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, and 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
Burlington ADU permit questions
- Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Burlington?
- Yes. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Burlington requires a building permit. ArchPermit tracks 12 cited requirements for this jurisdiction (6 required, the rest conditional). Always confirm the exact forms, fees, and code edition with the local permitting authority that issues the permit.
- What does an ADU permit package require in Burlington?
- Core required items include: Construction (Building) Permit Application; Lot-Coverage Calculation Table; Photographs of the Subject Property; Site Plan (accurate, to scale); Wastewater Capacity Certification (DPW); Zoning Permit Application (signed by owner). Each requirement links to its authoritative source, and nothing is permit-ready until an independent licensed professional reviews and seals it.
- How are ADU permits submitted in Burlington?
- Burlington accepts permit submittals via OpenGov permitting portal (formerly ViewPoint Cloud). ArchPermit prepares a draft package you can submit there after a licensed architect reviews and seals it.