The Planning & Zoning Administrator is AZ Larsen who can be contacted by phone at (802) 453-3648 or e-mail at zoning@bristolvt.org.
Office Hours for the Zoning Administrator are:
- Walk-In: Monday – Wednesday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
- By Appointment: Thursday & Friday
Declaration of Inclusion
Zoning:
Zoning Documents
- Unified Development (Zoning and Subdivision) Regulations (adopted November 5, 2024)
- Permit Fee Schedule
- Zoning Districts – Downtown Area
- Zoning Districts – Whole Town
- Interactive Map Viewer – Parcel Maps
Zoning Application Forms & Checklists
- General Zoning Permit : Print – Fillable PDF
- Development Review: Print – Fillable PDF
- For applications to the Development Review Board or Downtown Design Review Commission
- Subdivision & Boundary Line Adjustment Application: Print – Fillable PDF
- Sign Application: Print – Fillable PDF
Zoning Resources
- Criteria for ADUs: Flowchart showing the requirements for Accessory Dwelling Units
- PS3817 | PS3665 : Certificate of Mailing forms
Vermont Building Energy Standards
Many projects that require a zoning permit also require compliance with the Vermont Building Energy Standards. Below are links to more information about these standards. On September 17, 2025 Governor Scott signed an executive order that reinstates the 2020 Energy Standards as an option for projects. For questions regarding these standards please contact the Energy Code Assistance Center at +1(855)887-0673.
- Residential Building Energy Standards | Department of Public Service – State Website
- 2024 Residential Building Energy Standards Handbook – PDF
- Commercial Building Energy Standards | Department of Public Service – State Website
- 2024 Commercial Building Energy Standards Handbook -PDF
- RBES – Bristol FAQ – Brief summary of residential building energy standards and impact on local permitting
Development Review Board (DRB)
The Development Review meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. Meetings are scheduled when applications are received. Applications to the DRB must be received at least 25 days prior to a meeting date. The DRB is a quasi-judicial board and is responsible for reviewing applications for the following: appeals of the ZA; variances; waivers; conditional uses; requests for Right-of-Ways; subdivisions; Site Plan Review.
Planning:
Town Plan:
West Street Sidewalk Improvement Scoping Study:
This study is looking at possible improvements to the sidewalk infrastructure along the southern portion of West Street from Holley Hall to the Village Creeme Stand. The purpose of this study is to determine alternatives for a sidewalk that increases pedestrian safety, accessibility, and connectivity.
Draft Alternatives: Three alternatives presented at the 12/8/2025 Selectboard Meeting.
Recommended Preferred Alternative Presentation: VHB will be presenting the draft scoping report and recommended preferred alternative to the Selectboard
Proposed Bristol Unified Development Regulations amendments: Voters approved 11/5/2024.
- Planning Commission memo, October 17, 2023.
- Complete document with proposed additions and deletions.
- Selectboard Public Hearing Notice on Proposed Amendments to Bristol Unified Development Regulations
- Proposed Unified Development Regulations Amendments w/ Selectboard Adjustments (full document)
Approved Zoning Permits:
This table is for posting approved zoning permits and the corresponding appeal period. If you have questions about a certain permit please email the PZA at zoning@bristolvt.org the permit # for more information.| Permit # | Location | Brief Description | Approval Date | Appeal By Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-024 | 139 North Street Lot #3 | Single Family Dwelling | 5/6/2025 | 5/26/2025 |
| 25-023 | 78 Stetson Road | Accessory Structure- workshop | 5/5/2025 | 5/25/2025 |
| 25-022 | 14 Jay Drive | Minor Adjustment to permit #24-034 | 5/1/2025 | |
| 25-021 | 131 Norris Lane | Accessory Structure-deck | 5/1/2025 | 5/21/2025 |
| 25-020 | Briggs Hill Road | Accessory Structure- shed | 4/29/2025 | 5/19/2025 |
| 25-019 | 3382 South 116 Road | Change of Use- garage to ADU | 4/29/2025 | 5/19/2025 |
| 25-018 | 30 Maple Street | Alteration/Addition | 4/28/2025 | 5/18/2025 |
| 25-017 | 101 Sunwood Lane | Accessory Structure- barn | 4/23/2025 | 5/13/2025 |
| 25-016 | 1512 S 116 | Single Family Dwelling | 4/22/2025 | 5/12/2025 |
| 25-216 | 2600 Lower Notch Rd | Boundary Line Adjustment | 4/23/2025 | 5/13/2025 |
| 25-015 | 806 Rockydale Rd | Alteration/Addition | 4/15/2025 | 5/5/2025 |
| 25-014 | 7698 Plank Rd | Accessory Structure – deck | 4/15/2025 | 5/5/2025 |
| 25-013 | 402 Thomas Dr | Accessory structure- storage container | 4/15/2025 | 5/5/2025 |
| 25-012 | 2085 Lower Notch Rd | Accessory Structure- 3 season porch | 4/14/2025 | 5/4/2025 |
| 25-008 | 75 Firehouse Dr | Accessory Use – ev charger | 4/9/2025 | 4/29/2025 |
| 25-010 | 1908 Lower Notch Road | Accessory Structure- garage | 4/3/2025 | 4/20/2025 |
| 25-011 | Lawson Ln | Accessory Structure- detached garage | 3/31/2025 | 4/17/2025 |
| 25-009 | River Rd | Change of Use- garage to ADU | 3/25/2025 | 4/14/2025 |
| 25-007 | Off Hewitt Rd | Single Family Dwelling- 3BDR SFD | 3/4/3035 | 3/21/2025 |
| 25-006 | 52 North St | Accessory Structure- detached garage | 2/26/2025 | 3/18/2025 |
| 25-005 | 122 Thomas Dr | Accessory Structure- garage | 2/18/2025 | 3/7/2025 |
| 25-206 | 48 North St | Change of Use – B&B to Single Family Dwelling | 2/18/2025 | 3/7/2025 |
| 25-004 | 15 Monkton Road | Change of Use- Barn converted to 1BDR ADU | 2/3/2025 | 2/20/2025 |
| 25-003 | 68 Pine Street | Residential- Single Family Dwelling (3 BDR) | 1/27/2025 | 2/11/2025 |
| 25-002 | 125 North Street | Accessory Structure- garage | 1/23/2025 | 2/9/2025 |
| 24-071 | S. 116 Road | Change of Use- Accessory Dwelling Unit conversion of garage | 11/27/2024 | 12/14/2024 |
| 24-070 | S. 116 Road | Accessory Structure- garage | 11/25/2024 | 12/12/2024 |
| 24-069 | Lovers Lane | Accessory Structure- single car garage | 11/18/2024 | 12/5/2024 |
| 24-068 | North Street | Change of Use- Accessory Dwelling Unit conversion of barn | 11/22/2024 | 12/12/2024 |