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.
Vermont courts have struck down broad loitering ordinances as vague, and Burlington's Code Chapter 27 narrows enforcement to specific behaviors: obstructing free passage on sidewalks, lingering on private property after a trespass warning, or impeding entry to businesses. Burlington Police use de-escalation and outreach through the Howard Center community partnership before citation, especially for individuals experiencing homelessness. Mere presence in public spaces, sitting on sidewalks, or sleeping in parks during hours when parks are open does not by itself constitute a violation.
Civil ordinance violations carry fines around $100 to $250. Trespass after warning is a separate Vermont criminal offense under 13 V.S.A. §3705 prosecuted by Chittenden County State's Attorney.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Burlington, VT
Burlington Code of Ordinances §21-13 sets citywide quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, during which noise plainly audible between apartments or houses is d...
Burlington, VT
Burlington's Comprehensive Development Ordinance limits fences in the First Lot Layer (front yard) to 4 feet and fences in Second and Third Lot Layers (side ...
Burlington, VT
Burlington Comprehensive Development Ordinance (CDO) Article 5 treats storage sheds as accessory structures incidental to a residential use. Sheds may encroa...
Burlington, VT
Burlington's short-term rental ordinance (Chapter 18, adopted 2022) requires hosts to disclose at registration the number of vehicles used by residents and g...
Burlington, VT
Burlington short-term rental hosts must comply with citywide noise rules in Burlington Code of Ordinances Chapter 21, Section 21-13. Quiet hours run 10:00 p....
Burlington, VT
Residential swimming pool barriers in Burlington are governed by the Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code, adopted by the Vermont Division of Fire Safety un...
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