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-24-03 | City Council |
Emergency Shelters This amendment brings emergency shelter standards in the CDO into compliance with the current statutory standards. |
City Council held the first reading of this amendment during its meeting on June 24. The amendment was referred to the City Council Ordinance Committee to discuss at a future meeting. |
| ZA-24-04 | Planning Commission |
Neighborhood Code Part II This amendment modifies the residential zoning district standards to facilitate additional housing types and addresses a range of topics not addressed in ZA-24-02 |
The Planning Commission discussed this amendment during its meeting on June 25. This amendment will continue to be discussed during the Commission's meeting on July 9. |
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.
