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Public Conduct in Burlington, VT (2026)

5 verified public conduct rules for Burlington, Vermont, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Loud Party Ordinance

Burlington Code Chapter 21 disorderly-house provisions allow Burlington Police to cite hosts and property owners for parties generating excessive noise, public intoxication, or repeated complaints, with escalating fines for repeat offenses near UVM.

Burlington Disorderly House and Loud Party Rules

Some Restrictions

Loitering Rules

Burlington enforces narrow loitering provisions tied to specific conduct like obstructing pedestrians or trespass after warning, following Vermont court guidance that broad anti-loitering statutes are unconstitutionally vague.

Burlington Loitering and Disorderly Conduct Limits

Few Restrictions

Outdoor Smoking Restrictions

Vermont's Smoking in the Workplace Act and Burlington local rules prohibit smoking in public buildings, restaurants, bars, and within 25 feet of entrances. Burlington bans smoking on Church Street Marketplace and in city parks.

Smoking Banned on Church Street and Public Buildings

Some Restrictions

Public Marijuana Use

Vermont 18 V.S.A. §4230a and Burlington Code prohibit cannabis consumption in public places including streets, sidewalks, parks, Church Street, and on-premises at retail dispensaries despite legal recreational possession of up to one ounce.

Public Cannabis Consumption Prohibited Citywide

Some Restrictions

Public Alcohol Use

Burlington Code Chapter 27 prohibits open containers of alcohol on public streets, sidewalks, parks, and parking areas, with limited exemptions for permitted special events on Church Street Marketplace and other approved venues.

Open Container Prohibited on Burlington Streets

Some Restrictions

Looking for Chittenden County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Burlington city rules.

Public Conduct in Chittenden County