Please find answers to commonly asked questions below. If you do not see your question listed here, contact our Planning and Permitting Department Staff at 205 South St. Bennington, VT 05201. You can call us at 802-442-1037 , or email us permits@benningtonvt.org 

Additional Contacts:
Appeals
How do I appeal a decision of the Zoning Administrator?
See Appeals for information regarding how to file an appeal.
Exemptions
What types of construction, renovation, etc. are exempt from permits?
See Exemptions for information regarding exemptions from permits.
Permits
Do I need a permit to re-shingle my roof?
No, unless your property is in a design review district (downtown or Northside Drive/North Bennington Road).
Do I need a permit to install a fence?
No, unless the fence is taller than 8 ft, or potentially blocks view of drivers at an intersection.
Do I need a permit to replace my windows?
No, unless your property is in a design review district (downtown or Northside Drive / North Bennington Road).
Do I need a permit for a tree house?
No, provided it is small and does not have electricity run to it.
Do I need a permit for a shed?
Yes.  Use Application for Building and Zoning Permit.
Do I need a permit for a fabric structure for my vehicle?
Yes.  Use Appllication for Building and Zoning Permit – Residential.
Do I need a permit for a pool (above ground or in-ground)?
No.
Do I need a permit for a new furnace?
No.
Do I need a permit for an outdoor wood boiler?
Yes.  Use Application for Building and Zoning Permit.
Do I need a permit for a new porch or deck?
Yes.  Use Application for Building and Zoning Permit.
Do I need a permit to repair my porch or deck?
Usually.  Contact the Building inspector at  permits@benningtonvt.org or 802-442-1037.
Do I need a permit to build new stairs?
Yes.  Use Application for Building and Zoning Permit.
Do I need a permit to repair my stairs?
Usually.  Contact the Building Inspector at  permits@benningtonvt.org or 802-442-1037.
Public Building
What is a public building?
Any building other than an owner-occupied/single family building.  Duplexes, single family rentals, offices, retail stores, apartment buildings, warehouses, factories, etc. are public buildings.
Setbacks
What are the setbacks (required distance from adjacent property lines and the road) for new structures or additions on my property?
Consult the Land Use and Development Regulations Tables for the setbacks for your property or contact the Permitting Department at permits@benningtonvt.org or 802-442-1037.
Signs
Do I need a permit for a sign?
Yes, all new signs and all changes to existing signs require a sign permit.  Use the Sign Permit Application to apply for a permit.
Subdivision
Do I need to a permit to sell a portion of my property?
Yes, in most cases.  See Subdivisions PRD/PUD for more information.
Violations
Who do I report a violation of the building and/or zoning regulations?
See Code Enforcement for information on how to report a violation.