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Home-Based Businesses

There is a special zoning permit process for businesses that operate out of the owner's home. If you rent your home, make sure to check if operating a business is allowed in your lease!

Permit Process:  Call or visit Planning & Zoning (802·865·7188) and fill out a Zoning Permit Application Certificate for the appropriate level 1, 2 or 3.  (To determine which level is appropriate, you will first fill out a questionnaire - but you can also just pick up the phone and discuss your project with P&Z to get a good idea what level you're applying for.) 

Level 1 involves an administrative process and non-refundable fee.  Level 2 or 3 involve a Conditional Use process (including a public hearing) and a non-refundable fee that varies.  If you are applying for Level 2 or 3, you will need to fill out a Development Review Board Permit Application. 

If you are modifying your home to accommodate your business, you may need to get a building permit from 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 (802·863·1648), located at 2 Church Street on the second floor.  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 what type of vendor you are and where on Church Street you will locate.

To Be a Vendor beyond the Church Street Marketplace: Complete and submit a Peddler License Application to the Clerk's Office (802·865·7000) in City Hall.  You will be asked for a description of your cart, stand or vehicle and for a proposed location.

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.

The Vermont 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, Drug & Alcohol Counselors, 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, Speech Language Pathologist & Audiologist, Tattooists/Body Piercers, Veterinary

Advice

Calling Planning & Zoning (802·865·7188) or the Community & Economic Development Office 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.