Q: How do I request code enforcement action or file a suspected violation complaint with
the City?
A: In emergency situations involving activities which must be stopped immediately to prevent
irreparable harm, please contact Code Enforcement Office during office hours or the police
(911). On evenings, weekends, and holidays dial 911.
To initiate a non-emergency complaint regarding a violation all Non-emergency complaints must
be submitted in writing or online. Complaints forms may be printed and returned to the Barre
City Code Enforcement Office or Planning & Permitting Office. Complaints may also be made
on line at the On-Line Complaint Form.
Failure to provide contact information for the person reporting the complaint will result in the
discarding of the complaint.
Q: Why can't someone just go there?
A: The City of Barre needs complete information in order to conduct a fair, responsible and
impartial investigation.
Q: I don't want my neighbor to know I filed a complaint. Can I remain anonymous?
A: Yes and No – The City of Barre will release complaints with redacted information, however
please be advised. The vast majority of violations are resolved without the release of complaint
information, however if an individual files proper legal requests for public information the City
of Barre will follow all legal requirements.
Q: What happens after I file my complaint? What do you do? How long does it take? Do
you contact me afterwards?
A: The City investigates every written complaint received. Generally, an investigation begins
within a week of receipt. The activity or alleged violation would need to be observed, confirmed
or determined through subsequent research. Complaints are generally prioritized by receipt;
however, complaints are also prioritized by significance in cases of health, safety and
environment.
City, County and State records are examined. The various adopted codes are applied. If a
violation exists, the property owner is contacted and informed of the violation. Compliance
solutions are reviewed and scheduled. Municipal Citations may be imposed.
The time to resolve a violation depends on the complexity of the situation. The property owner's
competence, resources and level of cooperation are also time factors in achieving compliance.
Typically the person filing the complaint is not contacted after the investigation is completed
Q: Why has nothing been done since I reported a code violation?
A: Either there wasn’t a code violation or the violation procedure is in progress. Feel free to call
the Code Enforcement Office @ (802) 477-7833 to check the status. Sometimes it may take up to
4 -5 weeks just to mow a lot due to legal notification procedures and locating property owners.
Q: My landlord won't maintain my residence. My tenant won't keep up the
premises. What will the City do?
A: The City of Barre enforces a Minimum Housing Standard ordinance. Failure to comply with
the standards by either part may result in the issuing of Municipal Citations.
Q: My neighbor's fence / tree branches / roots / rockery appears to be on / over / beyond
our shared property line? What can the City do?
A: Private property line issues are a civil matter between the private parties. A privately obtained
licensed survey may be needed to clearly establish the property line. The City would
only become involved when there was a safety issue or if adopted code violations were involved.
Q: I'm concerned that my neighbor needs some kind of assistance or; I don't have the
money/strength/ability to resolve my violation. Who should I call?
A: The Code Enforcement office can provide phone numbers for different types of assistance.
Q: An activity near my home is making too much noise. What are the rules about this in
the City of Barre?
A: Barre City does have a noise ordinance. Contact the Barre City Police Department to report
Noise Complaints
Q: Can I get more time to correct a code violation?
A: If you need more time to correct your violation please call the Code Enforcement Division @
(802) 477-7833 before the deadline date to work out a possible arrangement.
Q: Are there restrictions on garage sales?
A: You cannot have a permanent garage sale. Contact Barre City Planning and Permitting
Office for details
Q: Why do I have to board up a house I own?
A: The City of Barre requires all structures to be secured, which includes locking windows,
doors, and other means of egress. If locking the doors or windows cannot be done, you will be
required to board up the structure in accordance with city ordinances.
Q: Why can’t I have a couch on my porch?
A: Furniture intended for indoor use placed outside of your house is considered junk and debris.
Humidity can cause mildew inside of the furniture, which is a health hazard.
Q: Why can’t I place tires in my yard?
A: Tires that are not on a vehicle are considered junk and debris. Tires must be kept in an
enclosed shelter. It cannot be visible from beyond your property.
Q: My neighbor is brining trash in his yard and the smoke and smell are coming onto my
land. Is this legal in Santa Rosa County?
A: Burning of trash is illegal in the State of Vermont. A concerned citizen should contact the
Barre City Fire Department @ (802)476-0254 Extension 2 to report burning while its occurring
Q: How tall can my grass be, before I get a letter from the town?
A: As Long as the property is occupied there are no grass cutting requirements, however it is
recommended that all grass must be cut lower than 6 inches.
Properties that are vacant must have grass maintained no taller than 6 inches; grass longer than 6
inches will be considered a violation of the City ordinances. To report file a complaint with the
Code Enforcement Division.
Q: My neighbor has old cars sitting in his yard?
A: The City of Barre Ordinances state that all vehicles have to operable on state highways. Any
vehicle that is not operable on state highways (ie: properly licensed, and valid insurance, no flat
tires, etc…), could be considered a nuisance vehicle and ultimately be towed.
Barre City Ordinances do allow for one unregistered un-inspected vehicle to be on a property
under certain conditions. With additional permits obtained from the Barre City Clerk’s office a
second uninspected and unregister vehicle may be stored for a period of 3 Months. To report file
a complaint with the Code Enforcement Division.
Q: My neighbor has a lot of trash and debris scattered around his yard?
A: This is also ordinance violation, to report contact Code Compliance Officer.
Q: What are building setbacks?
A: Setbacks are required minimum distances between a building and the related front, side,
exterior side, or rear property line. These distances determine how far construction must be set
back from the property line.
Q: Where may I place a storage building on my lot?
A: Storage buildings are permitted in the back yard of a lot provided that they are detached and
separated from the main building. For a complete list of regulations pertaining to accessory
structures, contact the Planning and Permitting Office @ (802) 476-0245.
Q: Who can I contact about zoning violations?
A: To report zoning violations, you can contact the Planning and Permitting Office @ (802) 476-
0245.
Q: What are my setbacks?
A: Due to variable setbacks within the City of Barre, it is best to contact the Planning and
Permitting Office @ (802) 476-0245 to verify the setbacks on your property.
Q: Who can I contact about the minimum housing code?
A: For minimum housing issues located within the City of Barre contact the Planning and
Permitting Office @ (802) 476-0245 or the Code Enforcement Division @ (802)477-7833
Q: When is a building permit required?
A: No property owner in the City shall construct, enlarge, alter, relocate, demolish, or change the
use or occupancy of a structure without first obtaining a building permit from the building
official.
Q: When is an electrical permit required?
A: An electrical permit for the specific work is required to install, alter, repair, replace or
relocate any electrical material, appliances or equipment.
Q: When is a plumbing, heating, air conditioning, or sprinkler permit required?
A: Contact the Vermont Division of Fire Safety - A plumbing or heating permit is required to
install, replace or relocate any plumbing, heating, air-conditioning material, appliances or
equipment. Plumbing permits shall not be required for minor repairs or replacements on the
house side of a trap to an installed system of plumbing provided such repairs or replacements do
not disrupt the original water supply or the waste or ventilation system.
Q: Who can answer my questions about residential, commercial, or industrial building
codes?
A: Contact the Planning and Permitting Office @ (802) 476-0245
Q: How much is a permit going to cost me?
A: City of Barre Planning and Permitting Office charge all permit fees. Barre City Permit fees
must be paid in full before any inspections will take place. For questions about these fees, please
contact the Planning and Permitting Office @ (802) 476-0245