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Licenses and Permits
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Vacant Building Registration
Under Brattleboro Code of Ordinances, Chapter 8, Article 6, the Town of Brattleboro has established a mandatory registration program for all vacant buildings within our town. This initiative is designed to address safety concerns, prevent blight, maintain property values, and ensure public health and safety within our community. You can view the ordinance on the Ordinance page.
“Vacant” means no person or persons actually, currently conduct an authorized business, or lawfully reside or live in any part of the building as authorized persons. The requirements of this section shall be applicable to each owner of a building that shall have been vacant for more than one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days.
How to Register Your Building
The Town of Brattleboro utilizes the OpenGov online permit system. This system is used for a variety of permits and licenses administered by the Town of Brattleboro. If you have already set up an account for a business license or dog license, you should log in with that account and select the Vacant Building Registration form.
If you do not have an OpenGov account, you will first need to create one in the online portal. Once you have created an account, you will fill out the Vacant Building Registration form.
Renewal Registration
If your building remains vacant, you will need to renew the permit each year by March 15. You can renew your permit starting March 1 of each year. You will receive an email reminder from OpenGov to renew. If you previously applied for a permit, the option to renew should appear in your Dashboard. Visit this link to login to your OpenGov account.
Fees and Payments
The initial permit fee is $1,000. The $1,000 fee increases each year, doubling for the first few years until it reaches $10,000, and then increases by $5,000 annually. First time registrations issued after September 15 and before March 15 are prorated to 50% of the base fee.
Permit fees will not be assessed until the registration is reviewed. Fee waivers, as outlined in the Ordinance, are possible. Documentation can be uploaded when filling out the permit.
Payment can be made by credit card in the OpenGov Portal. To avoid credit card processing fees from third party vendor, you may also pay by cash or check at the Planning Services Department. If you pay by physical check, please send to: Brattleboro Planning Services, 230 Main Street, Suite 208, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Once we receive your check, you will receive the permit by email.
No longer have a vacant building?
Please email the Planning Department to let us know that your building is no longer vacant.
Vacant Building Permit FAQs
What is the purpose of the Brattleboro Vacant Building Ordinance?
The ordinance is intended to address issues of blight, public nuisance, health and safety hazards and the negative impact to Grand List values that are associated with vacant buildings.
What is the definition of a "vacant building" under the ordinance?
A building or structure is generally subject to the ordinance if it is not continuously occupied by an authorized person for an authorized use for a period of more than 30 days within a 180-day period. For multi-unit buildings, a property is considered vacant if at least 75% of the units are vacant during this period or when 50% of the units are vacant making at least 75% of the total floor area of the building.
Are there any exceptions to the ordinance?
Yes, the ordinance includes exceptions for properties used for warehousing or storage, garages, utility structures, and vacation properties.
When did the ordinance go into effect?
The ordinance was adopted by the Selectboard on March 6, 2025. The fees were adopted by the Selectboard on July 22, 2025.
What are the requirements for owners of a vacant building?
Owners are required to obtain a registration permit. They must maintain the property according to standards in the Ordinance, secure all entry points, and remove waste and excessive vegetation. Owners are required to demonstrate liability insurance on the property.
How much are the registration fees?
The initial permit fee is $1,000. The $1,000 fee increases each year, doubling for the first few years until it reaches $10,000, and then increasing by $5,000 annually. First time registrations issued after September 15 and before March 15 are prorated to 50% of the base fee.
Can the fees be waived?
Yes, fee waivers are possible for up to 12 months (and for a total of three years). Waivers are available for properties undergoing active construction or repair with a valid permit and diligent progress are also exempt. Properties actively being marketed for sale or rent with a good-faith effort may also be excepted. If a property is ordered vacated by a court of law, fees may be waived indefinitely.
How can I report a vacant building or a potential violation?
Concerns can be reported to the Brattleboro Planning Department at 802-251-8154 or by email at [email protected].
How do I apply and pay for a Vacant Building permit?
Registrations are through the OpenGov portal. Once you have created an account, you can fill out the form and make a payment.
How do I apply and pay for a Vacant Building permit?
Registrations are through the OpenGov portal. Once you have created an account, you can fill out the form and make a payment.
If I do not have a computer, email address or access to the internet, how can I fill out the form online?
There are public computers at the Library and at a kiosk in the Planning Services Department. If you need help, call our office and we will guide you through the process.
If I have other questions about the Vacant Building registration process, who do I call?
You may call the Planning Services Department at 802-251-8154.