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Home-Based Businesses

A home occupation zoning permit is required for any business to operate out of an owner’s home. (Note: If you rent your home, make sure to check if operating a business is allowed in your lease.)

Permit Process:  Visit the Planning & Zoning website to get a copy of the Zoning Permit Application Form, a Home Occupation questionnaire and information. There are two levels of Home Occupations, one that simply needs “Administrative Approval” (with non-refundable fee) and the other being “Conditional Use Approval” which is reviewed by the Development Review Board (which has a different non-refundable fee). To determine which one you will need, visit the website and review Section 5.4.6 of the Zoning Ordinance. Alternatively, you can just pick up the phone and discuss your project with P&Z to get a good idea what level you’re applying for.

If you are modifying your home to accommodate your business, you may also need to obtain a building permit from the Department of Public Works (802) 863-9094.

Street Vendors

To be a Vendor on the Church Street Marketplace:  You must apply to the Church Street Marketplace Commission located at 2 Church Street, Suite 2A on the second floor or call (802) 863-1648.  In your application, you will need to attach photographs or drawings of your cart showing all sides and measurements.  There is an application fee.  Along with the application, you must  submit a Vendor Application Checklist. 

Vendor License fees vary depending on vendor type and location within the Marketplace. Food vendors, remember to sign up for a gross receipts account with the Clerk/Treasurer’s Office.

To be a Vendor beyond the Church Street Marketplace:

General Peddling District:  Includes all locations throughout the City except a designated area of downtown and within the parks.  Monthly or yearly fees apply for each license.  Vehicle endorsements carry additional fees.

Central Peddling District:  Includes a designated area of downtown.  Yearly, six-month or monthly fees apply for each license.  Vehicle endorsements are not applicable.

University Place:  There are only seven spaces available.  Peddlers must sign an agreement.  There is a waiting list.

Complete and submit a Peddler License Application to the Clerk’s Office. You will be asked for a description of your cart, stand or vehicle and for a proposed location.

The Secretary of State's Office licenses the following professions.  If your profession is listed below, give them a call (802) 828·2386 or visit online.

Accountancy, Acupuncture, Architecture, Athletic Trainer, Auctioneer, Barber/Cosmetology, Boxing, Chiropractic, Crematory Establishment, Dental, Dietician, Electrolysis, Engineer, Funeral Service, Hearing Aid Dispenser, Land Surveyor, Marriage/Family Therapy, Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Midwife, Motor Vehicle Racing, Naturopath, Nursing, Nursing Home Administrator, Occupational Therapy, Opticians, Optometry, Osteopath, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Private Investigative/Security, Psychoanalysis, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Radiologic Technology, Real Estate Appraiser, Real Estate Broker/Salesperson, Respiratory Care Practitioner, Social Worker, Tattooists/Body Piercers, Veterinary.

Consult the State’s Professional Regulation website for agencies who regulate the following professions: Attorneys, Drug & Alcohol Counselors, Licensed Educators, Insurance Agents/Brokers, Plumbers, Electricians, Polygraph Examiners, Well Drillers, Physicians, Physicians Assistants, Podiatrists, Speech Pathologist/Audiologist.

Advice

Calling Planning & Zoning (802) 865-7188 or the Community & Economic Development Office (802) 865-7187 before you start your project can save the day.

Discuss your needs and the process of reaching your goals.

Complications are easier to overcome if you can prepare ahead.  Untangling a situation after the fact is almost always more difficult and more costly.

 Other Things You Need to Know for Peddler Licenses

All peddlers must check with Planning & Zoning (802) 865-7188 to see if they will need a Home Occupation permit.

Food Peddlers are required to put down a refundable deposit.

Selling door-to-door requires a Peddler's License.

Farmers, delivery services and non-profit solicitors are not required to have a peddling license.