In brief

One of the biggest challenges facing our state is how to accommodate the production of new housing to meet the needs of Vermonters while protecting our historic and natural resources and the character of our communities.  Municipalities that allow for only one type of housing, such as low-density single family homes, limit housing choices and may drive up housing costs.  By allowing low, medium and higher-density housing – each in appropriate locations – communities can offer a wider range of housing options that meet the needs of everyone in the community.

The issue

There is growing evidence that a one-size-fits-all approach to development is failing to meet the demand for a greater variety of housing options. Within our communities there are individuals just out of college, young couples, families with school-age children, empty nesters and seniors. These different segments of our population, and individuals within each segment, are looking for condominiums with low maintenance, restored downtown buildings with historic character, neighborhoods close to school and single-family homes with backyards.

Many families moved further and further away from our historic centers in an effort to find homes in the suburbs that they could afford. These distances have grown in the past few years as housing costs have increased. The result has been a development pattern in Vermont with high economic, environmental, social and aesthetic costs. Moving out to the suburbs has also increased our reliance on cars – increasing time spent on the road and a larger percentage of household budgets needed to cover increasing transportation costs.

In 2021 the national average cost to own a car accounts for 16.4% of the average household’s budget and 26.9% for the lowest income households. (Car Share Vermont)

Smart growth encourages communities to plan for a variety of housing types, including apartments, condominiums, town houses, and single family homes.  It allows for appropriate densities and housing diversity that meet the needs of a full range of Vermonters from diverse social and income groups.

For communities to achieve smart growth objectives, however, we must plan for, and design, more medium and high-density housing in and around our centers.  Only then will we achieve our goal of protecting the environment, conserving energy, ensuring mobility and enhancing our communities.

In recent years, there has been resistance to higher density development and infill projects within our centers. When people hear the word “density” they often think of barracks-style public housing projects with high crime rates.  However, well designed compact development can create more livable communities that preserve farm and forest land, support better air quality and create more walkable communities. 

Other common concerns include poor design, inadequate parking, lack of green space, and lack of privacy. Demographics may change this trend as the fastest-growing segments of Vermont’s population – seniors – are increasingly likely to live in a condo or town home within easy walk or bike ride to services.

Municipalities must understand these concerns and work to address them when integrating medium and high-density development into existing communities. Thus, design standards, links to nearby open space, landscaping, early neighbor participation are important tools to integrate in your bylaws. Time-proven design elements of traditional neighborhoods – such as narrow streets, front porches, mixed uses, and pedestrian orientation – contribute to the quality of our built environment while creating more housing options for community residents.

Related Tools

• Accessory Apartments
• Design Review Regulations
• Inclusionary Zoning
• Mixed Use Development
• Vermont Traditional Neighborhoods

Related Case Studies

• Accessory Apartments – Montpelier
• Vermont Traditional Neighborhoods – Bristol
• Vermont Traditional Neighborhoods – Burlington
• Vermont Traditional Neighborhoods – Orwell
• Vermont Traditional Neighborhoods – Vergennes