[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",5974397,"mediaKeyId","5841572-c2fab9c75bdfc9633833158164a5f2db","parentId",5841572,"title","Commission orders research on bedrock removal and noise mitigation; adds requirement to research need for removal","audioSeconds",3448,"startMs",4302000,"endMs",7750000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5841572-c2fab9c75bdfc9633833158164a5f2db&start=4302&end=7750","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5841572-c2fab9c75bdfc9633833158164a5f2db/thumbnail_4302000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5974397/South-Burlington-City/Chittenden-County/Vermont/Commission-orders-research-on-bedrock-removal-and-noise-mitigation-adds-requirement-to-research-need-for-removal","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5974397-480f9a2ec160ea2f747e4132f90b91d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179756&Signature=jl9L-ThTMQ9UOuA1iALQF9DXBzfFuzBpbXiGZYvQHNGuIcq8up~38JBPAEWSLO-J5XYvUuUT7ufPD9MSeDiFGfqfIj1eBdo5r7fmtOIzhLVWgMFuMohkbvdZfUlTPrn62bPswcad~eOz1F8BMwQQvrcNC~vAKIwCoNFFlylsTBWCvUuXcHt71J6S5ghN86lx6lTvkUvTEHCn032W5DSiavNXWbzY-puxIvAx1ZxZnRGrrTSRIRhrAR~dSYnAdklazjRgj~f0F30A5GhDiuqxuDRNVGcUMCEl6zheJcpCRd6xjdnrbXHHusd3rBRk2AQcX~SnQJHAQScIFtYT~QMmDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","South Burlington City, VT","date","2025-09-25T00:00:00Z","article","The Planning Commission on Sept. 18 approved a project charge to study regulations and enforcement practices for bedrock removal and on-site processing (including chipping and blasting), responding to repeated public complaints about noise and disturbance from recent local projects.

Staff summarized the new rules the commission adopted in recent LDR amendments and explained how a Bedrock Removal and On-site Processing Plan must be submitted when bedrock removal is necessary or reasonably foreseeable during development review or when blasting is required. Staff noted a de minimis exception that currently allows hydraulic jackhammering up to 40 total hours per project without a formal bedrock removal plan; commissioners and members of the public raised concerns about that threshold and its effect in dense neighborhoods.

Why it matters: multiple members of the public described sustained, high-decibel drilling and chipping at nearby development sites and argued the city’s noise ordinance and the new bedrock rules do not currently protect public health, safety or welfare. A public commenter pointed to standards developed by the Vermont Environmental Board under Act 250 and urged the city to adopt comparable numeric limits for sensitive receiving locations such as homes, schools, day cares and parks. Commissioners and staff agreed the issue requires technical study—noise metrics, measurement protocols, enforcement feasibility, cost impacts and industry best practices—and that staff should consult worker-safety, building- and demolition-industry sources and other municipalities.

Action taken: the commission approved a project charge to research three areas: (1) other municipalities and industry best practices (including worker-safety standards); (2) the use of numerical or quantifiable limits for noise and vibration and how those would be measured and enforced; and (3) feasibility and enforcement implications (staffing, cost, technical review). Commissioners also accepted an amendment to include research into how applicants could demonstrate that bedrock removal is truly necessary (for example, whether site design alternatives or foundation design alternatives were considered). The motion carried unanimously.

Staff cautioned the regulations are new and untested locally; no bedrock removal plans had yet been submitted under the new rules at the time of the meeting. Staff said the DRB or administrative officer may require independent technical review of submitted plans.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","South Burlington Planning Commission - 9/24/2025","oneSentenceSummary","After sustained public concern about noise from on-site bedrock removal, the commission approved a project charge directing staff to research other jurisdictions' approaches, numerical/noise metrics, enforcement feasibility and to investigate whether applicants have feasible alternatives to bedrock removal.","taxTitle","South Burlington City, Chittenden County, Vermont","taxId",2752,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5974404,"Commission adopts project charge to explore adaptive reuse and alternative compliance rules",852,3430000,4282000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5841572-c2fab9c75bdfc9633833158164a5f2db&start=3430&end=4282","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5841572-c2fab9c75bdfc9633833158164a5f2db/thumbnail_3430000.jpg","/articles/5974404/South-Burlington-City/Chittenden-County/Vermont/Commission-adopts-project-charge-to-explore-adaptive-reuse-and-alternative-compliance-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5974404-4ccb384f5396ea97d895a6d336df1792/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179756&Signature=FBrkOy7QIMFPKRZMBiWXzwnAVhKpsKPYy2nCf9GwIv0WJ6SzjLrFwTnH~9mwwDqU0sfxtY46DEeEzmS4qAvfKjUOAyXmoMEZKepETgHx68gB2qRMNtKS0ZOwYL9N-yIapPG-yq~AIRakvPjU~5YaQSW0UFkdi8rPK~1aQhfWffuN~XW9foxcVRP7Rh0b0unkmEyiDJ2n1m6lZX1ncBdvCSnrw4naw31gVbJaRJdWeHaISAnGrpnHZQYXN6sa5Xe6KWpkhLI4YWWVG5CZx9FtYzJ3bTZth2u2DtWuGAg11zC09QAnGkwqd4LjbwvA-wcjdpvXhd46iDCGUkaA7BxELQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Commission on Sept. 18 approved a project charge directing staff to examine obstacles to adaptive reuse and to develop an alternative compliance framework that gives predictable guardrails for the Development Review Board (DRB) and applicants.

Staff framed three prongs for the project: (1) identify specific zoning or regulatory provisions that create unnecessary obstacles to redevelopment, (2) define an alternative compliance mechanism to allow creative solutions that meet regulatory purposes without strictly adhering to each written standard, and (3) reexamine nonconforming-structure rules and thresholds that trigger full compliance and demolition. “Adaptive reuse being adapting existing buildings and spaces into new uses instead of requiring them to be torn down because they're not, conforming with our current regulations,” a staff member said.

Why it matters: commissioners said they are aware that many existing commercial buildings and strip malls present opportunities for mixed-use housing and businesses but that building codes, life-safety requirements and current zoning limits can make renovation financially and technically difficult. Staff said the charge will focus on both zoning code fixes and coordination with building safety and fire-safety standards to identify viable, legally defensible pathways for partial reinvestment.

The commission approved the project charge by motion and will expect staff to return with options; staff said the earliest draft proposals are likely to appear later in November after legal review and interdepartmental coordination.","The Planning Commission adopted a project charge directing staff to research and propose changes to enable adaptive reuse of existing buildings and to define an alternative compliance mechanism for projects that cannot meet current standards without excessive demolition or cost.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5974409,"Commission reopens review of peddlers and seasonal-use rules to accommodate food trucks and seasonal outdoor businesses",799,2181000,2980000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5841572-c2fab9c75bdfc9633833158164a5f2db&start=2181&end=2980","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5841572-c2fab9c75bdfc9633833158164a5f2db/thumbnail_2181000.jpg","/articles/5974409/South-Burlington-City/Chittenden-County/Vermont/Commission-reopens-review-of-peddlers-and-seasonal-use-rules-to-accommodate-food-trucks-and-seasonal-outdoor-businesses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5974409-b45d3ef1c26ed945c59d65c4188cf417/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179756&Signature=JVCIQ3SDhHIdMNlUkE1FKCpjj9yiF~yoRVTpK0qHGdtZiUHKgQbTK1GCCHcS2b5VeLZfMfIiCfIDHq5sAMa7pbqr5UxMpyN6R78lDFWhiBuQtwiN0tK7tdzMxg0Y4vj5esT6RIVhXcQ2u3mS~eakXQgs4fKAEOkiXwIZ0pcnPHnpXhn46siS2c1HCqwPhhx-lmnV6SFrAkfX1Zi-mioRqD~5V1Fdl5Lva55sArRxDsCMiOGB7OrxYmCKwub-gec2cXSm3fnAUzNZCv6GTCf13TJoJcBCJDHomlkt7EKk4inyizCrgPvvg0cKibQTsn0gbevCgBDzMXsJFB8hkrV3rQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Commission on Sept. 18 was reintroduced to a project to modernize the city’s peddlers ordinance and create a new seasonal temporary use permit for semi-permanent seasonal businesses such as food trucks that operate in one place for extended months of the year.

Staff said the current peddlers ordinance (last updated in the 1980s) is a poor fit for contemporary food trucks and seasonal operations because it imposes a burdensome permitting process and background checks designed for door-to-door sales; it produces only one to two permit applications a year. “There is a fairly extensive permitting process that goes into that that is prescribed by the peddlers ordinance involving background checks, a lengthy service of process, process serving, interaction with the city clerk. This hasn't been updated since the 19 eighties,” staff said.

Why it matters: commissioners said they want a regulatorily light path that allows food trucks, seasonal snack-bar style operations and temporary outdoor business uses to operate while retaining guardrails for public safety, parking and impacts on brick-and-mortar businesses. Staff described two distinct regulatory tracks being considered: (1) a streamlined peddlers-permit path for brief, low-impact events and mobile vendors, and (2) a new seasonal temporary use permit for longer seasonal operations that would sit between peddlers permits and full site-plan-level review.

Commissioners asked staff to be explicit about the problems the new rules should prevent—what the guardrails are—and to minimize barriers to entry so small vendors can test concepts (food trucks as launching points for restaurants). Staff also noted that the city’s upcoming parking-management work for Market Street and Garden Street will be relevant when determining public-parking impacts and turnover policies for food trucks on public streets.

Staff will prepare draft regulations and criteria for when an activity needs a peddlers permit vs. the seasonal temporary use permit vs. a site plan, and return to the commission with a proposed framework and application process.","Planning staff reintroduced an update to the city’s peddlers ordinance and a proposed seasonal temporary use permit to create a lighter permitting path for food trucks and seasonal outdoor commercial activity, and the commission discussed guardrails and parking interactions.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5974414,"Commission reintroduces Williston Road zoning review; staff to scope boundaries and outreach",779,1281000,2060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5841572-c2fab9c75bdfc9633833158164a5f2db&start=1281&end=2060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5841572-c2fab9c75bdfc9633833158164a5f2db/thumbnail_1281000.jpg","/articles/5974414/South-Burlington-City/Chittenden-County/Vermont/Commission-reintroduces-Williston-Road-zoning-review-staff-to-scope-boundaries-and-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5974414-475804111434be7ebfa818db53bbb36f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179756&Signature=bJuxQO1~WnZt-uJLkDIcomax~Br76BfrD~tizXyhunXWQCzQ9xq~bIjjQfCGS1AIDB456EXjGsRsSy6OELUPRe3hCdiVec5Paj6~h9HeWQWWs3b~Fj9f6W-AHx998Fu3YrzeWJ9ptw7XNARuq2Tgx0Ju~MNaliCS9mn95Y75GnodHSbZNfvY2hSGPCjF1TIJaPUNpcI2Z3jwCXPrfrYdk-YSDwnRbVjRC3q2ZDXXd-7bYMtVH1OxISs2-0d1gVnyAd3oi2TwkLKrhs16~wVjveVobXzTawccY~xwhiwF2Tv8DmEYJCjU6-uVJeIeosd7YUcAQDVZwhiyT2m1~rfPBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Commission on Sept. 18 reintroduced a scoping step to evaluate whether a stretch of Williston Road should be redesignated from Low-Scale Neighborhood (LSN) to Medium-Scale Neighborhood (MSN). Staff said the segment between the Fort Myers (sic) code area and the higher-scale mixed-use district includes preexisting commercial uses, assisted-living and multifamily buildings that are nonconforming under current LSN rules.

Staff planner Nick (first name used in the meeting) outlined that the main differences between the districts would be in commercial and retail allowances—MSN permits consumer-facing commercial and 5–12 unit multifamily buildings versus LSN’s smaller residential limit—and said that an appropriate upzoning would likely be limited to parcels fronting Williston Road rather than extending deep into single-family neighborhoods. “As a general practice, we like to follow lot lines,” staff said when discussing possible approaches to drawing the boundary.

Why it matters: Williston Road is a high-traffic, transit-served corridor; rezoning could allow more transit-supportive commercial and housing types and would also bring some existing uses into compliance. Commissioners flagged concerns about potential strip development, impacts on nearby single-family neighborhoods and how far back new zoning should extend. Staff said they will perform additional analysis—lot-line based boundary options, parcel ownership and rental status, and targeted outreach to impacted neighborhoods, business owners and transit users—and will return with solid recommendations for the commission’s review.

No formal zoning map amendment was proposed or adopted at the meeting. The discussion served as a reintroduction and direction for staff to prepare options and an outreach plan.

Commissioners asked staff to gather parcel-level ownership and tenancy data and bring it back along with draft boundary options and an outreach plan before any zoning change is advanced.","The Planning Commission reintroduced a project to consider redesignating a segment of Williston Road from Low-Scale Neighborhood to Medium-Scale Neighborhood zoning and asked staff to define boundaries, do targeted outreach and return with options.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5974417,"Planning commission unanimously backs grant application for buildings-and-thermal climate action implementation plan",609,667000,1276000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5841572-c2fab9c75bdfc9633833158164a5f2db&start=667&end=1276","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5841572-c2fab9c75bdfc9633833158164a5f2db/thumbnail_667000.jpg","/articles/5974417/South-Burlington-City/Chittenden-County/Vermont/Planning-commission-unanimously-backs-grant-application-for-buildings-and-thermal-climate-action-implementation-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5974417-d9008523c5923fb72b11e7f13b6c08ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771179756&Signature=hLDK5KZqBoOt~BcWf7uonsRRRXhesJ6CXuEVOwpE5wtrqAHFHMzyZMi1RvZgND3d~WD~~hMlPiCjnc1PyiIJ6Wt1AnQH74MWuMw-PRhkkDPGMZQtN-mjo1iYJkiNAgKBnPyXADHJypYoo3mnn6MFyEgkeMQtkJ~sHlRY-hrdJ8TR6GNugyL1nNXlNhZkp8~IB~2tgPC7Ok63NBVFv4jcvltunxad-CdtKHoofzBg~2RKjI~N8WFOK-C35uAe8GNZ04ZR2QhDjPM8DasHRuplFQyFFMGDDPpemwTCfF6G4TS-pXv20DOmUyBIwBU8DvUgjG4rEn5bp8u9Kb5rVvwEEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The South Burlington Planning Commission on Sept. 18 recommended that the City Council approve a municipal planning grant application to fund a buildings-and-thermal-sector climate action implementation plan. The commission voted unanimously to forward the application recommendation to the council.

Commission staff said the proposed implementation plan focuses on the buildings and thermal portion of the city's Climate Action Plan and is timed to match state grant priorities related to climate resilience and mitigation. “We funded in the last few years the equity and planning outreach program, project through toolkit, through this program,” a staff member said during the meeting. The memo attached to the agenda explained that the work would be an implementation step for one section of the Climate Action Plan and that staff and any consultants would gather data, conduct outreach and draft an actionable plan of measures and resources.

Why it matters: the buildings and thermal sector is a major source of greenhouse-gas emissions in many municipalities; the commission and staff framed the work as translating planning goals into concrete, implementable steps aimed at private buildings as well as public operations. Commissioners and members of the public raised questions about how the plan would address owner-occupied versus rental properties and whether the city has levers to influence private investment. Staff replied that the plan would explicitly assess barriers and available resources and that outreach would include business and property owners. Bettina Maguez, identified in the meeting as the new Climate Action Manager, was named in the packet as the staff lead for the project.

The commission's action was procedural: the body recommended that the City Council approve submission of the grant application. Staff emphasized the application is not a guarantee of funding; the state award process also distributes money geographically and by topic. The recommendation now moves to the City Council for final authorization to apply.

Commissioners asked staff to ensure the plan's outreach, implementation and economic incentives (for example, helping show payback periods and available financing) are part of the scope so property owners can evaluate upgrades. Staff said they would include barriers and resources in the work scope and that the planning grant has previously supported public outreach projects for equity and planning.","The South Burlington Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council approve a municipal planning grant application to fund an implementation plan for the buildings and thermal sector of the city's Climate Action Plan.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission orders research on bedrock removal and noise mitigation; adds requirement to research need for removal

Commission adopts project charge to explore adaptive reuse and alternative compliance rules

Commission reopens review of peddlers and seasonal-use rules to accommodate food trucks and seasonal outdoor businesses

Commission reintroduces Williston Road zoning review; staff to scope boundaries and outreach

Planning commission unanimously backs grant application for buildings-and-thermal climate action implementation plan