White River Junction Design Review District

White River Junction’s natural beauty and visual and historic character are important assets to the town, and contribute substantially to its economic base. In order to protect and enhance these attributes, the design review process ensures that development considers

• Existing architecture
• Sign placement and design
• Site layout
• Streetscape design

Although reuse of existing buildings is encouraged wherever possible, new construction is appropriate when designed with sensitivity to the historic character and design features in the district. Specific recommendations for development and redevelopment of the downtown are made in the:

• White River Junction Design Guidelines (2001) (PDF)
• White River Junction Design Plan (2001) (PDF)
• White River Junction Design Regulations (PDF)
• White River Junction Design Review Map (PDF)

These documents incorporated into the Zoning Regulations by reference.

Within this designated district, all structures that are erected, reconstructed, altered, restored, moved, or demolished, or any type of land development, such as fencing, landscaping and signs, must be in compliance with the Design Review sections detailed in the bylaw. Not all improvements require review by the 5-member Design Review Committee, which makes recommendations to the Planning Commission.

To find out more, contact Lori Hirshfield at 802-295-3075 or or by email.

Zoning Permits

A zoning permit is required prior to any land developoment in the Town of Hartford.  Land development is defined as "the division of a parcel into two or  more parcels; the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation or enlargement of any building or structures; excavation in excess of 20 cubic yards or material per year or filling in excess of 200 cubic yards per year; any change in use of any building or other structure, or land, or extension of prior use."
Once a complete zoning permit application is submitted, it is reviewed and a decision is rendered within 10 business days.  The State of Vermont requires a 15-day apeal period once an application is approved before the permit is effective and issued. Once a zoning permit is issued, work must be started within six months and be completed within two years of the date of issue or the zoning permit will become null and void. One six-month extension to both time periods may be granted by the Planning Commission prior to the start or completion dates.
You can reach the Planning staff at (802)295-3075 with any permitting questions.

Certificates of Occupancy

After the issuance of a zoning permit and prior to occupying a structure, the applicant must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO ensures that all approved projects are in compliance with the Zoning Regulations and any other required conditions of approval for the project. Contact the Department at 802-295-3075 to arrange an inspection for issuance of a CO. Be certain to complete the CO Application - Certificate of Compliance (PDF).

Sign Permits

The Sign Ordinance governs many aspects of signs and the standards vary by zoning district. Most signs require a sign permit (PDF). A list of exceptions is available at the Department of Planning and Development Services.

Home Occupations/Home Businesses

The purpose of the home occupation (PDF) and home business permits (PDF) are to regulate the usage of homes as offices and businesses. A zoning permit is required for both.

Subdivision

The division of a parcel into 2 or more parcels, revisions to a previously approved subdivision or other division of land for the purpose of sale, lease, license, and land development requires subdivision approval by the Planning Commission. The Town of Hartford has regulations regarding the subdivision of land. Copies are available at the Department of Planning and Development Services. Subdivision applications require a public hearing with the Planning Commission. Public hearings are held every 5 weeks. 

Zoning permit application forms are available at the Department of Planning and Development Services. For more information, please contact Zoning Administrator Jo-Ann Ells or Assistant Zoning Administrator Matt Osborn at 802-295-3075 or email.

Site Development Plans

Any use other than single-family, 2-family dwellings or any structure and improvement to such use may not be established, expanded or modified without site development plan approval by the Planning Commission. Home occupations, forestry and agricultural uses are also exempt of site development plan approval. Upon the receipt of a zoning permit application, the zoning administrator will determine if site development plan approval is required. The Planning Commission reviews site development plans with respect to the following:

• Compliance with other provisions of the zoning regulations
• Landscaping, screening and setbacks
• On-site circulation, parking and loading facilities
• Protection of renewable energy resource
• Provision of safety and convenience of pedestrians, bicyclists and handicapped persons
• Traffic circulation between the site and the street network

Site Development Plan standards and other zoning regulations that may apply to a project are located in the Hartford Zoning Regulations. Copies are available at the Department of Planning and Development Services. Most site development plan applications require a public hearing with the Planning Commission. Public hearings are generally held every 5 weeks. Copies of the public hearing schedule are available at the Department of Planning and Development Services or by clicking here. For more information, please contact Zoning Administrator Jo-Ann Ells at 802-295-3075.

Conditional Use Permits

Each zoning district breaks down uses into 2 categories - permitted uses and conditional uses. Permitted uses are allowed with a zoning permit and sometimes require site development plan approval by the Planning Commission. Conditional uses are allowed if specific criteria (listed below) are met to ensure that the use is appropriate for the area. Upon receipt of a zoning permit application, the Zoning Administrator will determine if a Conditional Use Permit is required. An application for a conditional use permit is reviewed by the Zoning Board of Adjustment, who reviews the application to ensure that the following standards are met:

• Any town bylaw in effect
• Capacity of existing and planned community facilities
• Capacity of the roads and highways in the vicinity
• Character of the area affected
• Objectives of the zoning district
• Utilization of renewable energy resources

Almost all conditional uses also require site development plan approval by the Planning Commission. Conditional use permit standards and other zoning regulations that may apply to a project are located in the Hartford Zoning Regulations. Copies are available at the Department of Planning and Development Services. Most conditional use permit applications require a public hearing with the Planning Commission. Public hearings are held every 5 weeks. Copies of the public hearing schedule are available at the Department of Planning and Development Services. For more information, please contact Zoning Administrator Jo-Ann Ells at 802-295-3075 or by email.

Variances

The purpose of a variance is to gain relief from a provision of the zoning regulations. A variance allows an applicant to depart from the requirements of the zoning regulations provided that the applicant can prove adherence to the variance or setback waiver criteria as established by state statute. The Zoning Board of Adjustment reviews variance applications based on the following criteria:

• Due to such physical circumstances or conditions, there is no possibility that the property can be developed with strict conformity with the provisions of the Zoning Regulations, and a variance is necessary to enable reasonable use of the property.
• The unnecessary hardship has not been created by the applicant.
• The variance does not alter the essential character of the neighborhood, substantially or permanently impair the appropriate use or development of adjacent property, reduce access to renewable energy resources or be detrimental to the public welfare.
• The variance will represent the minimum variance that will afford relief and will represent the least deviation possible form the zoning regulations.
• There are unique physical circumstances or conditions peculiar to the property.

Upon receipt of a zoning permit application, the Zoning Administrator will determine if a variance is required. Variance applications require a public hearing with the Planning Commission. Public hearings are held every 3 weeks. Copies of the public hearing schedule are available at the Department of Planning and Development Services.

Flood Hazard Area Regulations

The Town of Hartford regulates development within flood hazard areas as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Copies are available at the Department of Planning and Development Services. For more information, please contact Zoning Administrator Jo-Ann Ells at 802-295-3075 or by email.

Fee Schedule

The following is a list of fees for each type of permit and service provided by the Department of Planning and Development Services.