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.