Code Enforcement

Board Overview

There are two types of Zoning review Boards: Decision-making, and Advisory. Advisory boards provide recommendations to the Decision-making board. Where appropriate, proposals are reviewed by one or more Advisory boards prior to Decision-making board consideration. Staff assistance is provided by the Zoning Division.


Decision-Making Boards:

Development Review Board - Zoning review

Development Review Boards are quasi-judicial bodies created under Vermont Statute 24 VSA Chapter 117 § 4461, which outlines their scope of authority and administrative responsibilities. This board of citizen volunteers has the sole responsibility of reviewing and taking action on proposals for land development within the City. This responsibility includes: conducting Site Plan Review of proposed developments, the issuance of Subdivision Permits, Zoning Permits, Zoning Variances, and Certificates of Appropriateness, and hearing appeals of decisions of the City's Zoning Administrator. Appeals of decisions made by the Development Review Board are heard by the Vermont Environmental Court and the Vermont Supreme Court.

The Burlington Development Review Board is comprised of seven Burlington residents appointed by the City Council. Two alternates are also appointed in the event a member is otherwise unable to hear a case before the Board. The Board generally meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month: Schedule for current year.

More Info on position description and how to apply.

The Burlington City Council established the Development Review Board on June 26, 2000.


Advisory Boards:

Conservation Board - Environmental recommendations

Conservation Commissions are created under the authority enabled under Vermont State Statute 24 VSA Chapter 117 § 4501, which outlines their roles and responsibilities. This board of citizen volunteers has the responsibility of advising the City on matters regarding natural resource conservation and environmental protection. Activities of the Conservation Board typically takes two forms - first, providing advice and recommendations regarding potential environmental impacts to the Development Review Board on proposals for land development and, second, providing advice and recommendations to the Planning Commission, City Council, and others regarding land use policy and regulation as it pertains to the natural environment.

The Burlington Conservation Board is comprised of nine Burlington residents appointed by the City Council. The Board typically meets on the first Monday of each month: Schedule for current year.

More Info on position description and how to apply.

The Burlington City Council established the Conservation Board on June 12, 1989.

Design Advisory Board - Design recommendations

The Design Advisory Board is created under the authority enabled under Vermont State Statute 24 VSA Chapter 117 § 4407(6). This board of citizen volunteers has the responsibility of advising the Development Review Board on matters regarding urban design and site planning on any proposed development project reviewed under the City's design review criteria.

The Design Advisory Board is comprised of five members appointed by the City Council. The Board meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month: Schedule for the current year.

More Info on position description and how to apply.

Historic Preservation Review Committee - Historic recommendations

The Historic Preservation Review Committee is a subcommittee of the Design Advisory Board, and has the responsibility of advising the City Council, Planning Commission, Development Review Board, and others on matters related to historic preservation. This board of citizen volunteers also serves as the local advisory committee under the VT Certified Local Government Program providing advice and recommendations to the VT Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The work of the Committee includes: maintaining a system for the survey and inventory of historic properties; preparation of a reports and recommendations concerning properties within the City which are under consideration for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places; and, review and comment on projects being considered under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

The Historic Preservation Review Committee consists of three of the five members of the Design Advisory Board. All members of the committee must have a demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge in the field of historic preservation. To the extent possible, at least two of the members must be professionals from the disciplines of history, architectural history, architecture, and historical architecture.

The Board meets on an "as-necessary" basis when relevant projects and issues require their review. Staff assistance is provided by the Department of Permitting & Inspections.