Planning & Zoning

Planning & Zoning work together to shape Milton's future. While Zoning administers the Town's land use regulations and development review process, Planning guides long-range policy, community growth, and implementation of the Town Plan. The Planning & Zoning Department also provides administrative, technical, and professional support to the Development Review Board, Planning Commission, and Conservation Commission.

Zoning Services

Zoning administers Milton's Unified Development Regulations (UDR) and assists residents, property owners, businesses, contractors, and developers with understanding local land use requirements. Staff review zoning permit applications, provide guidance on applicable regulations, coordinate development review, and support compliance with the UDR and Litter Ordinance. If you have a more complex question or project, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Planning & Zoning staff. This allows us to review your information in advance and provide the most accurate and helpful guidance during your meeting.

Zoning can assist with:

  • Zoning permits and Certificates of Compliance 
  • Determining whether a permit is required
  • Questions about permitted uses, setbacks, signs, dimensional standards, zoning districts, lot coverage, parking requirements, and property research
  • Interpretation of the Unified Development Regulations (UDR)
  • Development application intake and staff review
  • Zoning district and property research
  • Coordination with applicants before and during the review process
  • Zoning complaints, compliance questions, and enforcement follow-up

If you have a zoning concern or complaint, please complete our Complaint Form and submit to Vivian Warner, Zoning Officer.

Development Applications & Development Review Board

Some projects require review and approval by Milton’s Zoning Administrator and/or the Development Review Board (DRB) before permits can be issued. The Development Review Board (DRB) serves as the Town's quasi-judicial land use review board. Under 24 V.S.A. Chapter 117, the DRB is responsible for conducting public hearings and issuing decisions on development applications that require board approval under Milton's Unified Development Regulations (UDR).

Zoning assists applicants throughout the process by providing application intake, staff review, procedural guidance, hearing coordination, and meeting preparation. The Development Review Board is the Town's formal decision-making body for applications requiring board approval..

To learn more about pending development applications, public hearings, agendas, meeting materials, or the role and responsibilities of the DRB, please visit the Development Review Board page.

Planning Services

Planning helps guide Milton's future by identifying community needs, evaluating trends, and developing policies that support thoughtful growth and investment. While Zoning administers today's regulations, Planning looks ahead to help shape how the community grows and evolves over time.

Planning is an ongoing process that combines technical analysis, community engagement, and long-range decision-making. Through the Town Plan and other planning initiatives, the Planning & Zoning Department works to ensure future decisions align with the community's vision while responding to changing needs and opportunities.

Planning can assist with:

  • Town Plan implementation and updates
  • Planning Commission & Conservation Commission support
  • Unified Development Regulation (UDR) amendments
  • Community planning projects and studies
  • Grant administration and project implementation
  • Economic development initiatives and business attraction
  • Maps, data, and planning research
  • Public engagement and community outreach
  • Coordination with local, regional, and state partners

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission serves as the Town's advisory body on land use planning and community development. Under 24 V.S.A. Chapter 117, the Commission is responsible for preparing and maintaining the Town Plan, reviewing the Unified Development Regulations (UDR), and recommending amendments to the Selectboard as the community's needs evolve.

Public participation is an important part of the planning process. Whether you're interested in future growth, housing, transportation, recreation, environmental stewardship, or potential changes to the Unified Development Regulations, community input helps inform planning decisions.

To learn more about the Planning Commission, current planning projects, or opportunities to participate, please visit the Planning Commission page.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission serves as the Town's advisory body on the conservation, protection, and stewardship of Milton's natural resources. Under 24 V.S.A. § 4502, the Commission is responsible for inventorying and studying the Town's natural resources, advising municipal boards and officials on conservation matters, and promoting the sustainable use and protection of natural resources for the benefit of the community.

In addition to its advisory role, the Conservation Commission supports stewardship initiatives throughout Milton by assisting with the maintenance and improvement of select Town parks and trails, organizing volunteer activities for the Town's annual Green Up Day event, supporting environmental education and outreach, and undertaking projects that preserve and enhance Milton's natural resources.

To learn more about the Conservation Commission, upcoming meetings, current initiatives, and opportunities to get involved, please visit the Conservation Commission page.