Written by Elizabeth Filosa and A.J. LaRosa – Vermont law establishes a 15-year statute of limitations for municipalities to issue zoning violations. 24 V.S.A. § 4454. The Vermont Supreme Court recently ruled that this statute of limitations applies both to uses of property and structures or improvements that violate municipal zoning regulations. In re 204 […]
Vermont Permits and Siting
Keys for Out–of-State Buyers of Vermont Real Estate
If you are from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey or New York, there are some things you should know before you buy Vermont real estate, whether it is open land, a house, or a condominium. Vermont has some of the strictest land use laws in the United States and it is best to find experienced, local […]
Changes to Act 250 on Vermont Legislative Agenda
Written by A.J. LaRosa – 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 […]
How Can I Get a Variance in Vermont?
Written by A.J. LaRosa, MSK Attorneys – 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 […]
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.
What Are the Vermont Solar Siting Laws?
Written by Hans Huessy, MSK Attorneys – Vermont solar siting laws can pose a challenge to large-scale solar farm development. The difficulty in Vermont solar siting rises in proportion to the size of the proposed solar farm. Larger sites are much more difficult to develop than smaller sites, and no solar development will move forward […]
Do I Need a Vermont Act 250 Permit?
Written by A.J. LaRosa, MSK Attorneys: You May Already Have One Vermont Act 250 is a statewide development law passed in 1970 to regulate and manage large developments within Vermont. It was passed to protect sensitive environmental areas and carries strict and evolving rules regarding size, scale, siting, emissions, stormwater runoff and wastewater processing. […]
