What are the permitting requirments for an accessory apartment (mother-in-law apartment)?

All single-family houses are allowed, per Vermont law, to have one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on
their property. The dwelling unit can be attached to the principal structure
(the house), located in an accessory structure, or detached. However, the
landowner must obtain a zoning
permit and meet the following requirements:


1.     The ADU
must have provisions for independent
living
, such as sleeping, food preparation, and sanitation.

2.     The ADU can
be up to 900 square feet or 30% of the total habitable floor area
of the house prior to creation of the ADU, whichever is greater.

3.     The ADU
cannot contain more than 2 bedrooms.

4.     The ADU
must meet applicable dimensional standards for the zoning district.

5.     The ADU
must meet parking requirements for residential uses.

6.     The ADU
must share a driveway with the
house.

7.     The
landowner must obtain a town or state water/wastewater
permit
for the ADU.

8.     The landowner must live in the house or the
ADU.

Show All Answers

1. What are the permitting requirments for an accessory apartment (mother-in-law apartment)?
2. Do I need a Zoning Permit to build a porch, deck or patio?
3. Do I need a Zoning Permit to put up solar panels?
4. Do I need a Zoning Permit for a swimming pool?
5. Do I need a Zoning Permit for a fence?
6. Do I need a zoning permit for a shed?
7. Do I need a Zoning Permit for a home business or office?
8. Do I need a Zoning Permit for a sign?
9. When does a Zoning Permit expire?
10. Once construction associated with an approved Zoning Permit is complete, what is the next step?
11. Can a Letter of Compliance be issued verifying that there are no outstanding permits or violations on a house/property be issued?
12. What are the fees associated with a Zoning Permit?
13. What are Impact Fees?
14. Is a Zoning Permit needed for remodeling the inside of my single family home?
15. When does a construction project require review by the Development Review Board (DRB)?