The Comprehensive Development Ordinance includes both the City's zoning and subdivision regulations. Zoning is a City regulatory process concerned with land use and development. Zoning subdivides a community into "Zoning Districts" that define what types of land uses can go where, and controls the intensity of uses, the size of buildings, and their placement on the land. Subdivision regulations govern how properties are divided or combined in order to create individual lots for sale.
Pending Amendments
The City routinely makes changes to the standards contained in the CDO in order to improve the wording and standards of the ordinance to achieve our desired outcomes, and to be responsive to actual development realities. Below are amendments being considered by the Planning Commission or City Council, and those that have recently been adopted.
| Number | Status | Description | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZA-22-04 | City Council |
Trinity Campus Overlay The Planning Commission heard a request by the University of Vermont to make adjustments to the Trinity Campus Overlay district to allow for increase housing and adjustments to required setbacks. More information: |
At its meeting on February 21, 2023, the City Council voted to table this amendment. Next steps and timing are to be determined. |
|
ZA-23-01 |
Adopted |
South End Innovation District This amendment creates an Overlay Zone that applies to a portion of the South End Enterprise-Light Manufacturing zone, to facilitate the development of a mixed-use district that fosters the continued growth and sustainability of the South End’s arts and innovation economy and also provides access to housing. |
The City Council adopted this amendment at its July 24 meeting. |
| ZA-23-03 | City Council |
Setbacks This amendment modifies a limited grouping of setback standards to facilitate development and redevelopment, particularly small infill projects, within residential districts and to reconcile language across Articles and 5 and 14 for clarity. The amendment removes ambiguous and unnecessary standards that often create barriers to infill development. |
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on August 8th and recommended the amendment's adoption. The City Council will discuss the amendment at a date to be determined. |
| ZA-23-04 | City Council |
Temporary Structures This amendment provides additional flexibility in the Temporary Structure provisions to exempt non-residential Temporary Structures from requiring a zoning |
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on August 8th and recommended the amendment's adoption. The City Council will discuss the amendment at a date to be determined. |
| ZA-23-05 | City Council |
168 Archibald Street This amendment modifies the zoning district for the property at 168 Archibald Street from RM to NMU to facilitate additional commercial uses on the property. |
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on August 8th and recommended the amendment's adoption. The City Council will discuss the amendment at a date to be determined. |
| ZA-24-01 | City Council |
Technical Amendments This amendment corrects a number of errors in the CDO that are considered technical and will provide further clarity and consistency of administration for staff and applicants. |
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on August 8th and recommended the amendment's adoption. The City Council will discuss the amendment at a date to be determined.
|
What is the Amendment Process?
Amendments are made through a process that is outlined in Vermont State Statutes, and are managed in collaboration between the Office of City Planning and the Department of Permitting & Inspections. The process includes the review of a proposed amendment by the Planning Commission, who makes recommendations to the City Council. The City Council has authority for adopting amendments. The flow chart below shows the general process for an amendment to the zoning ordinance.
How do I get Involved in the Process?
There are a number of ways to stay informed and provide input on an amendment under consideration. Use the links below to find upcoming agendas and share your input during public meetings. If you would like to receive notices about upcoming Planning Commission topics or be notified about progress on a specific amendment, contact Charles Dillard at cdillard@burlingtonvt.gov.
