DWELL BEYOND THE ORDINARY
ADU Regulations in Vermont: The Complete Guide
If you’ve ever had your breath taken away by the charm of the fall leaves in Vermont or strolled through one of its charming small towns, you know Vermont is a state worth enjoying. With the rising popularity of Accessory Dwelling Units nationwide, Vermont is the ideal place to embrace a new way of living. Luckily for interested homeowners, Vermont has made steps in recent years to make it easy to have an ADU on your own property! Ready to learn more about the specific ADU regulations in Vermont? Psy Homes is ready to dive deep into the world of regulations, documents, and provide all the important information so you feel confident and prepared to own a luxuriously designed ADU.
Are ADUs Allowed in Vermont?
Yes, Vermont law specifically supports the construction of ADUs statewide! Under a law passed in 2020, any homeowner of a single-family residence is entitled to build one ADU on their property. This means you don’t have to fight for special permission just to get started. However, while the state ensures that ADUs are broadly permitted, local municipalities still regulate the details like lot coverage, appearance standards, and setbacks. Cities like Burlington, South Burlington, and Montpelier have their own ADU ordinances, which can slightly differ but generally align with the state framework. For specific details on counties and towns, keep reading to find out more.
What Is Considered An ADU in Vermont?
The Agency of Commerce and Community Development defines an ADU in Vermont as “a smaller, independent dwelling unit that is located on the same lot as an existing single-family home.” It must have its own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, providing full independent living accommodations. An ADU can be attached to the main home, such as a basement apartment or garage conversion, or it can be detached, like a backyard cottage or standalone tiny home.
Can Park Model Tiny Homes Be Used As ADUs?
At this time, it is unclear if the guidelines allow park model homes to be used as an ADU. It is very possible that certain areas allow this, but communication with your local zoning or building department would be necessary to find out the specific regulations. The good news is that all Park model homes are built to the standards of an RV and many states allow them as tiny homes! For more information, look over your state’s regulations regarding tiny homes using our informative table below.
Can Log Cabins Be Used As An ADU?
They sure can. However, they have to fit in the 900 square footage requirement Vermont has outlined for ADUs. Some of the log cabin models from Psy Homes start as small as 700 square feet, making them the perfect option for your Vermont ADU. Picture enjoying the fall foliage view from the front porch of a classic log cabin ADU with all the comforts you could imagine. Sounds amazing to us!
Can Modern Cabins Be Used As An ADU?
Yes, modern cabins can make a great option for an ADU in Vermont, provided they meet the specific local requirements for things like size, height, and setbacks. In some areas, ADUs can be as large as 900 square feet, while other jurisdictions impose stricter limits. Psy Homes has multiple beautiful modern cabins that would fall within this range. If you are interested to learn how you could have a modern cabin ADU, simply contact one of our sales representatives and they would be happy to talk you through the process!
What is the Difference Between a Prefab ADU & a Modular ADU?
The only real difference comes down to their manufacturing and set up. A prefab is assembled entirely in a factory, then delivered and set up in one shot on a permanent foundation.
A modular ADU is also factory-built but comes in multiple sections, which are assembled on-site and finalized by a construction crew.
Vermont does not currently require one or the other and when it comes to permits or zoning restrictions, there should be no distinctions. Psy Homes specializes in modular ADUs built to single-wide modular home standards, ensuring they meet both state and local requirements.
What is the Minimum Size for an Accessory Dwelling Unit?
As of now, there is no statewide minimum size requirement in Vermont. However, your local building department may have a specific regulation surrounding minimum size, so it is vital to always check that details with them.
Can My ADU be Bigger Than My House?
No, Vermont’s state law caps ADU size at 30% of the primary home’s living area or 900 square feet, whichever is larger. This gives homeowners flexibility while keeping the unit proportional to the main dwelling. Some towns expand this limit, for instance, Shelburne allows ADUs up to 50% of the home’s floor area, while Hinesburg permits up to 900 square feet or 75% of the home, depending on lot size. Modular ADUs are designed to accompany a main house or to use as housing for rentals, or friends and family, so they will never be bigger than the primary dwelling.
How Close To My House Can I Build An ADU?
Your ADU must be on the same lot as your main home, and it must comply with local setback, height, and coverage restrictions. While every municipality defines these differently, most require at least 5 feet from side property lines and around 10 feet from the main dwelling.
Do You Need A Permit For An ADU in Vermont?
Yes, every ADU project in Vermont requires a zoning permit and, in most cases, a building permit. The process begins with confirming your zoning district allows for ADUs and verifying your lot’s compliance with setbacks and coverage rules.
Once zoning is approved, you’ll move to the building permit stage, where construction details like the foundation and structure are reviewed. Vermont requires compliance with the Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES), ensuring your ADU meets insulation and energy performance criteria suitable for the state’s climate.
You may also need electrical, plumbing, and wastewater permits, especially for detached units or new additions. After construction, a final inspection certifies compliance and grants occupancy approval. While this process may seem detailed, it’s designed to maintain safety and quality, two things that pay off in the long term if you plan to rent or sell your property with an ADU.
Are There Any Incentives or Grants for ADUs in Vermont?
Yes! Vermont cares about providing affordable housing options for their residents. That’s why they have created the Vermont Housing Improvement Program 2.0 where interested homeowners can apply for a grant up to $50,000 to aid in the process of owning an ADU. These finances can ease the burden on homeowners and provide more accessibility for more residents to have their own ADU.
Are Psy Homes’s ADUs Built to Code?
You can count on it. Our team of experienced builders and designers ensure total compliance with your local building codes and regulations in all areas, even exceeding them many times. You can rest, knowing we have you covered.
Can an ADU Have Multiple Bedrooms and Bathrooms?
With no restrictions in Vermont limiting you to a one bedroom ADU, you have the freedom to dream of a bigger space. Looking for an ADU maintains its simplicity and compact space, but has the privacy of two bedrooms? Our Grove ADU has the option for two bedrooms and one bathroom while still fitting under 1,000 square feet! Or if a one bedroom option is all you need, we have you covered with multiple options, including our newest Rivara model, or our very popular Luna model (which also comes with a two-bedroom option!)
Are ADUs A Good Investment In Vermont?
Absolutely. More and more, ADUs in Vermont are becoming a financially smart and socially responsible investment. They allow homeowners to generate rental income, increase property value, and contribute to the state’s push for affordable housing, all without purchasing new land. Many Vermonters also use ADUs for housing aging parents or housing adult children while maintaining privacy.
That said, building an ADU isn’t a quick flip, it’s a long-term investment that pays off in stability and flexibility. With construction costs often lower than buying a second property, ADUs offer one of the best returns in Vermont’s current housing market.
What Counties in Vermont Allow ADUs?
| Bennington County | Currently, there are no online resources; please see the Town Of Bennington for more details. |
| Caledonia County | No website for Caledonia County, please visit their county seat, the town of St.Johnsbury’s website. |
| Chittenden County | Chittenden County Municipal Planning Assistance |
| Essex County | Essex County Government Website |
| Franklin County | No website at the county level, please visit their county’s seat, the city of St. Albans, to find out more information. |
| Grand Isle County | There is no website or regulations for Washington County available online. Please consult with their county seat officials, the city of Montpelier, VT. |
| Lamoille County | Lamoille County Planning Comission |
| Orange County | Currently no Orange County Website, check out the town of Orange, VT website. |
| Orleans County | No county website, please visit their county seat’s website, the town of Newport, VT. |
| Rutland County | Rutland County Chamber & Economic Development |
| Washington County | Currently, there is no website for the county; please visit the Town of Windsor website or contact their county seat officials, the town of Woodstock, VT. |
| Windham County | Currently no county website, check out the town of Windham VT website or visit their county seat’s website, the town of Newfane, VT. |
| Windsor County | Currently no website for the county; please visit the Town of Windsor website or contact their county seat officials, the town of Woodstock, VT. |
Does Bennington County Allow ADUs?
In Bennington County, Vermont, yes, ADUs are permitted in most single-family residential zones thanks to the statewide law that requires municipalities to allow one ADU on an owner-occupied lot. That said, you’ll need to check your specific town’s zoning by-laws (towns of Bennington, Pownal, Shaftsbury) for setbacks, maximum size, and utility capacity. The typical state baseline still applies but individual municipalities can add their own specific regulations. For next steps visit your town zoning administration and ask for any “Accessory Dwelling Unit” section in the zoning regulations.
Does Caledonia County Allow ADUs?
Yes! In Caledonia County, Vermont homeowners can build ADUs under the state law recognizing one ADU per single-family home. But depending on the municipality, zoning may impose specific size caps, owner-occupancy requirements, and water/wastewater evaluations. You’ll want to check with the local town planning & zoning office for your town and ask for recent updates. Also verify if your lot meets the utility and access requirements before proceeding.
Does Chittenden County Allow ADUs?
Absolutely, Chittenden County, Vermont (which includes the city of Burlington and numerous towns) is very ADU-friendly. For example, the city of Burlington adopted reforms in 2020 to streamline ADU permitting and eliminated additional parking requirements. So if you live in Chittenden County, you should expect one ADU allowed on a single-family lot, generally up to 30% of the primary dwelling or 900 sq ft (whichever is larger) in many jurisdictions. The next best thing to do is to contact your local municipality (town or city zoning office) and ask what their current ADU ordinance says about size, owner occupancy, parking, and septic/wastewater.
Does Essex County Allow ADUs?
Yes, in Essex County, Vermont the statewide law still applies: one ADU on owner-occupied single-family property up to 900 square feet is permitted. Because many of the towns are rural and may have smaller lots or different infrastructure (water/septic) constraints, you’ll want to confirm if your lot is in a zoning district which allows ADUs and if there are any local restrictions on detached structure vs. interior conversion. Your next step is to reach the town zoning administrator for your municipality and request the ADU section of the local zoning by-law.
Does Franklin County Allow ADUs?
Absolutely, Franklin County, Vermont follows the standard state ADU rule. The important nuance is that because this county includes both more densely-populated towns and agricultural/rural lots, the utility and lot coverage rules may differ. According to the general state guide, your ADU must be subordinate in size and on the same lot as the primary dwelling and meet zoning review similarly to the main home. To move ahead you will want to check your town’s zoning ordinance and ask for their ADU checklist and whether new septic design is required, and what maximum size they allow.
Does Grand Isle County Allow ADUs?
It sure does! While smaller and more rural than some other counties, the statewide ADU rule still gives you the right to add one ADU on a single-family lot. This more rural setting may be the perfect place to have a log cabin ADU on your property! That said, because island/shoreline lots and water-adjacent properties may have additional restrictions, you’ll want to verify those carefully. The next step is to go to your town’s planning & zoning office and ask specifically about ADU regulations in shoreline or lake-adjacent settings, and check whether detached ADU structures are allowed with additional setbacks.
Does Lamoille County Allow ADUs?
Absolutely! In Lamoille County, Vermont homeowners are authorized under state law to build one ADU on their property. The local towns may further define maximum size, owner occupancy, and structural type. The best thing for you to do now is to reach out to your town zoning administrator and ask for the ADU section in the zoning by-law and verify if detached units require special site plan review.
Does Orange County Allow ADUs?
It absolutely does. In Orange County, Vermont the law applies just as elsewhere- a single-family lot may host one ADU. But since Orange County includes many smaller towns and more rural zoning frameworks, it’s especially important to check how your specific town’s zoning handles details like size, accessory building location, and wastewater capacity. Towns may also require owner occupancy, limit ADU bedrooms or dwelling size relative to the main house. Because so many of these things are decided at a local level, we advise you to go directly to your local zoning department for the most accurate information.
Does Orleans County Allow ADUs?
Yes, in Orleans County you have the state-granted right to add one ADU for a single-family residence on the same lot. Because the county covers the Northeast Kingdom region (which often has more stringent infrastructure and septic concerns), local planning may ask more rigorously about utility capacity and lot coverage. Our advice is to ask your local zoning department for their ADU permit checklist and specifically check whether detached accessory structures face additional restrictions.
Does Rutland County Allow ADUs?
No restrictions here! InRutland County, ADUs are permitted under statewide law. The county includes a mix of urban and rural zones, so you’ll find a variety of local regulations. Typically you’ll need to verify whether detached units are allowed, and confirm what the maximum size is (often up to 30% of the main dwelling or 900 sq ft). As a next step-contact the town (or city) zoning office, ask for the “Accessory Dwelling Unit” section in the zoning by-law, and check if your lot is in a special district that could impose additional review.
Does Washington County Allow ADUs?
Check and check. In Washington County, the statewide rule applies: one ADU per single-family lot. In towns like Montpelier, you’ll find more refined programs for ADU financing and planning. For more rural towns, expect more basic but still valid zoning. Your next step is to look up your town’s zoning administrator, ask for the ADU rules, and identify if there are any local grants/incentives to help you with design or utility work.
Does Windham County Allow ADUs?
Yes, in Windham County, ADUs are allowed on single-family lots under state statute. Because Windham County has many scenic and historic towns (Brattleboro, Wilmington, etc.), you’ll want to pay attention to local historic districts and design review boards. These may impose additional review beyond purely zoning dimension rules. Our advice is to go straight to the local level and talk to your town’s zoning or building department.
Does Windsor County Allow ADUs?
Just like every other Vermont County, Windsor County is ADU friendly! Many towns in Windsor County already view ADUs as a tool for housing and multi-generational living. Still, the details matter so you’ll want to check municipal zoning for maximum unit size (often 30% of primary dwelling or 900 sq ft). As a next step you can reach out to your town’s zoning administrator, request an ADU checklist, and review the local grants or program supports for ADU creation.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Requirements by Municipalities
Does Bennington, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
Yes! Bennington allows one ADU on a single-family lot as an attached, detached, or internal unit. The key rules are that the owner must live on the property (either the main house or the ADU), the ADU is limited to the greater of 30% of the home’s existing living area or 900 sq ft, it is limited to one bedroom and no more than two occupants, you must provide one on-site parking space for the ADU, and you must demonstrate adequate wastewater capacity. ADUs are exempt from minimum lot area per dwelling and must stay in single ownership which means it can’t be sold separately. Your next step is to apply for a zoning permit with the Administrative Officer and confirm setbacks/coverage on your lot.
Does Brattleboro, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
It sure does. Brattleboro regulates ADUs through its Land Use & Development Regulations, with one ADU generally allowed on single-family lots, subject to local zoning review and state size/utility limits. In 2023, the Planning Commission advanced housing updates that, among other things, proposed eliminating owner-occupancy and removing bedroom limits for ADUs, so check the current, adopted text before you file. Practically, expect to meet the statewide standard (ADU up to 900 sq ft or 30% of the habitable floor area, whichever is larger) plus local wastewater, setback, and parking criteria. Contact Planning Services for the current ADU section and permit forms.
Does Burlington, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
Very much so. Burlington overhauled its ordinance in 2020 to streamline ADU permitting, remove the off-street parking requirement, and set the size at 900 sq ft or 30% of the primary home, whichever is greater. The city also allows up to 650 sq ft of lot coverage to be exempted for an ADU if stormwater is mitigated, which can be clutch on small lots. ADUs no longer trigger conditional use review purely for being an ADU. This means your next best step is to use the city’s ADU page to review the “Summary of ADU Ordinance Changes,” then file zoning/building permits and confirm any design or lot-coverage details with CEDO/Planning.
Does Chelsea, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
Yes! Chelsea treats ADUs as a permitted use when they are within an owner-occupied single-family home lot. The unit must be a one-bedroom, be clearly subordinate, and include full independent living facilities. Requirements include sufficient wastewater capacity, meeting setbacks/coverage/parking, and a size cap at 30% of the home’s total habitable floor area. Your next step is to confirm whether your site is in a flood hazard area, then file a zoning permit with the Chelsea Zoning Administrator using the bylaw’s ADU section.
Does Colchester, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
Yes. Colchester allows an ADU if you meet these conditions: size no more than 900 sq ft or 30% of the principal dwelling’s gross floor area (whichever is greater); no more than two bedrooms; adequate off-street parking, and compliance with water/sewage regulations. The town publishes an ADU guide and checklists to make the permitting straightforward. We suggest that you review the Accessory Dwelling Units guide and confirm septic/water and parking on your lot with the Planning & Zoning office before submitting your permit.
Does Essex, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
In the Town of Essex, Vermont, ADUs (commonly called accessory apartments) are allowed in residential zones as part of the “permitted accessory dwelling” structure. For example, the town’s housing audit states that accessory apartments can occupy up to 30% of the existing residential square footage of the primary home. Town zoning still requires you to meet setbacks, coverage, and utility capacity like any new dwelling. If you plan to rent the unit, you’ll need to comply with the town’s rental-housing registry requirements. Go to the Essex Town website, download the zoning/by-law section on accessory apartments and submit your zoning permit application to the Community Development Department.
Does Fairfax, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
It sure does! In Fairfax, you may build an ADU within the regulatory framework of the Fairfax Development Regulations. While the by-laws don’t always list detailed “ADU” terminology, they permit accessory uses (which can include accessory dwellings) in residential zones. And you can always follow the state standards when things are unclear. Some key things you’ll want to check on are whether your lot is in a zone that allows accessory dwellings, whether utilities can accommodate the addition, and how many parking spaces will be required. As a good next step, contact Fairfax’s Planning & Zoning office via their website to request the most recent accessory dwelling/ accessory use regulations, and schedule a pre-application meeting if available.
Does Grand Isle, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
Absolutely! Grand Isle’s zoning bylaws and subdivision regulations permit accessory uses and under state law ADUs are allowed where single-family homes are permitted. Because Grand Isle is a lake/shoreline community, you’ll especially want to check for any shoreline setback, flood hazard, and septic-system capacity restrictions before proceeding. Download the current 2022 Zoning Bylaws from the Town’s website and talk to the Zoning Administrator about ADU-specific size limits, required lots, and whether detached modular ADUs are treated differently.
Does Guildhall, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
It definitely does! In the Town of Guildhall, Vermont, the zoning bylaw explicitly includes “Accessory use including Accessory Dwelling” as a permitted use in its Rural Lands districts. While the bylaw does not appear to list a specific square-footage cap in that excerpt, the minimum lot dimensions in those districts are large and the setbacks substantial. That means even though an ADU is permitted, lot size and may effectively limit feasibility. For further clarity, you should review the full zoning bylaw (available online) and contact Guildhall’s zoning official to confirm whether any additional ADU size restrictions or rental/use limits apply.
Does Hartford, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
Yes it does! In the town of Hartford, Vermont, there is a dedicated “Accessory Dwelling Units” document published by the Planning & Zoning department. It outlines that you must provide written verification of wastewater disposal and potable-water supply permits for any new or changed connections and that the ADU must be subordinate to the primary dwelling. Additionally, the size limit used in the town plan draft suggests the ADU should be no more than 30% of the total square footage of the house. To move forward you should download the ADU guide from Hartford’s Planning & Zoning site, meet with the zoning administrator, and start with a zoning permit that lists your proposed size and layout.
Does Hyde Park, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
Yes, Hyde Park allows accessory dwelling units under its Land Use & Development regulations. The unit must meet state wastewater permitting if it adds new load, and must comply with the town zoning permit. For your next step you can download the current zoning by-law, check your lot’s district setbacks and coverage, then submit a zoning permit application to the Town Zoning Administrator, Stephen McDonald, per the town’s permit process.
Does Lyndon, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
Yup it does! In the Town of Lyndon, ADUs are generally permitted in residential zones under the statewide law which requires towns to allow one accessory unit on a single-family owner-occupied lot. You’ll want to verify Lyndon’s zoning by-law for specifics: size limits (commonly 30% of main dwelling or 900 sq ft whichever is larger), utility/wastewater upgrade requirements, and whether owner-occupancy is required. Your next step is to check with the Lyndon Planning & Zoning Department, ask for the ADU/accessory apartment section, and review what the lot’s zoning district says.
Does Manchester, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
Absolutely! Manchester allows ADUs in its zoning bylaws as a permitted accessory use on single‐family lots in suitable districts. You’ll need to check the district’s dimensional requirements and ensure the proposed ADU meets the town’s standards for building, utilities and occupancy. Because the town is in a popular resort and historic area, there may be additional design review or historic district considerations. Download Manchester’s zoning by-law from the municipality’s website (or request from the Planning Office), then meet with the Zoning Administrator to confirm utility/septic requirements, parking obligations, and rental-use restrictions.
Does Middlebury, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
Definitely! In Middlebury, you may build an ADU under statewide law and the local ordinance details will dictate exact size limits, rental rules, and permitting steps. While there is no fully featured “ADU guide” on the town’s public site, the general rules apply. The ADU must be on the same lot as the single-family dwelling, be subordinate in size and function, and comply with local zoning and state wastewater/water standards. We advise you to go to Middlebury Town Planning & Zoning to check whether the town imposes bedroom limits, owner-occupancy requirements, and how rentals are regulated.
Does Milton, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
It absolutely does! Milton explicitly lists accessory (mother-in-law) apartments and provides permitting requirements. According to the town’s FAQ, the ADU must include independent living provisions (kitchen, sleeping, bathroom. As far as sizing goes, it can be up to 900 square feet or 30% of the home’s habitable floor area (whichever is greater). The town of Milton does specify no more than a two bedroom ADU and it must meet all required dimensional standards for the zoning district.
Does Montpelier, Vermont Allow ADUs?
Yes. In Montpelier, Vermont, the zoning regulations permit one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on a single-family residential lot. The rules specifically state that the ADU must be subordinate to the principal dwelling and cannot exceed 40% of the habitable floor area of the primary home, for interior conversions. However, the ADU is exempt from the “lot area per dwelling” requirement when the primary house remains owner-occupied. Your next step is to contact Montpelier’s Planning & Zoning office and ask specifically about any detached ADU provisions, utility/septic review, and whether rental use is restricted.
Does Newfane, Vermont Allow ADUs?
Yes! Newfane, Vermont permits accessory dwelling units. According to the Zoning Bylaw (Section 511), you may build one ADU within, attached to, or in an accessory structure to a single-family home. The draft amendments indicate the ADU “shall not exceed 30% of the total habitable floor area of the single-family dwelling or 1,000 square feet, whichever is greater.” Additionally, the ADU must meet all setback, coverage, and parking requirements of the bylaw. Confirm with the Town Planning Office whether detached ADUs trigger special review, and whether owner-occupancy or rental leasing rules apply.
Does Newport, Vermont Allow ADUs?
It sure does! In Newport City, Vermont, the zoning and subdivision regulations include provisions for ADUs as permitted uses. For example, the City Council recently approved an ADU ordinance amendment requiring one parking space per ADU unit. The bylaw states that an ADU is a permitted use so long as the building meets zoning, subdivision and state requirements under 24 V.S.A. If you check the Newport Planning & Zoning website for the latest “Permits & Applications” and locate the ADU permit form, you will be well on your way to owning a beautiful modular ADU!
Does North Hero, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
If you guessed yes, you are correct! North Hero, Vermont’s development regulations allow accessory uses and dwelling units in its zoning framework. While the explicit “ADU” label may not be front-and-center, the zoning permit process includes accessory structures and dwellings. Because North Hero is rural and lake-adjacent (Lake Champlain), you will need to pay special attention to lot coverage, shoreline setbacks, and septic/wastewater capacity. Contact the Zoning Administrator of North Hero and verify what the permitted maximum size is and if rentals are allowed.
Does Orange, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
Yes. The town of Orange, Vermont allows accessory dwelling units under the statewide law. While there are no specifics outlined yet for this town, you can reach out to the Orange Planning & Zoning Administrator and ask if they have any other requirements separate from the state standards for ADUs.
Does Rutland City, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
Yes, Rutland City defines an “ADU as “a dwelling unit that is clearly subordinate to a single-family dwelling, and has facilities and provision for independent living, including sleeping, food preparation, and sanitation.” The unit is permitted under the land use regulations in relevant residential districts. The size requirements will follow the state standard of 900 square feet or 30% of the main dwelling. Contact the Rutland City Zoning Administrator to ask for more specific details and the permitting process.
Does Shelburne, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
Absolutely! Shelburne explicitly allows “Accessory Apartments” (their term for ADUs) in nearly all zoning districts except the Commerce & Industry zone. Key specifics from their municipal website highlight that the unit may contain no more than two bedrooms, and must comprise no more than 50% of the total habitable floor area of the original dwelling. The unit may be within, attached to, or detached from the main home so long as owner occupancy applies and required utilities are in place. Download the Shelburne Zoning Bylaws (available on the town site), verify parking, setback and rental-use rules, then meet with Shelburne Planning & Zoning.
Does St. Albans, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
Yes, St. Albans City’s Land Development Regulations include “Accessory Apartments”/Accessory Dwelling Units as an allowed accessory use in residential zoning. The regulations treat accessory apartments as subordinate living units accessory to a principal dwelling. To find out specific requirements for size, utilities, and other important details, visit St. Albans City’s Planning & Permitting office. They can direct you further.
Does St. Johnsbury, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
While a separate document or website detailing specific information about ADU regulations in St. Johnsbury isn’t available online, you can safely follow the state laws which give the right for one ADU per lot. You likely are permitted to add an ADU, but you’ll need to check local zoning for size limits, owner-occupancy, and rental specifics. To do this, contact the St. Johnsbury Planning & Zoning Department, and find out the local cap on size, parking/utility mandates, and any rental restrictions.
Does Springfield, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
Yes, by Vermont state law you are allowed one ADU on a single-family lot, and Springfield is bound by that. While there is no publicly detailed separate Springfield “ADU ordinance” listing size or rental rules, you should operate under the following assumptions: size likely capped at 30% of the primary dwelling or around 900 sq ft (depending on zoning), utilities/wastewater must be able to support the unit. Contact Springfield’s Zoning Administrator to ask more specifically about restrictions on rental use, utilities, and setbacks.
Does Waterbury, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
Absolutely. In fact, Waterbury is actively encouraging ADUs. Recent zoning changes note that “Accessory dwelling units and duplexes are now allowed wherever single-family homes are located.” The town’s Housing Task Force is promoting this explicitly for property owners to build ADUs. You can follow the state standards for ADUs when starting the planning process. You will also want to reach out to Waterbury’s Planning & Zoning Department for more specific requirements around setbacks and utilities.
Does Windham, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
It sure does. In Windham, residents are allowed accessory uses on lots with a principal dwelling, which would include ADUs under the statewide ADU law. For example, the zoning regulations state under “Buildings and Uses on Lots” that there shall be only one principal dwelling or one principal use and its structures on a lot, but accessory uses are permitted. Next step is to reach out to the Windham Zoning Administrator and confirm size limits with him and check about the parking and utility criterias.
Does Windsor, Vermont, Allow ADUs?
Yes, the town of Windsor, Vermont’s zoning regulations and municipal plan reflect support for more housing options and accessory units on single-family lots. The zoning regulations do not specify anything regarding maximum size so assume that it follows the state guidelines of 900 square feet or 30% of the main dwelling, unless you hear differently. Contact Windsor’s Zoning & Planning office to ask for their “Accessory Dwelling Unit” or “Accessory Apartment” regulations and clarify the maximum size and if owner-occupancy is required. These things will help you on your way to owning a modular ADU!
Does Woodstock, Vermont Allow ADUs?
You bet it does! In Woodstock, Vermont the village zoning regulations explicitly include a section on “Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)” (Section 510) in the Village Zoning Regulations. Additionally, the local Economic Development Commission has an ADU program offering homeowner grants to build and lease ADUs. While the publicly posted regulations don’t show a specific size cap in that snippet, you can reasonably assume the standard statewide benchmark (30% / ~900 sq ft) applies unless the town states otherwise. The next step is to meet with the Planning & Zoning office to confirm size, rental rules (especially if leasing the unit), parking, and any historic or design overlay requirements since Woodstock has design review areas.
Tiny Homes & ADU Rules by State: How Do They Compare?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with so many different regulations surrounding tiny homes and ADUs, we totally understand. Psy Homes has gathered all the important information for you so you are ready to tackle the regulations with the available information. Simple click on the state you are interested in and find out all the regulations around tiny homes. Or do the exact same thing with our ADU regulations chart! No matter where you live, Psy Homes wants to make it possible for you to embrace a new way of living.