Londonderry Zoning Administrator (londonderryvt.gov)
  9. 30 V.S.A. § 51. Residential building energy standards; stretch code (Town of Londonderry), quoted and re-checked
  10. 20 V.S.A. § 2730 — Definitions (Vermont statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. 30 V.S.A. § 51 — Residential building energy standards (Vermont statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Zoning By Laws (Town of Londonderry), quoted and re-checked
  13. 24 V.S.A. § 4464 — Hearing and decision on application (Vermont statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. 24 V.S.A. § 4464 — Hearing and decision on application (Vermont statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. 19 V.S.A. § 1111 — Permitted use of highway rights-of-way (Vermont statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. 9 V.S.A. § 4410 — Campgrounds; removal (Vermont statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. 10 V.S.A. § 1973 — Permits (Vermont statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Vermont DEC Wastewater System & Potable Water Supply Program (dec.vermont.gov)
  19. 10 V.S.A. § 1973. Permits (Town of Londonderry), quoted and re-checked
  20. 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
  21. Town of Londonderry Wastewater Ordinance (Town of Londonderry), quoted and re-checked
  22. Town of Londonderry Wastewater Ordinance (Town of Londonderry), quoted and re-checked
  23. Town Forms (Town of Londonderry), quoted and re-checked
  24. Frequently Asked Zoning Questions (Town of Londonderry), quoted and re-checked
  25. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data

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.

Answers from the rulebook for Town of Londonderry

Town of Londonderry’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Land development inside Londonderry town, including construction, reconstruction, structural alteration, conversion, relocation, or enlargement of a structure.

    • Unless specifically exempted in §§1100-1105, all land development requires a zoning permit or subdivision approval.
    • Appeal-period and other procedural requirements apply.
    “all land development within the Town of Londonderry requires a zoning permit or subdivision approval”
  • Local zoningPresent

    All land development inside Londonderry town.

    • The Town of Londonderry Unified Development Regulations constitute the town’s zoning, subdivision, and flood hazard regulations.
    • The regulations were adopted by the Selectboard on 8/17/26.
    “Unified Development Regulations adopted 8/17/26”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present — Land inside Londonderry town limits.
      “as required by the Zoning Regulations and other bylaws.”
    • Present — Land inside Londonderry town.
      “The role of the Zoning Administrator is to assist people and serve as the point of contact for someone applying for any type of Permit; for building, land use, or development, as required by the Zoning Regulations and other bylaws.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts and map for land inside Londonderry town.

    • The town page publishes separate links for the Unified Development Regulations (Zoning Bylaw) and Zoning Map.
    “Unified Development Regulations (Zoning Bylaw) [...] Zoning Map”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New or replacement on-site sewage-treatment or cluster systems within Londonderry's municipal wastewater service area.

    • The property must be within the wastewater service-area boundaries.
    • The system must receive an applicable State permit.
    • Existing lawfully operating private systems within the service area may continue to operate.
    “Within the Service Area boundaries, a properly permitted new or replacement On-Site Sewage Treatment and Disposal System or Cluster System may be constructed provided the system receives an applicable State permit.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private, off-grid wastewater disposal inside Londonderry town.

    • Private systems must comply with State of Vermont wastewater mandates and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
    • Discharge to a natural outlet is prohibited.
    • Suitable treatment is required.
    “It is unlawful to discharge to any natural outlet within the Town, or in any area under the jurisdiction of the Town, any sewage or other polluted waters, except where suitable treatment has been provided in accordance with subsequent provisions of this chapter and the laws of the State of Vermont”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Water and sewer connections for parcels wholly or partially within Londonderry's municipal wastewater service area.

    • The service-area boundaries are defined by the ordinance's Appendix A map.
    • Existing lawfully operating private systems may continue.
    • New or replacement private systems may be constructed if properly permitted and issued an applicable State permit.
    • The ordinance does not establish a universal requirement that every home connect to public sewer.
    “Any Owner of a parcel of land located wholly or partially within the Wastewater Service Area boundaries who wishes to connect to the Public Sewage System may apply”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New or altered driveways and utility road crossings inside Londonderry town.

    • An access permit application is required for all new or altered driveways or utility road crossings.
    “Access Permit Application [...] Required for all new or altered driveways or utility road crossings”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New or altered driveways and utility road crossings inside Londonderry town.
      “Required for all new or altered driveways or utility road crossings”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals inside Londonderry town.

    • Town registration is administered under the town STR ordinance.
    • Hosted units are charged $150.
    • Unhosted rentals are charged $250 per bedroom.
    • The ordinance may be amended.

    hosted STR fee: 150 USD · unhosted STR fee: 250 USD per bedroom

    “Fees: $150 Hosted Short-Term Rental Unit; Unhosted Short-Term Rentals: $250 per bedroom”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Short-term rental of dwelling units inside Londonderry town.
      “The short-term rental of a dwelling unit requires the annual issuance of a Short-Term Rental Registration from the STR Administrator. A person shall not commence the use of a dwelling unit as a short-term rental unless and until the STR Administrator issues the requisite Short Term Rental Registration.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Short-term-rental registration and renewal fees inside Londonderry town.

    • A fee is due with each registration application or annual renewal.
    • The Selectboard determines and may modify the fee and may adopt additional fees through a fee schedule.
    “The fee shall be in an amount as determined by the Selectboard which may, from time to time, modify this fee and may establish and adopt other fees related to the administration and enforcement of this Ordinance, and may incorporate all such fees into a duly adopted fee schedule.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning-permit process for development inside Londonderry town.

    • The zoning FAQ is a summary and directs applicants to the full zoning bylaw and zoning administrator.
    • A 15-day appeal period applies after zoning-permit approval before construction can commence.
    • Other required town or state permits must also be obtained.
    “State law requires a 15-day appeal period after the permit is approved before construction can commence. In addition, you need to make sure that any other required permits from the Town and/or State are obtained.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Town zoning and development approvals in Londonderry.
      “Required for all Site Plan & Conditional Review applications”

Rules another office applies inside Town of Londonderry

Town of Londonderry does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Owner-builder residential construction inside Londonderry town seeking exemption from Vermont residential building energy standards.

    • 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 compliant with RBES.
    • Before a binding purchase and sales agreement, the owner must disclose in writing the nature and extent of noncompliance and itemize noncompliant measures.
    • The certificate must be recorded in the land records and sent to the Department of Public Service within 30 days following sale.
    “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:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Residential construction inside Londonderry town.

    • Residential construction must comply with Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES).
    • Exemptions include buildings or additions that are neither heated nor cooled and qualifying owner-builder construction.
    “Residential construction shall be in compliance with the standards adopted”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Residential construction in Londonderry subject to Vermont Residential Building Energy Standards.
      “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.”
  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Most new septic-system construction inside Londonderry town.

    • Londonderry's 2025 Town Plan states that the town has no septic regulations at present.
    • The Town Plan states that state water-pollution standards expanded state jurisdiction over construction of most new septic systems.
    “The Town has no septic regulations at present. State water pollution standards have expanded state jurisdiction over the construction of most new septic systems.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Potable-water and wastewater systems serving land inside Londonderry town.
      “a person shall obtain a permit from the Secretary”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Substantially completed potable-water or wastewater systems serving land inside Londonderry town.

    • The permit is not valid for a substantially completed system until the Secretary receives installer or licensed-designer certification.
    • The system must be installed according to the permitted design or qualifying record drawings, inspected, properly tested, and must pass performance tests.
    “No permit issued by the Secretary shall be valid for a substantially completed potable water supply and wastewater system until the Secretary receives a statement from an installer or a licensed designer certifying that, in the exercise of his or her reasonable professional judgment, the installation-related information submitted is true and correct and the potable water supply and wastewater system: (1) were installed in accordance with: (A) the permitted design and all permit conditions; or (B) record drawings and such record drawings are in compliance with the applicable rules, were filed with the Secretary, and are in accordance with all other permit conditions; (2) were inspected; (3) were properly tested; and (4) have successfully met those performance tests.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Town of Londonderry or Windham County directly.

  • Inspections — Building inspections for construction inside Londonderry town.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for structures inside Londonderry town.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size inside Londonderry town, including residential and rural/agricultural districts.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size inside Londonderry town, including residential and rural/agricultural districts.
  • Setbacks — Building setbacks inside Londonderry town, including residential and rural/agricultural districts.
11 more unanswered
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Subdividing land
  • Building in a floodplain

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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Town of Londonderry publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Windham County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Windham County: county rules, score and offices