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• Read through the zoning regulations for your municipality and familiarize yourself with Act 143. 
  • Obtain a zoning permit, if necessary.
  • Determine if your municipality requires a site plan review.
  • Submit an application and site plan review to your municipality, if necessary.
• 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.
• Review the for food establishments in Vermont.

If you are developing or renovating any buildings on the property, you'll likely need an and a (or if sufficiently small, a small construction permit).

For determining whether or not you will need to submit an Act 250 application, .

• If doing construction/renovations, contact a district coordinator to determine the need for obtaining an Act 250 permit.
• For projects that are subject to Act 250 review, an applicant could seek a from the Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets addressing any proposed impacts to primary agricultural soils or whether mitigation is recommended.

It’s important to note that Act 181 has introduced changes to Act 250 regulations for Accessory On-Farm Businesses (AOFBs) in Vermont.

As of July 1, 2024, construction of improvements for storage or sale of qualifying products is now exempt from Act 250 permitting. Additionally, construction for preparation or processing of qualifying products is exempt if more than 50% of total annual sales come from products produced on the farm.

For additional help or questions about Act 250 call: (802) 828-2431.

• If you are operating a food truck, you will most likely need to obtain a commercial caterer license.
• If you are operating a stand at a farmers market, you will most likely need to obtain temporary food stand license. For more information on farmers market regulations, check out this .
• If you are a caterer or you are providing or serving food at an event, you will likely need a license for commercial catering or a temporary food service establishment license.

Read more information about and how to obtain them. A food truck is considered a commercial caterer. for opening a food truck or stand. For help, email the Vermont Department of Health at AHS.VDHFoodandLodging@vermont.gov or call (802) 863-7221.