Land Use Regulations
- Read through the zoning regulations for your municipality and familiarize yourself with Act 143.
- Obtain a zoning permit, if necessary.
- Determine if your municipality requires a site plan review.
- Submit an application and site plan review to your municipality, if necessary.
It’s important to note that Act 143, as amended by Act 181, regulates Accessory On-Farm Businesses (AOFBs) in Vermont. If your business features or sells qualifying products, you may need to submit an application to your municipality for a site plan review. The definition of qualifying products has been expanded to include:
- Agricultural products produced on any farm, regardless of total annual sales
- Products that name, describe, or promote the farm or AOFB
- Bread and baked goods
- All previously allowed products under Act 143
Importantly, Act 181 has removed the requirement that at least 50% of annual income must come from products grown or produced on the farm where the business is located. Different municipalities may have different rules, but they cannot prohibit an accessory on-farm business.
Licenses
The following table can help you navigate the regulations and licenses required for various types of foods and products that you may be selling or serving.
- If you are selling wholesale, follow regulations listed below.
- If you are producing and serving food regularly, then you may need licensing from the agency for food processing, as well as separate licensing for food service from the Department of Health.
- If you are using products from your farm to make any of these products (for example, jams) then you should follow any regulations listed below for those products.
| Food Product | Examples | Agency with Oversight | Permits/Licenses that Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
Dairy | Milk, cheese | Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, Dairy Section Phone: 802-828-2421 |
|
Frozen Dessert | Ice cream, sorbet | Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, Dairy Section Phone: 802-828-2421 |
|
Baked Goods | Pastries, bread, cake | Vermont Department of Health, Bakery Section Phone 802-863-7221 |
|
Meat | Sliced deli meat, sausages, whole meat cuts | Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Phone: 802-828-2426 |
|
Processed Food | Candy, popcorn, jellies, ciders | Vermont Department of Health Phone: 802-863-7221 |
|
Canned Goods | Fruits, meat | Vermont Department of Health for fruit and vegetables and Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets for meat Phone (Department of Health): 802-863-7221 Phone (VAAFM): 802-828-2426 |
|
Malt and Vinous Beverages | Wine, beer, spirits, cider, mead | Department of liquor control enforcement and licensing division Contact: 802-828-2345 |
|
Maple Syrup | Syrup, sugar | Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, Maple section Phone: 802-828-2430 |
|
General Produce | Tomatoes, corn, squash | Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Phone: 802-461-5128 |
|
Strawberries | Vermont Statutes Phone: 802-828-2430 |
| |
Eggs | Vermont Statutes Phone: 802-828-2430 | ||
Potatoes | Vermont Statutes Phone: 802-828-2430 | ||
Apples | Vermont Statutes Phone: 802-828-2430 |