Permit Handbook

The Permit Handbook was once a 3-ring binder of information sheets found in many town and state offices. The Handbook was created by the Environmental Assistance Office (EAO) to assist people in understanding the various permit programs of the State of Vermont. Although the paper copies are no longer in service, their usefulness lives on in this online version.

The Handbook is now a list of permit information sheets in pdf format, each of which provides an up-to-date overview of the applicability, jurisdiction, and other details for each State permit or approval. The information sheets cover most Department of Environmental Conservation permit programs and many other Vermont and federal regulatory programs that may be required for your project or business.

Information sheets include:

• examples of regulated activities;
• criteria for permitting jurisdiction;
• statutory citations for authority and appeals; and
• contacts for more information.

Click Here for the online Handbook sheets

Small Business Handbook Sheets

Fact sheets have been developed for certain small business sectors, and include the most common required permits and staff contacts for more information. For assistance in determining the permits required for your project, visit the Permit Navigator for single parcel projects or contact a Community Assistance Specialist for linear, polygon, or multi-parcel projects.

The Permit Handbook information sheets (above) can also serve as an educational resource for individuals, groups, or those in public service who want to better understand the different types of permits or other approvals local businesses may be required to have.

Departments of Fish and Wildlife and Forests, Parks & Recreation

Some of the permit or license programs of the Departments of Fish and Wildlife and Forests, Parks & Recreation are not provided in the Permit Handbook. Links to these permit and license programs are provided separately.