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Fireandkaolin
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# Posted: 23 Jul 2018 21:34
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Hi folks, so I'm new here and I'm sorry if this question has already been asked, but I was wondering if anyone had any experience with building in Vermont (specifically centralish area)? I was curious about, how much of a hassle it was (if any) dealing with vermont building inspectors and such. I know it will vary from town to town, but I just wanted to get a feel for it before I make any decisions or start looking at properties. Thanks.
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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 23 Jul 2018 22:12 - Edited by: toyota_mdt_tech
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What you are doing it great. It can vary to very nice people, to nazi HOA's and rule (Bruce Peninsula in Ontario comes to mind) and the tight restrictions.
You can get a general idea on whats allowed probably from the county website in the county you are looking at. You want to see if there is a minimum square footage that can work for you, what else is required, ie can a privy work or do you need a full septic etc.
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Eddy G
Member
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# Posted: 24 Jul 2018 12:28
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Ask the locals.
If there is an area your interested in stop at the local general store and ask a few questions. People are mostly helpful.
I've gotten more useful information at the town transfer station (town dump) then town hall....
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Fireandkaolin
Member
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# Posted: 24 Jul 2018 19:37
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Okay awesome, I'll definitely check that out. Thanks guys
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lburners
Member
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# Posted: 31 Jul 2018 20:43
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You should check the town website. Look for areas with no building zoning. There is some state rules on seasonal cabins that are pretty lax unless you get into septic and wells. Any structures that will be a primary dwelling get into some pretty standard regulations where you will need to apply for permits.
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turkeyboyslim
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# Posted: 31 Jan 2019 14:48
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I just moved to VT a few months ago, I am planning on buying land in a town without zoning. I have a list of towns with no zoning. Therefore you only have to adhere to state-zoning. I called the state permit specialist and he was very kind, he pretty much told me I could build a cabin or home (for me and my family, not for commercial use) and harvest solar energy and use grey-water filtration all without permits. He informed me that a permit is required for septic and wells, and for any driveway more than 1 acre.
I will post the list of unzoned towns when I get home where I have the list.
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turkeyboyslim
Member
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# Posted: 1 Feb 2019 20:44 - Edited by: turkeyboyslim
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My list so far of towns in VT with no zoning:
Albany
Worcester
Orange
Roxbury
Williamstown
Walden
wheelock
Coventry
Brownington
Lunenburg
Royalton
Vernon
Middletown Springs
Newark
Charleston
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turkeyboyslim
Member
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# Posted: 8 Apr 2019 11:51
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Additional Findings of towns without zoning:
Averill
Eden
Chelsea
Glover
Holland
Sutton
Irasburg
Brighton
Topsham
Johnson
- -
Always double check with the town before making a purchase or decision, this is just a list I've put together based on the research I've done. Of course I would call the town before making a purchase to verify the zoning information.
It should also be noted MOST of these towns are located in Central/Northern VT as this is the area I am most interested in.
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Brettny
Member
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# Posted: 10 Apr 2019 12:13
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No zoning does not mean no building inspections and no codes. Know the difference before you shell out any money. Call the local county/town building inspector and ask questions.
My property has no zoning but still dosnt allow a standard outhouse, no where in NY does. Yet they allow a shed to be built and a small generator shed before i pull a permit for a cabin. Framing, plumbing, electrical all need to be inspected still.
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turkeyboyslim
Member
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# Posted: 12 Apr 2019 14:33
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No town zoning means you have to adhere to state zoning, at-least here in VT. Almost all town without zoning I've seen don't have a building department and can't issue permits. You have to go to state level for that. However I do agree double or triple check before shelling out money. Last I talked to the state permit specialist he said a composting toilet was okay (along as it wasn't near body of water and so forth) and a greywater Filtration system is allowed without permits. So I would think an outhouse would be okay, but I'd have to double check.
Either way the town doesn't have an inspection crew so I doubt they would really do anything if your acres deep into the woodland, acres away from neighbors.
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Brettny
Member
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# Posted: 14 Apr 2019 08:47
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Your county may be the one issueing the permits then. I wouldnt bank on the fact that an outhouse may be legal. Find out for sure.
No where in NYS is an standard outhouse legal. I believe you can build one over a septic tank with no outlet and have it pumped. Its a option, but at that point just put a real septic in and i door plumbing.
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turkeyboyslim
Member
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# Posted: 15 Apr 2019 12:42
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For example this town requires you to go to state for permits:
https://charlestonvt.org/town-office/permitsformsapplications/
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turkeyboyslim
Member
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# Posted: 17 May 2019 14:45 - Edited by: turkeyboyslim
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You're right though about outhouses not being legal.
Even if the town has no zoning and doesn't issue permits if you want to claim your property as a full time residence you need Septic and a water source which require permits. If you're having a camp with less then 180 days of use a year they don't require anything.
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