Vermont Zoning Atlas

Data Documentation

Complete field descriptions and structure for Vermont's zoning database

Data Structure

Data has been broken into smaller files for ease in editing. In "data/RPC" all the zoning files are split out into the Regional Planning Commissions (RPC). This geojson can be explored in the abbreviated viewer on the homepage of this site or downloaded for further analysis.

Management Region Website Abbrev.
Addison County www.acrpc.org/ ACRPC
Bennington County www.bcrcvt.org/ BCRC
Chittenden County www.ccrpcvt.org CCRPC
Central Vermont www.centralvtplanning.org CVRPC
Lamoille County www.lcpcvt.org LCPC
Mount Ascutney https://marcvt.org/ MARC
Northwest www.nrpcvt.com NWRPC
Northeastern www.nvda.net NVDA
Rutland www.rutlandrpc.org RPC
Two Rivers-Ottauquechee www.trorc.org TRORC
Windham www.windhamregional.org WRC

There is also a state-wide single file, "data/State of Vermont", this is not the preferred way to update the files but rather for analysis.

If you are interested in viewing the legal PDFs downloaded as part of this process, explore "data/Town_Bylaw_Text" and the downloaded maps from town websites here: "data/Town_Zoning_Maps"

Collection Timeline and Data Quality

This effort is a collection of teams which includes volunteers, interns, and students. This was done over a year period from 2023-2024 and during this time updates to the zoning codes have already made some of this data inaccurate. It is likely that this data will only be updated once a year at most so this data can be out of date. It is also possible that the regulation from the State of Vermont may not be reflected in town zoning just due to the time it takes to update and comply with legislation and the very limited capacity many of these towns have to complete that work.

Field Descriptions

The dataset contains 110 fields covering district identification, dimensional standards (setbacks, lot size, height, parking), allowance types, and housing-specific regulations. Field names use a prefix system: F1F = single-family, F2F = 2-unit, F3F = 3-unit, F4F = 4+ unit, ADU = accessory dwelling unit, PRD = planned residential development, PUD = planned unit development.

Field Name Type Example Description
OBJECT_IDnumerical1Unique sequential integer identifier assigned to each zoning district feature across all municipalities.
CountytextAddisonVermont county in which the zoning district is located.
RPCtextACRPCAbbreviation of the Regional Planning Commission that serves the municipality.
Municipal_NametextMiddleburyName of the Vermont municipality (town, city, or village) that adopted the zoning bylaw.
GEO_IDtext5000144350US Census geographic identifier (GEOID) for the municipality, used to link to Census data.
District_NametextLow Density Residential/Agricultural DistrictFull name of the zoning district as defined in the municipal zoning bylaw.
Abbreviated_District_NametextLdr/AShort abbreviation of the zoning district name as used in maps and tables.
District_TypetextPrimarily ResidentialClassification of the district by its primary land use character (e.g., Primarily Residential, Nonresidential, Mixed with Residential, Overlay).
Bylaw_Datetext2023-08-15Date of the zoning bylaw document from which data was collected.
Elderly_Housing_DistricttextNoIndicates whether the district is designated specifically for elderly housing.
District_MappedtextYesIndicates whether the zoning district has a corresponding mapped geographic boundary.
Overlay_DistricttextNoIndicates whether this record represents an overlay district layered on top of a base district.
Base_Densitynumerical0.2Maximum residential density allowed in the district as a baseline, expressed in units per acre.
FIPS6numerical1055Vermont six-digit FIPS place code identifying the municipality within the state.
GIS_IDtextCharlotte_RuralIdentifier used in the source GIS system, typically combining municipality name and district name.
Last_Updatetext20250313Date the record was last updated in the source dataset.
Shape_Lengthnumerical1.3336Perimeter length of the zoning district polygon in decimal degrees.
Shape_Areanumerical0.000625Area of the zoning district polygon in decimal degrees squared.
Single-Family Housing (F1F)
F1F_AllowancetextPermittedWhether single-family (1-unit) residential structures are permitted in the district (e.g., Permitted, Prohibited, Allowed/Conditional, Public Hearing, Overlay).
F1F_Front_Setbacknumerical75Minimum required setback from the front lot line for single-family structures, in feet.
F1F_Side_Setbacknumerical25Minimum required setback from each side lot line for single-family structures, in feet.
F1F_Rear_Setbacknumerical25Minimum required setback from the rear lot line for single-family structures, in feet.
F1F_Frontagenumerical200Minimum required road frontage for a single-family lot, in feet.
F1F_Max_Heightnumerical35Maximum allowed height for single-family structures, in feet.
F1F_Max_Storiesnumerical2Maximum number of stories allowed for single-family structures.
F1F_Min_Lot_Sizenumerical1.5Minimum lot size required for single-family use, in acres.
F1F_Max_Lot_Building_Coveragenumerical30Maximum percentage of the lot that may be covered by a building footprint for single-family use.
F1F_Max_Lot_Impervious_Coveragenumerical25Maximum percentage of the lot that may be covered by impervious surfaces for single-family use.
F1F_Min_Parking_Spacesnumerical2Minimum number of off-street parking spaces required per single-family unit.
F1F_Max_Densitynumerical0.2Maximum density allowed for single-family housing, in units per acre.
F1F_Elderly_Housing_OnlytextNoIndicates whether single-family housing in this district is restricted to elderly occupants only.
F1F_Affordable_Housing_OnlytextNoIndicates whether single-family housing in this district is restricted to affordable housing only.
2-Unit Housing (F2F)
F2F_AllowancetextPermittedWhether 2-unit (duplex) residential structures are permitted in the district.
F2F_Front_Setbacknumerical75Minimum required setback from the front lot line for 2-unit structures, in feet.
F2F_Side_Setbacknumerical25Minimum required setback from each side lot line for 2-unit structures, in feet.
F2F_Rear_Setbacknumerical25Minimum required setback from the rear lot line for 2-unit structures, in feet.
F2F_Frontagenumerical200Minimum required road frontage for a 2-unit residential lot, in feet.
F2F_Max_Densitynumerical0.67Maximum density allowed for 2-unit housing, in units per acre.
F2F_Max_Heightnumerical35Maximum allowed height for 2-unit structures, in feet.
F2F_Max_Storiesnumerical2Maximum number of stories allowed for 2-unit structures.
F2F_Min_Lot_Sizenumerical3Minimum lot size required for 2-unit residential use, in acres.
F2F_Max_Lot_Building_Coveragenumerical30Maximum percentage of the lot that may be covered by a building footprint for 2-unit use.
F2F_Max_Lot_Impervious_Coveragenumerical25Maximum percentage of the lot covered by impervious surfaces for 2-unit use.
F2F_Min_Parking_Spaces_per_1BRnumerical2Minimum off-street parking spaces required per 1-bedroom unit in a 2-unit building.
F2F_Min_Parking_Spaces_per_mult_BRnumerical2Minimum off-street parking spaces required per multi-bedroom unit in a 2-unit building.
F2F_Elderly_Housing_OnlytextNoIndicates whether 2-unit housing in this district is restricted to elderly occupants only.
F2F_Affordable_Housing_OnlytextNoIndicates whether 2-unit housing in this district is restricted to affordable housing only.
3-Unit Housing (F3F)
F3F_AllowancetextPermittedWhether 3-unit residential structures are permitted in the district.
F3F_Front_Setbacknumerical75Minimum required setback from the front lot line for 3-unit structures, in feet.
F3F_Side_Setbacknumerical25Minimum required setback from each side lot line for 3-unit structures, in feet.
F3F_Rear_Setbacknumerical25Minimum required setback from the rear lot line for 3-unit structures, in feet.
F3F_Frontagenumerical200Minimum required road frontage for 3-unit residential use, in feet.
F3F_Max_Densitynumerical0.67Maximum density allowed for 3-unit housing, in units per acre.
F3F_Max_Heightnumerical35Maximum allowed height for 3-unit structures, in feet.
F3F_Max_Storiesnumerical3Maximum number of stories allowed for 3-unit structures.
F3F_Min_Lot_Sizenumerical4.5Minimum lot size required for 3-unit residential use, in acres.
F3F_Max_Lot_Building_Coveragenumerical30Maximum percentage of the lot covered by building footprint for 3-unit use.
F3F_Max_Lot_Impervious_Coveragenumerical25Maximum percentage of the lot covered by impervious surfaces for 3-unit use.
F3F_Min_Parking_Spaces_per_1BRnumerical2Minimum off-street parking spaces per 1-bedroom unit in a 3-unit building.
F3F_Min_Parking_Spaces_per_mult_BRnumerical2Minimum off-street parking spaces per multi-bedroom unit in a 3-unit building.
F3F_Elderly_Housing_OnlytextNoIndicates whether 3-unit housing in this district is restricted to elderly occupants only.
F3F_Affordable_Housing_OnlytextNoIndicates whether 3-unit housing in this district is restricted to affordable housing only.
F3F_Proximity_to_Public_Transit_RequiredtextNoIndicates whether 3-unit housing requires proximity to public transit service.
F3F_Connection_to_Sewage/Water_RequiredtextNoIndicates whether 3-unit housing requires connection to public sewer or water systems.
4+ Unit Housing (F4F)
F4F_AllowancetextPermittedWhether 4-or-more-unit multifamily residential structures are permitted in the district.
F4F_Front_Setbacknumerical75Minimum required setback from the front lot line for 4+ unit structures, in feet.
F4F_Side_Setbacknumerical25Minimum required setback from each side lot line for 4+ unit structures, in feet.
F4F_Rear_Setbacknumerical25Minimum required setback from the rear lot line for 4+ unit structures, in feet.
F4F_Frontagenumerical200Minimum required road frontage for 4+ unit multifamily use, in feet.
F4F_Max_Densitynumerical0.67Maximum density allowed for 4+ unit multifamily housing, in units per acre.
F4F_Max_Heightnumerical35Maximum allowed height for 4+ unit multifamily structures, in feet.
F4F_Max_Storiesnumerical3Maximum number of stories allowed for 4+ unit multifamily structures.
F4F_Min_Lot_Sizenumerical6Minimum lot size required for 4+ unit multifamily use, in acres.
F4F_Max_Lot_Building_Coveragenumerical30Maximum percentage of the lot covered by building footprint for 4+ unit use.
F4F_Max_Lot_Impervious_Coveragenumerical25Maximum percentage of the lot covered by impervious surfaces for 4+ unit use.
F4F_Min_Parking_Spaces_per_1BRnumerical2Minimum off-street parking spaces per 1-bedroom unit in a 4+ unit building.
F4F_Min_Parking_Spaces_per_mult_BRnumerical2Minimum off-street parking spaces per multi-bedroom unit in a 4+ unit building.
F4F_Elderly_Housing_OnlytextNoIndicates whether 4+ unit housing in this district is restricted to elderly occupants only.
F4F_Affordable_Housing_OnlytextNoIndicates whether 4+ unit housing in this district is restricted to affordable housing only.
F4F_Proximity_to_Public_Transit_RequiredtextNoIndicates whether 4+ unit housing requires proximity to public transit service.
F4F_Connection_to_Sewage/Water_RequiredtextNoIndicates whether 4+ unit housing requires connection to public sewer or water systems.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
ADU_AllowancetextAllowed/ConditionalWhether accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are permitted in the district.
ADU_Elderly_Housing_OnlytextNoIndicates whether ADUs in this district are restricted to elderly occupants only.
ADU_Max_Size_as_Percent_of_Primary_Strcturemixed30Maximum allowed size of an ADU as a percentage of the primary structure's floor area; may contain 'No' where no limit applies.
ADU_Max_Size_in_sq_ftnumerical1000Maximum allowed floor area of an ADU in square feet.
ADU_Min_Lot_Sizenumerical1.5Minimum lot size required for a property to include an ADU, in acres.
ADU_Max_Bedroomsnumerical1Maximum number of bedrooms allowed in an ADU.
ADU_Min_Parking_Spacesnumerical1Minimum off-street parking spaces required for an ADU.
ADU_Owner_Occupancy_RequiredtextNoIndicates whether the property owner must occupy either the primary structure or the ADU.
ADU_Renter_Occupancy_ProhibitedtextNoIndicates whether renting the ADU to non-family members is prohibited.
ADU_Employee_or_Family_Occupancy_RequiredtextNoIndicates whether the ADU must be occupied by an employee or family member of the property owner.
ADU_Restricted_to_Primary_StructuretextNoIndicates whether the ADU must be contained within or attached to the primary structure rather than built as a detached unit.
Affordable Housing
Affordable_Housing_AllowancetextPermittedWhether affordable housing developments are permitted in the district as a distinct use category.
Affordable_Housing_DistricttextNoIndicates whether the district is specifically designated for affordable housing development.
Affordable_Housing_Elderly_OnlytextNoIndicates whether affordable housing in this district is restricted to elderly residents only.
Affordable_Housing_Min_Lot_Sizenumerical1Minimum lot size required for affordable housing development, in acres.
Affordable_Housing_Max_Densitynumerical24Maximum density allowed for affordable housing, in units per acre.
Affordable_Housing_Min_Parking_Spaces_per_mult_BRnumerical1Minimum off-street parking spaces per multi-bedroom affordable housing unit.
Affordable_Housing_Max_Units_per_Buildingnumerical4Maximum number of units allowed per affordable housing building.
Affordable_Housing_Min_Parking_Spaces_per_1BRnumerical1Minimum off-street parking spaces per 1-bedroom affordable housing unit.
Planned Residential Development (PRD)
PRD_AllowancetextAllowed/ConditionalWhether planned residential developments (PRDs) are permitted in the district.
PRD_Max_Densitynumerical1Maximum density allowed for a planned residential development, in units per acre.
PRD_Max_Unitsnumerical4Maximum total number of units allowed in a planned residential development.
PRD_Min_Lot_Sizenumerical2Minimum lot size required to develop a planned residential development, in acres.
PRD_Mobile_or_Manufactured_Home_ParktextNoIndicates whether the PRD provision includes mobile home or manufactured housing parks.
Planned Unit Development (PUD)
PUD_AllowancetextYesWhether planned unit developments (PUDs) are permitted in the district.
PUD_Required_with_SubdivisiontextYesIndicates whether PUD approval is required when subdividing land in this district.
PUD_Requires_Land_ConservationtextNoIndicates whether PUD approval requires setting aside land for conservation.
PUD_Threshold_Numbernumerical5Minimum number of units or lots that triggers PUD requirements in the district.
Additional Information
NotestextPreexisting homes allowed.Free-text notes providing additional context about the district's regulations or data collection observations.