Land Development Code Amendments 2023

Create Opportunities to Build More Housing

To address the severe housing shortage, we propose creating opportunities for the creation of new homes throughout much of the city by:

• allowing up to three dwelling units per lot in Residential Zoning Districts (R-1 and R-2),
• allowing up to four dwelling units per lot in the Residential Zoning Districts (R-1 and R-2), as required by state statute
• allowing qualifying affordable housing developments to exceed existing height limits by one story, as required by state statute
• allowing increased density in the Multi-Family Residential Districts (MF-1 and MF-2),
• simplifying and improving the Accessory Dwelling Unit approval process, and
• adding special standards to maintain the aesthetic characteristics of residential districts.

For more details on opportunities to build more housing and the LDC amendments, click here.

Strengthen Standards for Design and Historic Preservation

Essex Junction is growing, and we want to ensure we build a future the community can be proud of. We propose to strengthen standards for design and historic preservation by:

• expanding the architectural design and historic preservation review standards used in the Village Center District into the trunk routes of Main, Lincoln, Pearl, Park, and Maple Street by establishing a Design Review Overlay District and a Historic Preservation Overlay District;
• accommodating infill development while creating a more pedestrian-friendly atmosphere in the Village Center and trunk routes by incorporating the Design Five Corners concepts into design review standards; and
• clarifying the eligibility for historic preservation.

More details on the design standards and maps for these overlay districts are available here.

Add Flexibility for the Provision of Parking

To reduce the cost of construction and to make it possible to build more housing, the proposal adds flexibility to the provision of parking by:

• reducing the parking requirements for residential uses from a minimum of two required parking spaces to a minimum of one required parking space per residential unit (These are minimum parking requirements only. Homebuilders may build more if they wish); and
• making better use of existing parking lots through shared parking arrangements.

For more details on bicycle parking and amenities in the LDC amendments, click here.

Improve Standards for Bicycle Parking Facilities

To make cycling a viable option for more people, we propose the following:

• requiring visible, conveniently located bike racks for most new developments and existing buildings when undergoing major changes and renovations; and
• requiring secure, weather-protected bicycle parking in new mixed-use, commercial, or multi-unit residential buildings. Some large developments would also have to include showers and clothes lockers.

For more details on bicycle parking and amenities in the LDC amendments, click here.

Incorporate Green Stormwater Infrastructure and Enhanced Landscaping Practices

Green infrastructure refers to natural and human-made design features that filter and absorb stormwater where it falls to prevent heavy metals, trash, and other pollutants from being washed into our rivers and lakes. We propose amendments in the Land Development Code that will enable and encourage the use of Green Stormwater Infrastructure, such as:

• enhanced landscaping and street trees, and
• green roofs, stormwater retention ponds, and bioswales.

For more information on Green Infrastructure and Low-Impact Development, see the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Green Stormwater Infrastructure Factsheet.

Adjust the Permitting Fees Schedule to Reflect the Cost of Processing and Review Better

We are proposing some increased permitting fees to align with the costs of review, services, and state statute changes.​​​

*Please note that the Cannabis related sections of this proposal were adopted by City Council in 2022.