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-22-06 | Planning Commission |
Transitional Shelter The Planning Commission heard a request by the Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO) to enable for managed shelters as a form of emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness. More information: |
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on this proposed amendment on 6/14/22 and will continue discussion at a meeting to be determined. |
|
ZA-23-01 |
City Council |
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. |
This amendment was referred to the City Council on February 6, 2023. The Council Ordinance Committee will review this amendment at an upcoming meeting date to be determined. |
| ZA-23-02 | City Council |
Inclusionary Zoning This amendment modifies the General Requirements for Inclusionary Units to allow for greater flexibility in providing affordable housing. Specifically, the amendment creates alternative compliance pathways to meeting the bedroom mix and unit size requirements in developments where the project’s market rate units’ floor area and bedroom mix differ significantly from demand for affordable housing unit types. |
City Council held a first reading on February 21, 2023 and warned this amendment for a public hearing. The public hearing will be held at its March 27th meeting. |
| ZA-23-04 | Planning Commission |
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 will discuss the proposed amendment at its Tuesday, March 28 meeting. |
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.
