The Town of Shelburne first adopted Zoning bylaws in the early 1960s; subdivision bylaws were implemented a number of years later.

Zoning

Key features of the Shelburne Zoning regulations include a zoning map, which creates zoning districts, and lists of allowed uses (“permitted uses” and “conditional uses”) for each of those districts. The district regulations also include various dimensional standards specifying minimum lot sizes, setback distances, etc. In addition, the regulations include a series of overlay districts, which modify—sometimes relaxing, other times tightening—the requirements of the underlying zoning districts. A link to the zoning regulations is provided to the right.

Form Based Zoning

As part of its Zoning bylaws, Shelburne also has adopted an alternative type of regulation known as “Form Based” zoning. Form based zoning applies to a portion of the Town located north of the LaPlatte River. At the present time, the form based zoning regulations are optional—that is, they apply only if an applicant wishes to follow them. A link to the Form based regulations is to the right.

Why would someone choose to submit an application for review under Form based zoning? Form based zoning provides new development opportunities, including significantly increased development density.  But, it does also apply additional development requirements.

Subdivision

Municipalities are authorized to adopt Subdivision bylaws “to guide community settlement patterns and to ensure the efficient extension of services, utilities, and facilities as land is developed.” Subdivision regulations govern the “approval, modification, or disapproval” of certain land surveys. They typically establish numerous standards and procedures for the review of those surveys. Shelburne’s subdivision regulations classify subdivisions into two categories—major and minor—which undergo different review processes. The regulations also contain provisions for approving simple subdivisions known as boundary line adjustments. A link to the subdivision regulations is provided to the right.