Planning & Zoning

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

Bristol Town Plan Update:

Town Plan Community Dinner! – Join us Saturday May 9th at 5:30pm for a community dinner and kick off to the Town Plan Update. Follow link for flyer and additional information.

General Planning & Development Survey: This survey ran from March to April. A total of 40 responses were received. The survey asked two questions: What matters most to you about Bristol’s future AND Are you planning a future in Bristol, if yes what does it look like? The responses are available at the following links: Planning a Future Responses What Matters for the Future Responses

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
- ADU Checklist
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
Certificate of Compliance

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; other reviews as specified in Unified Development Regulations.

Planning:

Town Plan:

General Planning & Development Survey: This short survey is meant to get a sense of what is important to residents in Bristol as the Planning Commission begins the Town Plan update process.

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.

Town of Bristol, Vermont