Zoning Permits

 

On this page you’ll find information on zoning permits for your various projects from building a shed to planning a subdivision. For the most part it’s all straightforward, but we’re here to answer your questions, help you calculate the permitting costs, provide a timeline and to guide you along.                                                                                          

~~ Please allow one to two weeks to process an application for a Permitted Use or Boundary Line Adjustment and up to two to three months for Conditional Use applications and Subdivisions. Conditional Use and Subdivisions can also require VT wastewater permits, surveys, and other State of VT approvals and permits. Your project engineer can assist you with compliance with State of VT regulations. It’s best to plan well ahead when considering a Conditional Use or Subdivision project. ~~       


How do I get a permit to.....

 Put in a New Driveway

  • Submit an Access Permit Application to the Zoning Administrator at the Town Office with the appropriate fees.
  • Consult with your contractor and Lincoln Access Ordinance to find the best location for access. Mark the center of the access with a stake and flagging.  
  • The site will be inspected by the Lincoln Highway Supervisor who will verify suitability and safety of the access and any conditions for construction of the access to be attached to the permit.
  • The application is then sent to the Selectboard which approves all Access Permits.
  • After the access has been completed you are required to apply for a Certificate of Compliance, use the Certificate of Occupancy or Compliance Application.
  • An inspection by the Highway Supervisor or Zoning Administrator will verify the access was built to the specifications and conditions of the permit, before issuing the Certificate of Compliance.

 * ACCESS TO ALL TOWN ROADS - EVEN CLASS 4 ROADS - REQUIRE A PERMIT *

Build a House

  • Use the Zoning Permit Application. The fee for a permit to construct a house is based on the square feet of living space of the house and listed in Zoning Fees. 
  • Please include a sketch plan with floor plan and all dimensions with the application. Living space includes covered and/or screened porches, laundry rooms, and pantries on all floors of the house. It does not include utility/mechanical rooms, attics, unfinished basements and garages.
  • Garages, attached or stand-alone, are considered an addition or outbuilding and are based on total square feet.
  • A VT Wastewater Permit is required, and the system must be installed connected to the house and functioning prior to receiving a Certificate of Occupancy.
  • Use the Certificate of Occupancy or Compliance Application for this.  The Zoning Administrator will make an appointment with you to inspect the house prior to issuing a Certificate of Occupancy.
  • All new homes and major renovations and additions require a Residential Building Energy Standards Certificate to be submitted upon completion.

Accessory Dwelling Units or Apartments

Other Building Development Projects

  • Build a barn, shed, covered or screened porch, addition/renovation, pond, etc.  Use the Zoning Permit Application.  Please refer to the Zoning Fees to see what requires a permit and the associated fee.
  • Some projects may require a Certificate of Occupancy or Compliance Application upon completion.
  • Some projects may be exempt from zoning permits and are listed in Section 503. Exemptions of the Lincoln Zoning Bylaws 2023.
  • It's always good to ask the Zoning Administrator if your project requires a permit or is exempt from permitting prior to starting any project.

* PENALTY FOR CONSTRUCTION WITHOUT A PERMIT IS SUBJECT TO 3X THE PERMIT FEE *

* ALL PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ABOVE 1800 FT IN ELEVATION REQUIRES CONDITIONAL USE REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY THE DRB *

* OTHER CONDITIONS MAY APPLY, PLEASE CONSULT THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR WITH ANY QUESTIONS *

                                                                                                           

Boundary Line Adjustment (BLA)

  • Use the Zoning Permit Application and check BLA.
  • In the Lincoln Subdivision Regulations, a BLA is defined as a “plat record or deed legally filed in the Town’s land records which creates no new building lot’s”.
  • BLA’s are an adjustment of a boundary line of two adjoining parcels. Other criteria can be found in Section 3.1, 3.1.1 – 3.1.4 of the Lincoln Subdivision Regulations.
  • BLA’s are administered by the Zoning Administrator and take one to two weeks to complete once an application, payment and property survey has been submitted.
  • The property survey must show the existing boundary(s) and the proposed new boundary(s) with all features and setbacks.
  • A Mylar of the approved survey is to be recorded in the town records.

Subdivision

  • Use the Zoning Permit Application and check Subdivision.
  • Applications and payment, plat survey (preliminary survey) must be submitted to the Zoning Administrator 25 days prior to a Development Review Board (DRB) hearing date to be legally warned.
  • A letter of notification to adjoining landowners must be documented. Other documents required may include VT Wastewater Permits and stormwater permits, or others required by the DRB depending on the proposed scale of the project.
  • Consult with your project engineer on all State of VT and Town of Lincoln permit requirements.
  • A Mylar of the approved subdivision survey is to be recorded in the town records.

* REPLACING A ROOF, SIDING, EXISTING DOORS AND WINDOWS, FOUNDATION REPAIRS AND INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR PAINTING -
DO NOT REQUIRE A PERMIT *

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS  

How long does it take to get a building permit and when can I start construction?

You should plan on at least 25 to 30 days for a valid building permit. In addition to up to two weeks administrative time, a building permit is not effective till 15 days after it is issued. When your permit is approved, you'll be given a "Z" poster, which must be posted in a place obvious to the public (such as at the road) throughout the duration of your project.  

Do I need a permit for a fence?
No, you don't need a permit for a fence in Lincoln. But by using common sense, you can help avoid problems with your neighbors. Be clear about where your boundaries are. Leave room on your neighbor's side of the fence to maintain it without encroaching on their property two-three feet usually is often enough. In the event you and your neighbor disagree, you can call one of the Town's Fence Viewers.  And please make sure your fence is out of the Town Right of Way, so as not to impede the view of traffic.

Do I need a permit for siding or roofing or if I'm replacing an existing structure?
If you're replacing siding or repairing a roof, you don't need a permit.  If you 're changing the shape of the structure, moving interior walls to create or remove bedrooms, or gutting a building, you may need a permit. If you have any questions, please call us! 

What is the Town road Right-of-Way and how do I measure setbacks from it?
Often--but not always, the right-of-way (ROW) can be calculated by measuring 25 feet in from the center of the road. If it looks like your building will be close to the setback limit from the road, or if  you aren't sure about your road, contact the Town office at 802-453-2980.             

 What if I need to dig up the road to do something like bury an electric or phone line?

You need a Right-of-Way work permit. There is no charge for the permit, but you are 100% responsible for all costs involved in returning the road to its original condition. For an application, please call the Town Office. The Selectboard and Highway Supervisor need to sign off on it, and may ask you to adjust the time or day you want to work to accommodate Town road projects.