Vermont instituted statewide development control regulations in 1970 with Act 250, which arose in response to the arrival of Vermont's first interstate highway in the late 1960s. Residents feared that the highway would lead to rapid, uncontrolled growth and ultimately the destruction of the state's rural character and picturesque towns.

The primary purpose of the law is to help preserve the environment.  Act 250 permits are granted only after looking at a project's possible effect on water and air quality, energy usage, and soil conservation.  In addition to environmental concerns Act 250 also examines how a development will impact the cost of education, roads, and other local municipal services.  The idea being not to establish an undue burden on local governments.  There are ten criteria that are looked at with each Act 250 permit application.

Whether a particular project needs to go through the Act 250 permitting process can best be determined by reading the rules and statute, as well as contacting the local permitting specialist.  In most cases municipal zoning officials can tell you whether it is necessary.

If a property required an Act 250 permit prior to subdivision, or other circumstances, that permit "runs with the land".  This means you will have to abide by any restrictions, or conditions, stated in the permit.

In some cases an Act 250 permit should have been obtained but wasn't.  This could be considered a property title defect and render the property unsaleable until corrected.  It is best to contact an attorney so they can help determine the permit situation.