Act 250, Vermont's land use law, requires that people obtain a Permit from the District Environmental Commission or the Vermont Environmental Board prior to commencing a major development or subdivision.
Parties that may be involved in the review of a project, include the State, the Regional Commission, the Town Selectboard and Planning Commission where the project is to be located, abutters, and other potentially affected individuals or organizations. Prior to granting a permit, affirmative findings must be made with respect to ten criteria contained in the law (10 VSA Section 6086). Generally, these relate to the environmental, economic and social effects of the project on the community, Region, and State. Included amongst these is a determination on whether the development or subdivision is in conformance with the local and Regional Plan (criterion 10).
We strongly encourage applicants to consult their local and Regional Plans
as well as other parties in developing testimony on this criterion. Applicants
have the legal burden to demonstrate that the intended use meets with the
goals and policies expressed in the Regional Plan. The Two Rivers-Ottauquechee
Regional Plan is posted on this web site and copies are available from our
office in Woodstock. In addition, Regional Commission staff can offer informal
advice when projects are being conceived, which may save much time and money
during the permitting process. The District Environmental Commission staff
and the ANR Permit Specialists are also helpful during project development.
The Vermont Environmental Board: The Statute - Online version of Vermont's Land Use and Development Law, including all amendments.
The Vermont Environmental Board: District Map - Online Map of Environmental board districts and contact information.
10 Criteria of Act 250 - Before an Act 250 permit can be issued, an applicant must show that a project conforms with the 10 criteria set down in Subchapter 4 of the act. This link lists those criteria.
Act 250 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - The Vermont Environmental Board offers this list of common questions about ACT 250 and the Act 250 Permit process.
Vermont Environmental Board: Act 250 Application Forms & Guide - Allows the user to download Act 250 forms including the short form application, extension application and the communication facilities application, in multiple formats. Also available is the "The Guide To Applying for an Act 250 Permit", a comprehensive guide to filling out the Act 250 application forms, including contact information for other state agencies. The Guide is particularly helpful for first time applicants.
Vermont Act 250 Handbook: A guide to State and Regional Land Use Regulation, by Cindy Corlett Argentine. Published by and available through Putney Press.