Permits
Construction, landscaping, tree cutting and thinning, septic system work, and other projects on your shoreland property may require a permit or registration (a simplified permitting process for smaller projects).
Use the Shoreland Project Worksheet to determine if your shoreland project requires a permit or registration.
Construction, landscaping, tree cutting and thinning, septic system work, and other projects on your shoreland property may require a permit or registration (a simplified permitting process for smaller projects).
Use the Shoreland Project Worksheet to determine if your shoreland project requires a permit or registration.
Shoreland Protection Permit Application:
A permit is required for the following activities:
(It is strongly recommended that applications be submitted at least 45 days before the proposed project start date.)
Shoreland Project Registration Application:
(a simplified permitting process) is required for smaller projects such as the following activities:
Encroachment Permit:
Projects that commonly require a Lake Encroachment Permit include:
Find the Lake Encroachment Permit Application here: tinyurl.com/LEPermitApplication
Waste Water (Septic) Systems Permit:
1. New septic systems in Vermont are required to obtain a state permit.
2. Upgrades to an existing septic system along a lake or stream require a Vermont Wastewater Permit when:
Do I need a Waste Water Permit? tinyurl.com/NeedAWWPermit
A permit is required for the following activities:
(It is strongly recommended that applications be submitted at least 45 days before the proposed project start date.)
- Constructing a new building
- Expanding an existing building
- Creating or expanding a driveway or building a new garage
- Installing, replacing, or upgrading septic systems and potable water systems
- Clearing existing natural vegetation or expanding lawns or gardens into wooded areas
- Tearing down a building and replacing it on a different footprint
Shoreland Project Registration Application:
(a simplified permitting process) is required for smaller projects such as the following activities:
- Clearing an area up to 100 square feet or creating an impervious surface (such as a storage shed or gazebo) between 25 and 100 feet of the mean water level.
- Clearing an area up to 500 square feet or creating an impervious surface located more than 100 feet from the mean water level. There are required limits to the percentage of impervious surface, cleared land, and slope allowed within the Shoreland Protective Zone.
Encroachment Permit:
Projects that commonly require a Lake Encroachment Permit include:
- installation of a shoreline stabilization project, including retaining walls or riprap
- additions or removal of fill, including creating a beach or adding more sand to an existing beach
- commercial docks, docks involving concrete, and large docks – private docks exempted if:
- constructed of wood or metal (no concrete or other solid fill) and mounted on floats or posts
- no longer than 50 feet in total length
- dredging or filling activity
- repair or replacement of existing encroachments (e.g. boathouse, retaining wall)
Find the Lake Encroachment Permit Application here: tinyurl.com/LEPermitApplication
Waste Water (Septic) Systems Permit:
1. New septic systems in Vermont are required to obtain a state permit.
2. Upgrades to an existing septic system along a lake or stream require a Vermont Wastewater Permit when:
- changing your home from seasonal to year-round use
- expanding your home with new bedrooms or adding a new structure to be served by water. The appropriate size of a system is based on the number of bedrooms in your home.
- Note: The standard in Vermont designates the appropriate capacity as being two people/bedroom for the first three bedrooms and one person/bedroom beyond that. If you rent your home, make sure renters are aware of these limits so they don’t overstress your septic system.
- conducting minor repairs (essentially a crushed pipe or cracked septic tank). You must check with the regional office to see if you need a permit.
Do I need a Waste Water Permit? tinyurl.com/NeedAWWPermit