Burlington Approves Middle Housing Zoning Reform

Residential neighborhoods in Burlington, Vermont will now be able to accommodate slightly larger buildings thanks to zoning reform passed this week, reports Corey Dockser for Vermont Public.

The new rules allow up to two buildings with four units each and adjusts floor area ratio and lot line rules. “For people in large single-family homes they can no longer maintain or which don’t meet their accessibility needs, smaller housing options give them the option to downsize. And building in already-established neighborhoods means the amenities and infrastructure older people need are already available.”

Although the reforms are aimed at increasing the housing supply, city councilor Ben Traverse says “The most immediate change that we may see is existing homeowners being able to renovate or add on to their homes in ways that they haven’t.”

The new rules also create a “residential corridor” that permits buildings up to four stories tall that can include commercial uses.