Today, the Vermont Legislature overrode the Governor of Vermont’s Veto of H.687, a drastic overhauling of Vermont’s Act 250 law. The new law greatly reworks Act 250 jurisdiction over both residential and commercial properties. It will have the heaviest impact on central, southern and northern Vermont, and rural or wooded properties with long driveways […]
Should You Appeal a Property Tax Assessment in Vermont?
Eye-popping property tax assessments in Vermont have many residents considering an assessment appeal. Before you file an assessment appeal, you should consider the circumstances and gather as much information as you can about properties that compare to your own. Your assessment may be higher, but it may not be wrong. Why are Burlington, Vermont tax […]
Vermont Section 545 May Ban Certain Real Estate Covenants and Easements
Vermont Property Owners Must Act Before December 31 to Preserve Land Use Rights On October 12, 2020, Governor Scott signed S. 237, Act 179, into law. This bill was designed to promote affordable housing in the State of Vermont. Act 179 comes with major issues however. The biggest problem is the addition of […]
Can a Contract be Terminated Because of COVID-19?
Governments across the country have closed public institutions and private businesses such as bars, restaurants, and cafés to limit the spread of COVID-19. In addition, businesses outside of the hospitality industry have closed offices and scaled back operations pursuant to government-imposed “shelter-in-place” or “safer-at-home” orders. Even absent such orders, businesses are reducing operations pursuant to […]
Business Insurance Coverage due to COVID-19 Closures
Governments across the country have closed public institutions and businesses such as bars, restaurants and cafés to limit the spread of COVID-19. These closures are necessary measures to deal with a significant threat to public health. These closures will have substantial impacts to these business’ income. A reasonable question our clients are asking is […]
Changes to Act 250 on Vermont Legislative Agenda
Changes to Act 250, Vermont’s historic state-wide land use law, are before the House Committee on Natural Resources, Fish, and Wildlife. In addition to updated and amended Criteria, the Committee is considering altering the appeal of permits issued by regional District Commissions. Presently, appeals from District Commission decisions are heard by the Vermont Superior Court, […]
How Can I Get a Variance in Vermont?
It is no easy task to get a variance in Vermont. Variances, by their very nature, contravene the goal of zoning. They are, as defined by Vermont law, “individual exceptions to generally applicable rules of zoning, the purpose of which is to bring about the orderly physical development of the community.” Variances, in essence, act […]
Understanding Vermont Municipal Zoning Regulations
Vermont municipal zoning regulations are among the strongest in the United States. Along with Vermont Act 250, the state’s municipal zoning regulations focus on protecting natural environmental features and the “character” of a given area.
