Deck / Patio Permit Requirements in Burlington, VT
Vermont adopted the 2021 Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code based on 2021 IRC. Trades Division (construction permits): (802) 863-9094 x3.
When you DON'T need a permit
Freestanding decks not more than 30 inches above grade are exempt from a building permit per IRC R105.2.
Source: City of Burlington Code / Vermont RBES (IRC 2021)
When you DO need a permit
Attached decks require a building permit even if under 30 inches above grade.
Estimated fee: $100 – $350
Typical timeline: About 2 weeks
Source: City of Burlington Code / Vermont RBES (IRC 2021)
Decks more than 30 inches above grade require a building permit.
Estimated fee: $150 – $500
Typical timeline: About 2 weeks
Source: City of Burlington Code / Vermont RBES (IRC 2021)
Covered decks or those over 300 sq ft require a building permit.
Estimated fee: $200 – $600
Typical timeline: About 3 weeks
Source: City of Burlington Code / Vermont RBES (IRC 2021)
What Makes Burlington Different
Here's how Burlington's deck / patio rules stack up against the standard IRC baseline that most of the country follows.
Stricter Than the IRC
Attached decks require a building permit even if under 30 inches above grade.
Decks more than 30 inches above grade require a building permit.
1 rule match the IRC baseline — no surprises there.
Deck / Patio Permit Costs: Burlington vs. Nearby
Burlington's fees are right in line with the Vermont average — $100 – $600 versus $115 – $372 statewide.
| City | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Burlington | $100 – $600 |
| South Burlington | $100 – $350 |
| South Burlington | $150 – $500 |
| South Burlington | $200 – $600 |
Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation.
Zoning & HOA Considerations
Decks may be subject to zoning setback and lot coverage requirements. Check with your local planning department before building near property lines.
If you live in an HOA community: many HOAs restrict deck materials, colors, size, and placement. Review your CC&Rs and submit an architectural review request before applying for a building permit. HOA approval can take 1–6 weeks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Estimated permit fees for Deck / Patio projects in Burlington, VT range from $100 – $350. Fees vary based on project scope and valuation.
It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Deck / Patio projects may be exempt from permit requirements, while larger ones typically require a permit. Use our free lookup tool to check your specific situation.
Working without a required permit in Burlington can result in fines, stop-work orders, being required to remove completed work, and complications when selling your home. It's always best to check first.
Typical approval time for Deck / Patio permits in Burlington is About 2 weeks. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.
If you live in an HOA community, you may need architectural review approval in addition to a building permit. HOA rules and city building codes are separate — you may need to satisfy both. Review your CC&Rs and submit to your HOA's architectural review committee before starting work.
Learn More About Deck / Patio Permits
Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.
Read Deck / Patio Guide →