For Planning Commissions
Municipal Planning Development Guides
Discover resources designed to support planning commissions in guiding municipal growth and development. A practical starting point for informed local decision-making.
Module
State Planning Module 1 — The Municipal Plan
The purpose of this State Planning Module is to provide a guide for municipal planning commissions in fulfilling their role and responsibilities as set forth in 24 V.S.A. Chapter 117, the Municipal and Regional Planning and Development Act.
State Planning Module 1 — The Municipal Plan is a new and up-to-date guidance to help citizen planners build consensus on the community’s top priorities and develop concrete action steps that local leaders can achieve.
PDF (10.9 MB) 
Module
State Planning Module 2 — State Designation Programs
The purpose of this State Planning Module is to provide a guide for municipal planning commissions in fulfilling their role and responsibilities as set forth in 24 V.S.A. Chapter 117, the Municipal and Regional Planning and Development Act.
State Planning Module 2 — State Designation Programs is a concise guide on the five state designation programs and their benefits — along with case studies that show how communities have used the designations to achieve their goals.
Tools
Plan and Bylaw Adoption Tools
Forms and checklists for municipal plan and bylaw preparation and adoption. Addresses sections 4385 and 4441-4447 of 24 V.S.A Chapter 117.
Note: This document was updated in March 2017. Please use this version to replace earlier versions.
Manual
Sample Bylaws and Definitions
Addresses sections 4412, 4413, 4462, 4464 and 4471 of 24 V.S.A Chapter 117.
Manual
Manual of Procedures for Administration & Enforcement of VT Zoning Bylaws under 24 V.S.A Chapter 117
This document provides sample language and commentary for updating the procedural sections of municipal zoning bylaws to meet the Chapter 117 requirements adopted in 2004.
Whiting, VT
Photo by
Caleb Kenna PhotographyLand Use Planning Implementation Manual
Explore Implementation ManualFrom Plan to Action
Helping communities achieve their planning goals.
The Vermont Land Use Planning Implementation Manual is a package of 30 topic papers introducing a wide range of concepts, tools, and techniques for helping communities achieve their planning goals.
Grant Funding Resources
Grant funding resources help communities access financial support to plan, build, and grow. These programs provide opportunities for municipalities and organizations to strengthen projects, invest in infrastructure, and address community priorities. Explore available funding sources to find the right opportunities for your community’s needs.
Community Planning Toolbox
The Community Planning Toolbox introduces users to the issues, techniques and resources for planning for Vermont's downtowns and villages, as well as the natural resources that surround them. It features case studies and sample tools that demonstrate how other communities have addressed similar challenges to those facing your community.