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Read through the zoning regulations for your municipality and familiarize yourself with Act 143.

Act 143, as amended by Act 181, in Vermont. If your business features or sells qualifying products, you may need to submit an application to your municipality for a site plan review. The definition of qualifying products has been expanded to include:

• Agricultural products produced on any farm, regardless of total annual sales
• Products that name, describe, or promote the farm or AOFB
• Bread and baked goods
• All previously allowed products under Act 143

Importantly, Act 181 has removed the requirement that at least 50% of annual income must come from products grown or produced on the farm where the business is located.Different municipalities may have different rules, but they cannot prohibit an accessory on-farm business. Based on your municipality's regulations, you may need to submit a site plan review. This process begins with an application to the municipality where the event or business will take place or be established.

Note: There is potential for an exception if you are using an existing house to host your farm stay, but you should still read through the regulations for your municipality. Developing a space to offer lodging is just like developing a big hotel (in the eyes of Vermont), in terms of the rules and regulations. However, if you are not doing any sort of construction but are offering a rental space on your property, you do not need any permits and licensing at the state level. Read more about the rules and regulations under the rental accessory unit law.

• ; they can help you determine what permits you’ll need.
• If proposing construction/renovations for a commercial purpose or otherwise, to determine whether an Act 250 land use permit application is required. “It's important to note that Act 181 has introduced changes to Act 250 regulations for accessory On-Farm Businesses (AOFBs) in Vermont. However, construction related to hosting events or farm stays remains subject to Act 250 review and is not exempt.
• , or make sure the current permit is up to date.

• Any farmstay that has three or more rooms or prepares meals .
• If you do not prepare food and you offer one or two rooms for short-term rental housing, you must follow the Short-Term Rental Safety, Health, and Financial Obligations (PDF). In this scenario, a lodging license is not required from the Health Department.
• If you will be serving or selling alcohol, look into a malt and vinous beverage license (PDF).

Lodging and Food Establishment Regulations

If someone is spending the night at your establishment, you should evaluate if your operation meets the definition of lodging which would then require a lodging license from the Department of Health. In addition, you should also read the .

For help, email the Vermont Department of Health at AHS.VDHFoodandLodging@vermont.gov or call (802) 863-7221.

Resources:

• Guide (PDF) to learn about health regulations for food establishments in Vermont.
• Checklist (PDF) to learn about food establishment facility requirements to help you get ready for an inspection.
• Use this , located under “Frequently Asked Questions,” to help you determine when a rental is considered a Lodging Establishment versus a Short Term Rental or neither of the two