Your comprehensive guide to Franklin County town offices, permits, property taxes, voter registration, and state government services in Vermont.
Contact your local town office for permits, licenses, tax information, voter registration, and other municipal services. Each town provides essential services to residents and property owners.
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Understanding local permit and zoning requirements is essential for property development, construction projects, and land use in Franklin County.
Required for new construction, additions, renovations, and structural changes to buildings.
Typical Process:
Submit application with detailed plans and specifications
Pay permit fees (typically based on project value)
Obtain zoning approval if required
Schedule inspections at key construction phases
Receive certificate of occupancy upon completion
Local zoning ordinances govern land use, building setbacks, lot coverage, and property development.
Typical Process:
Review town zoning bylaws and maps
Verify property zoning district and permitted uses
Apply for conditional use or variance if needed
Attend Development Review Board hearing if required
Receive written decision and conditions
Dividing land into multiple lots requires subdivision approval from the local planning commission.
Typical Process:
Submit preliminary plat and application
Present plans to Planning Commission
Complete environmental and engineering reviews
Submit final plat with all required improvements
Record approved subdivision with town clerk
Vermont's property tax system funds local schools and municipal services. Understanding how taxes are calculated and your payment options helps you plan your household budget.
Vermont property taxes are based on your property's assessed value and local education and municipal tax rates. Franklin County uses the 'Listed Value' system, where properties are assessed at fair market value. Assessments are reviewed regularly, and reappraisals occur periodically.
Education tax rate (set by the state)
Municipal tax rate (set by local government)
Property assessed value (determined by town listers)
Tax = (Assessed Value × Tax Rate) / 100
Property taxes in Franklin County are typically due in quarterly installments. Payment deadlines vary by town but generally follow a similar schedule throughout the year.
1st Quarter: Due August 15
2nd Quarter: Due November 15
3rd Quarter: Due February 15
4th Quarter: Due May 15
Late payments subject to interest and penalties
Vermont homestead properties may qualify for property tax adjustments based on household income. File annually with the Vermont Department of Taxes by the deadline.
Declare homestead with town by April 15
File HS-122 form with state tax return
Income-based tax credits available
Current Use Program for agricultural/forest land
Property tax credit for qualifying low-income households
If you disagree with your property assessment, you have the right to appeal. Franklin County towns have established procedures for challenging assessments.
Review assessment notice carefully
Contact town listers to discuss valuation
File written appeal within 14 days of notice
Attend hearing before Board of Civil Authority
Further appeal to Vermont Board of Tax Appeals if needed
Property Tax Assistance
Vermont offers property tax credits and adjustments for qualifying homeowners based on household income. Contact your town clerk or visit tax.vermont.gov for more information about available programs.
Vermont's democratic traditions run deep. From same-day voter registration to the iconic Town Meeting Day, residents have direct access to civic participation.
Vermont offers same-day voter registration. You can register at your town clerk's office or on Election Day at your polling place.
Be a U.S. citizen
Be at least 18 years old by Election Day
Be a Vermont resident
Take the Voter's Oath
Provide proof of identity and residency
Vermont's iconic Town Meeting Day (first Tuesday in March) is when residents gather to vote on local budgets, elect officials, and debate community issues.
Direct democracy in action
Vote on town budget and major expenditures
Elect local officials and board members
Discuss and decide community issues
Participate in person at town meeting
Some towns use Australian ballot voting
Town Meeting Day is a Vermont tradition dating back to the 1600s. It's one of the purest forms of direct democracy in America, where residents gather to discuss and vote on local matters that directly affect their community.
Mark your calendar for the first Tuesday in March to participate in this uniquely Vermont experience!
Vermont state agencies provide essential services throughout Franklin County. Here are the local offices and resources you'll need most frequently.
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Keep these emergency and important community contacts handy.
Learn more about living in Franklin County, Vermont.
Let Four Corner Properties help you navigate the local real estate market and find the perfect property in Vermont.
