Burlington ADU permit requirements
Last reviewed: June 22, 2026
Quick answer
Permitting an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Burlington, Vermont means pulling a building permit from the local authority that issues it. ArchPermit tracks 12 source-cited requirements (6 required, the rest conditional) for this jurisdiction. Submittals go through OpenGov permitting portal (formerly ViewPoint Cloud). These requirements were last reviewed June 22, 2026; confirm the exact forms and fees with the local permitting authority.
A source-cited checklist of what an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) permit package needs in City of Burlington. Every item links to its authoritative source; items that vary are flagged to confirm locally.
ADUs are a permitted use by-right (the 2020 ordinance removed the conditional-use requirement), implementing Vermont 24 V.S.A. § 4412(1)(E). A zoning permit is ALWAYS required and is a prerequisite to all other permits (building, electrical, plumbing, rental). Owner-occupancy is mandatory — the owner must live in the principal home or the ADU; if the owner stops living on the lot for at least half the year, the ADU must be removed. Discretionary DRB approval is needed only for a lot-coverage waiver (up to 650 sf of ADU footprint, with a DPW-recommended stormwater plan) or for ADUs in flood-hazard / fluvial-erosion areas. After filing, the applicant posts a red 'Z-Card' notice on the property.
- Construction (Building) Permit Applicationrequired
The building/construction permit (plus electrical/plumbing), filed after the zoning permit.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Lot-Coverage Calculation Tablerequired
Square footage of all existing and proposed structures and hard surfaces, with total % coverage based on lot size.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Photographs of the Subject Propertyrequired
Photos showing the location of the project (and neighboring properties if applicable).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Site Plan (accurate, to scale)required
All existing/proposed structures, walkways, driveways, dimensions, and distances from front/side/rear property lines; plus record owner, north arrow, scale, easements, natural features, setbacks, contours, utilities, parking, and overlay districts.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Wastewater Capacity Certification (DPW)required
The property must have sufficient wastewater capacity as certified by the Department of Public Works (mirrors 24 V.S.A. § 4412(1)(E)(i)).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Zoning Permit Application (signed by owner)required
Filed in OpenGov, signed by the record property owner — the prerequisite to all other permits.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Building Elevationsconditional
Each side to scale (¼"=1 ft), showing rooflines, windows, doors, materials, roof pitch, trim, vents, meters — required for any exterior change / new building (almost always an ADU).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - EPSC Questionnaire + Erosion-Prevention/Sediment-Control Planconditional
Required if the project disturbs 400 sf or more of land — complete the EPSC Questionnaire and provide an EPSC site plan (silt fences, etc.).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Lot-Coverage Waiver Request + Stormwater Plan (DRB)conditional
Only if the ADU can't fit within the lot-coverage limit — the DRB may waive up to 650 sf with a DPW-recommended stormwater management plan.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Rental Registration + Minimum Housing Complianceconditional
Only if the ADU is rented ≥30 days — register with DPI and meet the City's Minimum Housing Standards.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Residential Sprinkler / Fire-Access Provisionconditionalverify locally
If the unit entry is >50 ft from a fire-rated access drive, a 10-minute-supply residential sprinkler system is often required (most common for detached ADUs) — confirm with the Building Official/Fire Marshal.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Residential Stormwater Management Planconditional
Required for single-family/duplex projects disturbing >400 sf AND with total impervious >2,500 sf.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22