ADU Laws in Vermont (2026)
Vermont state ADU law details, key provisions, preemption status, and recent legislative changes for accessory dwelling units.
Law Name
Vermont Act 47 (S.100) — An Act Relating to Housing Opportunities Made for Everyone · Verified June 25, 2026 · Source
Effective Date
2023-07-01
Preempts Local Ordinances
Yes — state law overrides local restrictions
Has State Law
Yes
Statewide ADU Preemption Applies
State law establishes statewide preemption standards that supersede local regulations. The citation and source below confirm the verified legal basis.
Key Provisions
Requires municipalities that have zoned for residential use to allow ADUs by right on all lots with single-family homes · Source
ADUs must be permitted ministerially — no zoning board approval, special exception, or variance required · Source
Local zoning regulations may set reasonable size, setback, and design standards but cannot prohibit ADUs · Source
Municipalities may not require owner-occupancy of either the primary or accessory unit · Source
Parking requirements for ADUs are limited — no additional off-street parking requirement for ADUs within transit areas · Source
Act 47 also addressed accessory structures, missing middle housing, and simplification of Act 250 development review for modest-scale housing · Source
Municipalities with land use bylaws must amend them to comply with Act 47 by January 1, 2024 · Source
Legislative History
2023 — S.100 (Act 47) · Verified June 25, 2026 · Source
Vermont's comprehensive housing reform act. Requires municipalities to allow ADUs by right on all residential lots with single-family homes. Eliminates owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs. Also reforms Act 250 review for small-scale housing and promotes missing middle housing. Effective July 1, 2023. · Source
Official Sources
What Does Preemption Mean for Local Cities?
Because Vermont law preempts local ordinances, individual cities cannot impose restrictions stricter than the state standard. A city may still have additional administrative requirements, but cannot deny ADU applications that comply with state minimums.
Learn about Vermontzoning preemption →Source: Vermont Act 47 (S.100) — An Act Relating to Housing Opportunities Made for Everyone. Last verified April 5, 2026. View source