Vermont Next State in Line to End Single-Family Zoning, Ease Parking Requirements

Both houses in the Vermont Legislature have approved legislation to preempt local land use regulations by rescinding single-family zoning and easing parking requirements throughout the state.

2 minute read

May 18, 2023, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


A picture of the Vermont State Capitol building with fall colors on display on trees in the background.

Jill Cardy / Adobe Stock

The Vermont House of Representatives approved S.100, a land use bill “that would legalize duplexes anywhere single-family homes are allowed and four-plexes if the area is served by water and sewer,” reports Lola Duffort.

The Vermont House’s approval of the bill makes the possibility of statewide zoning reform in Vermont much more likely. According to Duffort, “save for new, time-limited exemptions to Act 250, Vermont’s landmark land-use law, the bill mostly mirrors a Senate-passed version, which largely dealt with municipal zoning reform.”

“The bill would also ease local parking space requirements, which developers say often require housing projects to sacrifice units to make room for over-abundant parking,” reports Duffort. “Residents appealing a zoning permit of an affordable housing project also won’t be allowed to do so on the grounds that it goes against the ‘character of the area.’”

In another reflection of contemporary  process reforms, the legislation would also remove some zoning barriers to building and operating homeless shelters—similar to a recent executive order signed by New York Mayor Eric Adams.

A separate article by Calvin Cutler for WCAX considers whether statewide upzoning legislation such as S.100 can lower housing prices in a housing affordability crisis.

If the legislation gets across the finish line, Vermont would follow in the footsteps of Oregon and California in wielding state preemption to override local control on issues of land use. Colorado failed to approve similar statewide legislation to allow more dense forms of housing earlier in May. Washington State could also join the ranks of state preempted zoning action if bills under consideration in that state legislature are approved.

Monday, May 8, 2023 in VTDigger

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

Graphic with blue background, flags, and text reading 2024 Presidential Election

Where 2024 Presidential Candidates Stand on 12 Issues Important to Urban Planners

Whether you’re yet undecided or have already cast your early vote, here is a roundup of the key positions of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on important urban planning policies.

October 31, 2024 - Planetizen

Modular housing under construction with worker guiding crane.

Commentary: New Bill Holds Key to Solving US Housing Crisis. We Just Have to Pass It.

Two bills currently moving through Congress could make mass production of prefabricated, affordable housing possible on a large scale.

October 29, 2024 - Jordan Rogove

Gaslamp Quarter

America’s 10 ‘Greenest’ Cities

A new analysis ranks cities based on their environmental quality, energy consumption and production, transportation, density, and other factors.

October 28, 2024 - The Street

Group of children with backpacks and bike helmets going to school.

How Seattle Achieved Safe Routes to School Goal

SDOT has installed safety improvements at more than 260 public schools since 2015.

November 7 - Office of Mayor Bruce Harrell

Parked cars in floodwater with two-story apartments or homes in background in Florida after hurricane.

Auto Insurance Rates Spike Due to Extreme Weather

Car insurance costs around the country are going up as insurers receive more claims from areas struck by storms and other climate disasters.

November 7 - Grist

Small mountain lake with snow-capped mountains in background in Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains in California.

California Approves $10 Billion Bond for Water, Clean Energy, and Environmental Projects

Funds will be used to support water, wildfire prevention, environmental, and park projects, reflecting strong public support for climate resilience.

November 7 - Los Angeles Times