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1. 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.

2. Do I need a Zoning Permit to build a porch, deck or patio?

In many cases, permits are required if you are building a porch, deck or patio. See the below flow chart to see if a permit is required for your project.

3. Do I need a Zoning Permit to put up solar panels?

In some cases, you will need a zoning permit to put up solar panels. The diagram below explains whether or not you need a permit:

4. Do I need a Zoning Permit for a swimming pool?

Most swimming pools require a zoning permit. The chart below will explain whether or not you need one for you property.

5. Do I need a Zoning Permit for a fence?

For some fences, you will need a zoning permit. 

6. Do I need a zoning permit for a shed?

Some sheds are exempt from permitting; others are not.

7. Do I need a Zoning Permit for a home business or office?

There are three different classifications of home businesses in Milton's Unified Development Regulations: home office, home occupation, and home business.

8. Do I need a Zoning Permit for a sign?

Yes, a Zoning Permit is required for most signs. See Section 3015 of the Unified Development Regulations (PDF) for information regarding signs. Please contact the Zoning Administrator for any questions regarding signs.

9. When does a Zoning Permit expire?

Zoning Permits expire two years from the approval date. A Zoning Permit can be renewed for an additional year for an additional fee. If a renewal is required, contact the Department of Planning & Economic Development prior to the permit’s expiration.

10. Once construction associated with an approved Zoning Permit is complete, what is the next step?

A Certificate of Compliance is required for each approved Zoning Permit. Once submitted, the Zoning Administrator will perform an inspection of the construction ensuring the project meets the requirements of the Zoning Permit. If the Certificate of Compliance is approved, Staff will contact you via phone to return to the Town Office to file the certificate with the Town Clerk and pay applicable fees.

11. Can a Letter of Compliance be issued verifying that there are no outstanding permits or violations on a house/property be issued?

Although the issuance of a Letter of Compliance is common in some Vermont towns, the Town of Milton does not partake in this practice. The Town of Milton requires that a Certificate of Compliance be completed for each approved Zoning Permit. If you have a specific permit number, Staff can check to see if a Certificate of Compliance has been issued.

12. What are the fees associated with a Zoning Permit?

The fees for a zoning permit vary depending on your project. Please see the Zoning Fee Schedule (PDF) for information.

13. What are Impact Fees?

The Impact Fees are listed in the fee schedule. Commercial and industrial development are not subject to an impact fee. The Impact Fees are due upon Certificate of Occupancy Application. See the Impact Fee Ordinance (PDF) for additional information regarding Impact Fees.

14. Is a Zoning Permit needed for remodeling the inside of my single family home?

The Town of Milton does not require a Zoning Permit for interior improvements within a single family home. However, if your property is in the Special Flood Hazard District, you may need a Zoning Permit for some interior changes. Please contact the Planning and Economic Development office for further information.

15. When does a construction project require review by the Development Review Board (DRB)?

Planned Unit Developments, Minor and Major Conventional Subdivisions, Conditional Uses, Variances, Site Plans, and Appeals are some types of development that require review by the DRB.  See our Application Forms and Fees page for specific application fees. To learn more about the DRB, visit the DRB's page.