At The Carriage Shed, we’re proud to offer a diverse range of structures—including tiny homes and park models—designed to suit a variety of lifestyles. As the tiny home movement gains momentum in Vermont, understanding the state’s rules and zoning laws is key to making your dream a reality.
This guide is here to help you navigate tiny home regulations in Vermont. While we don’t handle the permitting process directly, we’re always happy to point you in the right direction. With local rules that can vary widely from town to town, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—but that’s where we come in!
Understanding Vermont’s Tiny Home Regulatory Landscape
Vermont takes a decentralized approach to tiny home regulations. While the state provides some general guidelines (here’s one on ADUs), the real authority often lies at the county and municipal level. That means zoning laws, building codes, and occupancy rules can vary drastically depending on your location.
Key Areas to Consider:
- Zoning Laws – These determine where your tiny home can be placed, whether as a primary residence, accessory dwelling unit (ADU), or temporary structure.
- Building Codes – Standards may differ based on whether your home is on a permanent foundation or built on wheels.
- Occupancy Rules – Includes details like minimum square footage, sanitation, and utility hookup requirements.
Since each county has its own approach, use this guide as a springboard to research what’s possible in your area. Always reach out to your local zoning office or town clerk for the latest information.
County-by-County Overview: Tiny Home Placement in Vermont
Note: Each link below takes you to the corresponding county’s planning or regional commission page for more information.
You can also use the State of Vermont’s Website to look up your specific town right away here.
- Addison County
Tiny homes are permitted on both foundations and wheels, but local zoning applies—especially in more rural areas.
🔗 Visit Addison County
- Bennington County
Zoning and land use are managed locally. The Town of Bennington, for example, has specific ordinances.
🔗 Bennington County Info
- Caledonia County
Tiny homes are possible, but you’ll want to consult town-by-town bylaws for exact rules.
🔗 Caledonia County Overview
- Chittenden County
Burlington leads the way here, allowing tiny homes as ADUs with minimal square footage requirements.
🔗 Chittenden County RPC
- Essex County
Each municipality sets its own rules. Essex County towns often lean rural, offering more placement flexibility.
🔗 Essex County Website
- Franklin County
Franklin County supports rural development, but tiny homes need to meet local zoning and health regulations.
🔗 Franklin County Chamber
- Grand Isle County
Waterfront zoning and rural farmland dominate here—tiny homes are welcome in many towns, depending on size and location.
🔗 Grand Isle County
- Lamoille County
Zoning rules differ by town, and the planning commission offers help navigating local bylaws.
🔗 Lamoille County Planning
- Orange County
Town-level governance rules the day. Most towns are open to creative housing with proper permitting.
🔗 Orange County Website
- Orleans County
Tiny home-friendly with lots of rural land, but check for town-specific size and use requirements. There is not a website for this county, but it is easy to use the Vermont State website to look up your specific town or city.
🔗 Vermont State Website – Town & Cities Look Up
- Rutland County
Generally tiny home-friendly, with strong support for modular construction and rural homesteading.
🔗 Rutland RPC
- Washington County
Central Vermont towns vary widely—Montpelier, for instance, has robust housing guidance.
🔗 Washington County RPC
- Windham County
Minimum square footage rules apply in some areas—especially for full-time living. ADUs may offer workarounds.
🔗 Windham Regional Commission
- Windsor County
Tiny homes are treated like traditional dwellings, so expect to follow full zoning and building processes. There is not a website for this county, but it is easy to use the Vermont State website to look up your specific town or city.
🔗 Vermont State Website – Town & City Lookup
Park Model Regulations in Vermont
Park model homes—typically classified as recreational vehicles (RVs)—have their own unique set of regulations in Vermont:
- VIN Numbers – All mobile units require a vehicle identification number.
- Towing & Weight Limits – Must comply with trailer safety and towing laws.
- Placement & Zoning – Some towns treat park models like full-time residences, while others limit them to seasonal or RV use.
Each town views park models differently, so make sure to check your local rules or consult a zoning administrator.
Final Thoughts
Living tiny in Vermont is more than a lifestyle—it’s a community-focused way of life. With the right research and support, your dream of a tiny home or park model can absolutely become reality.
At The Carriage Shed, we’re here to guide you through the process—from exploring your options to making sure your build aligns with Vermont’s tiny home regulations. Check out our Tiny Home Page to see what’s possible, and reach out to chat about your next steps!