Checking on Zoning

We have clients who are buying a home in Burlington, VT that was built in 1899. It has an attached two-story shed that needs to be renovated or torn down because of its condition. They prefer to tear it down and start over. We had to help them find out whether it could be torn down. The city of Burlington is very careful when it comes to renovations or alterations to its buildings. The buyers did not want to buy this home until they knew what kind of renovations they would be allowed to make.

The buyers and I  first went to the Zoning Office in Burlington in the lower level of City Hall and talked to Nic. That was the best place to start. He looked up the property, searched past zoning records, checked the house from a satellite view and gave us some information. Specifically, he said if it can be torn down, the new buyers should not get rid of the cement foundation slab because if they get rid of it, they may lose some "coverage ratio." In Burlington, lots have a maximum amount (% lot coverage) of square footage of space that can be covered, that is, covered with house, driveway, garage, etc. If in the past there was an approved coverage like this shed, and that coverage exceeded the ratio, they can still put a structure back on the same footprint. But if the zoning regulations have changed, the coverage ratio has lowered and they remove it, they will lose that ability to rebuild and cover that part of the lot. Nic suggested they use the foundation slab that will remain when they tear down the shed as a patio until they can re-build on that space at a later date.

Next we talked to Mary in Historic Preservation. She checked the State Historic Registry and did not see the house listed there. She looked in the zoning file, looked at the structure, and said it did not look like it had historic value. When these buyers own the house they can apply for a permit to take the shed down. There will be other permits necessary down the road but at least they have a head start in understanding their options and the possibilities.

It is so important to know in advance what options are available in a city like Burlington that has many historic sections. We live in an historic section and we cannot put up vinyl siding or vinyl windows. If we change our bedroom windows they must have proper egress. We have met our coverage ratio and cannot add any structures.

If you are thinking of renovating, be sure to check with Zoning. If you need to talk to Public Works, they will send you to that office. Both offices are very helpful -- they strictly adhere to the regulations which can be frustrating at times but we appreciate their consistency.