To build virtually anything you will need to secure a few permits. This may seem daunting but the permitting officials are happy to help, so just give them a call or email. Understanding permitting as you design is critical. Make sure you have all permits before construction.

Permits cover a wide range of your needs, from construction permits, to electrical permits, to water/wastewater permits. Whether or not you are acting as your own general contractor, one of your first steps should be to consult your town’s zoning map (see HOW TO READ A ZONING BYLAW). This should give you a good indication of any special restrictions that may apply to your property. Most permits will require some sort of map of the site, sometimes this has to be surveyed but sometimes it can be hand drawn.

Here is a general outline of the usual order of things to consider:

• Driveway. If you are going to add a driveway or change how it meets the road you will need a permit, commonly called a ‘curb cut’ or ‘access’ permit. See your municipal office.
• Water. What is your water source? If your lot is on a public water system, call them for hookup information. If you have a well, you may be able to use that if it has enough flow, but you will need to check. In VT wells are regulated by the state under the same agency that also permits septic systems, contact VTDEC. In NH, wells are regulated by the state and also may be by the town as well. You should also have your well tested. Each state offers testing resources (VT and NH).
• Wastewater. If you are on municipal sewer, call them for hookup information. For sites in NH with on-site septic systems, contact NHDES. For sites in VT contact VTDEC. You may be able to use some or all of your current system if it has an approved design.
• If you are in a floodplain, you may need a separate zoning permit. Your town zoning official is the contact for this.
• To establish new electric and/or gas service, you will need to contact your local utility provider.
• Local zoning/building permit.
• State building permit. Bear in mind that all rental units, including ADUs, are subject to VT state building permits or NH state building code.
• Energy compliance. In VT, new or renovated residential living space is required to meet energy standards that may be in addition to state and local building permits. In NH this is part of the state building code.

Lastly, be wary of your timeline and budget for this step. Each permitting process will have a different timeframe and application fee. Permits may need to be submitted in a certain sequence. Give yourself 6 months to get all permits. Architects and general contractors may be familiar with the needed permits, but do not assume they are getting them without checking.

Below are some links to municipal permitting:

• Woodstock, VT
• Royalton, VT
• Randolph, VT
• Hartford, VT
• Bethel, VT
• Springfield, VT

• Windsor, VT
• Hanover, NH
• Claremont, NH
• Lebanon, NH
• Newport , NH

See HOW TO READ A ZONING BYLAW to find out how zoning regulations may affect your project.

With your permits in hand you are ready to go to the CONSTRUCTION phase.