Effective July 1, 2014, the Vermont Legislature passed the Shoreland Protection Act (Chapter 49A of Title 10, §1441 et seq.), which regulates shoreland development within 250 feet of a lake’s mean water level for all lakes greater than 10 acres in size. The intent of the Act is to prevent degradation of water quality in lakes, preserve habitat and natural stability of shorelines, and maintain the economic benefits of lakes and their shorelands. The Act seeks to balance good shoreland management and shoreland development.
The Vermont Watershed Management Division has developed important resources to help Vermonters understand their responsibilities in helping to protect the state’s shorelands. Please visit their resource page for important information such as which activities need a permit, application resources. shoreland registration, delegated municipal authority, lake encroachment and shoreland permitting event, and much more.
