Vermont Building Codes

Vermont has NO statewide structural building code. RBES 2020 (Residential Building Energy Standards, based on 2018 IECC with VT amendments) is the ONLY statewide mandatory code. Municipalities may voluntarily adopt building codes — Burlington and South Burlington use IRC 2018, most others IRC 2015. Many rural towns have NO building code (RBES only). Climate Zone 6A statewide (Cold-Humid). Ground snow loads 50-150+ psf. Frost depth 48-60 inches. No statewide contractor license requirement. Act 250 land use law for environmental review. Fire Safety Division administers commercial permits statewide.; Updated 2026-03: VT uses RBES 2020 (based on IRC 2018). Residential Building Energy Standards.; Identity: legal=RBES 2020 (Residential Building Energy Standards), basis=IRC 2018 (content served from basis). See task #527.