Burlington's Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (CDO Article 9, adopted 1990 β the first US municipal program of its kind) requires residential projects of five or more units to set aside 15-25% as affordable, with density and parking bonuses available.
Under CDO Β§9.1, projects creating five or more dwelling units must include between 15% and 25% income-restricted units, calibrated to project size and location. In return, developers can access density bonuses (additional units beyond zoning baseline), parking reductions, and expedited review. Affordability covenants run for ninety-nine years, monitored by the Champlain Housing Trust or the city. The ordinance has produced hundreds of permanently affordable units and is a national model frequently cited in academic housing studies.
CDO denial of permits; covenant enforcement through deed restrictions and CHT monitoring.
See how Burlington's density bonus law rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.