Accessory Dwelling Units and Accessory On Farm Businesses

The law around two types of “accessory” local land uses – Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
and Accessory on Farm Businesses (AOFB) was recently amended by Vermont’s General
Assembly. Experts from state agencies will review recent changes to the law and regulatory
requirements, and will explain important implications for municipal zoning bylaws and farms.

Session 1: Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory Dwelling Units are small homes or apartments built by resident homeowners as a
second dwelling on a lot with a principal single-household dwelling, often used for short term
rentals. In this session, you will learn about the different types of ADUs and how recent
changes to Vermont’s Planning Act affect how municipalities can regulate them. We will also
share stories and best practices about how ADUs could help achieve community housing
goals.

Speaker: Jacob Hemmerick, AICP, Planning & Policy Manager, Vermont Department of
Housing & Community Development, Community Planning & Revitalization

Session 2: Accessory on Farm Businesses
How do you know if a farm in your town is eligible to operate an Accessory on Farm Business?
Who decides what type of business meets the definition of an AOFB? Can AOFBs trigger Act
250 jurisdiction? This session’s panelists will answer these questions and any others you have
regarding the 2018 AOFB process, implications for agricultural land when Act 250 is activated,
and more. You’ll leave this session with a better understanding of the relationships among
farms, AOFBs, communities, and towns.

Speakers: Kaitlin Hayes, Water Quality Program
Coordinator; Ari Rockland-Miller, Act 250; Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets