Zoning Fees to Increase Effective April 15
The Town of Brattleboro will be adjusting its zoning fees, effective April 15, 2025.
Zoning fees are user-based fees. They are intended to cover the cost of services provided to the applicant. Brattleboro’s current fees are not covering the cost of service. Current fees do not accurately reflect the complexity and time involved in processing certain types of applications, potentially leading to under-charging for specific projects.
Zoning fees were discussed during a Selectboard meeting held on March 20. You can view that discussion here.
The zoning fees, effective, April 15, 2025, are as follows:
| Fee Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Recording fee (as set by state)* | $15 |
| Mylar recording fee (as set by state)** | $25 per sheet |
| Hearing fee (site plan, waiver, conditional use, variance, appeal of Zoning Administrator decision, Local Act 250, flood hazard) | $200 |
| Abutter fees for hearing | $3 |
| Design review – administrative or Design Review Committee | $25 |
*The State’s recording fee of $15 applies to all permit applications in addition to the listed fees established in this fee schedule
** The State’s mylar recording fee of $25 per sheet applies to all subdivisions and lot line adjustments
Residential (1 & 2 Unit Dwellings)
| Fee Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application | $80 |
| Improvement fee, new dwelling and additions | $0.40 per sq. ft. |
| Improvement fee, accessory structure |
<300 sq. ft: $0 >300 sq. ft.: $0.10 per sq. ft. |
| Change of use (1 to 2 units) | $0.10 per sq. ft. |
Commercial (Multi-unit Residential and All Non-residential)
| Fee Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application |
$225 administrative approval; $325 site plan review with hearing |
| Improvement fee, new construction | $0.80 per sq. ft. |
| Improvement fee, commercial accessory | $0.20 per sq. ft. |
| Change of use | $0.20 per sq. ft. |
| Mobile food cart | $50 annually |
Signs
| Fee Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Freestanding, directory, projecting, wall, or window sign package | $50 per sign |
| Electronic message sign |
$200 |
| Common Scheme Premise/Master Plan | $400 |
Subdivisions
| Fee Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Boundary adjustment | $200 application |
| Minor – Administrative |
$200 application + $200 per new lot |
| Minor – Administrative (condominium) |
$200 application + $200 per unit |
| Minor – Final plat |
$200 application + $200 per new lot |
| Major – Sketch plan | $200 |
| Major – Preliminary plat | $200 |
| Major – Final |
$200 application + $200 per new lot |
Planned Unit Developments
| Fee Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Sketch plan/concept review | $400 |
| Preliminary review | $800 |
| Final review | $800 |
Additional Fees
| Fee Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Late filing fee (work begun before the permit is issued) | Fee doubled (applies to application, improvement, and change of use fees) |
| Zoning compliance letters | $25 |
| Certificate of Compliance |
$50: 1-2 unit residential $100: commercial $200: flood hazard |
| Time extensions |
$50: 1-2 unit residential $100: commercial |
| Access permits | $40 |