Act 250: A Quick Guide for Homeowners and Buyers

Written By Brian Steinmetz

If you’ve ever tried to build big in Vermont, you’ve probably run into a phrase that strikes equal parts curiosity and dread: Act 250.

It’s not a new indie band or a backroad motorcycle route — it’s Vermont’s statewide development review law. Since 1970, it’s been the referee for big projects, making sure they don’t mess with the environment, community, or infrastructure.

Think of it as Vermont’s way of saying: “We’ll take growth, but only if it plays nice with the mountains, rivers, and small-town charm.”

A large construction project in downtown Winooski featuring a hotel and affordable housing in one.

When Does Act 250 Apply?

Not every home renovation triggers it — you can remodel your kitchen in peace. But if you’re:

  • Building a big housing development

  • Expanding a ski area

  • Subdividing land into multiple lots

  • Working above 2,500 feet elevation

    …you might need a permit before you can even start.

The 10 Criteria (a.k.a. Vermont’s Checklist for Playing Nice)

Every Act 250 review looks at these:

  1. Air and water quality – Don’t pollute the goods.

  2. Water supply – Have enough without drying up your neighbors’ wells.

  3. Wastewater – Can the septic or sewer handle it?

  4. Soil erosion – Keep the dirt where it belongs.

  5. Traffic – Don’t turn Main Street into rush hour.

  6. Community services – Schools, fire, and police can’t be overloaded.

  7. Aesthetics – Protect Vermont’s postcard views.

  8. Wildlife – Make sure the moose and songbirds aren’t evicted.

  9. Productive land – Farmland and forest stay useful.

  10. Local and regional plans – Does it fit the town’s vision?

Aren’t checklists fun?

Why It Matters for You

Act 250 is one big reason Vermont looks the way it does — green mountains, open fields, no endless sprawl. (And no billboards since 1968 — you’re welcome.)

If you’re buying property, especially land, understanding Act 250 can save you headaches down the road. If you’re selling, it’s worth knowing whether a buyer’s plans might bump into these rules.

Bottom Line

Act 250 isn’t here to stop progress — it’s here to make sure Vermont still feels like Vermont, even as it grows. Whether you’re a developer, buyer, or just someone who loves this place, it’s worth knowing how it works.

Check out the video below for more!

Brian Steinmetz
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