Building and Zoning Permit Guide Zoning The City of Rutland, like most municipalities across the US, has adopted a set of land use regulations known as Zoning. The purpose is to regulate building size, types of uses, and other features of development in accordance with the character and desired future of each district as identified in the City of Rutland Master Plan. Before you make a final selection about the location of your business, confirm with the Zoning Administrator that your intended use and/or construction is allowable on the property you are considering. This step includes the issuance of a Zoning Permit. In some cases, additional review by the Development Review Board and/or Architectural Review Committee may be needed in order for a Zoning Permit to be issued. Therefore, it is advisable to take this step early on in your decision making process. Our office provides no-cost advice about permit needs. Just call or visit us and we’ll let you know your options and what’s required. Building The City of Rutland has a number of ordinances that are enforced at the municipal level related to health and safety issues. Permits are required for both exterior and interior renovation, additions and construction. In addition, we require a Certificate of Occupancy to be obtained prior to a new resident or business occupying a space. For commercial developments (non-residential developments), the State’s Division of Fire Safety is also involved. Our inspectors offer a no-cost walk-through of properties to identify issues and outline improvements needed in order to comply with these important requirements. We actively coordinate with the Division of Fire Safety in order to make this as straightforward as possible. Type of Work Zoning Permit Building Permit Interior renovations with no change of use NO YES New construction for residential, commercial, industrial use YES YES Demolition Sometimes YES Addition to existing building YES YES Accessory structure; deck, garage, shed (sheds under 64 sq.ft. do not require permits), gazebo, porch, ramp etc. YES, with few exceptions YES Pool YES YES Signage NO YES (sign permit) Any change to property (including grading) within a Floodway or Floodplain YES Rebuild/replace in one year Sometimes YES Change in Use YES NO Subdivision of property YES NO Change to windows, building materials, awnings etc. YES, in design control districts In some circumstances Zoning Permits are reviewed for conformance with the Zoning Bylaws. Some permits can be issued by the Zoning Administrator directly. In certain circumstances, additional review of applications may be required by the City’s Development Review Board or Architectural Review Committee. This determination will be made as we review your Zoning Permit application – or you can call us to discuss in advance. Type of Permit Applying for: Associated Costs(s); refer to the permit cost calculator below: Zoning Permit No permit fee + $20 land record recording fee Demolition Permit $20 permit fee + $20 land record recording fee Building Permit (new construction) $20 permit fee + $.10/square foot + $20 land records recording fee Building Permit (renovation under $485K) $20 permit fee + $1.50/$1,000 of renovation costs + $20 land record recording fee Building Permit (major renovation above $485K) $20 permit fee + $1.50/$1,000 of renovation costs up to $485K + $.50/$1,000 of renovation costs above $485K +$20 land record recording fee Development Review Board – Conditional use, variance, site plan review, appeals of ZA decision $100 permit fee +$20 land record recording fee Development Review Board – Subdivision $125 for minor permits; $250 for major permits; $30 land records recording fee Architectural Review Committee No fees Sign Permit $50 permit fee Downloadable Guide Information about Building and Zoning Permits (PDF)