Getting Started: Operating a Summer Camp
Thinking about opening your farm up to kids for overnight summer programs? Use these checklists to get you started when considering the licensing, regulations and permits.
Land Use Regulations
- Read through the zoning regulations for your municipality and familiarize yourself with Act 143.
It鈥檚 important to note that Act 143, as amended by Act 181, regulates Accessory On-Farm Businesses (AOFBs) 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.
- 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.
- Overnight summer camp requires following certain regulations and requirements because it qualifies as an overnight farmstay. These regulations and requirements can be found under 鈥淟icenses鈥 below.
Liability
- Act 31.
- Post signs at agritourism activities that meet the specifications of Act 31.
- Include the warning notice language in every written contract between an agritourism host and a participant.
- Check with your insurance agent to make sure this type of event is covered in your policy.
Permits
- Meet with a regional permit specialist.
- If proposing construction/renovations for a commercial purpose or otherwise, to determine whether an Act 250 land use permit application is required. It鈥檚 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.
- If doing construction/renovations, obtain a public building permit.
- If you are adding bathrooms or additional space which increases your septic load, .
Licenses
- Apply for an overnight summer camp license.
- For overnight summer camp: .
- .
- .
- If serving food, you will need a license. See the guidelines below for help picking the best one for the situation.
- .
- .
The following table can help you navigate the regulations and licenses required for various types of foods and products that you may be selling or serving.
- If you are selling wholesale, follow regulations listed below.
- If you are producing and serving food regularly, then you may need licensing from the agency for food processing, as well as separate licensing for food service from the Department of Health.
- If you are using products from your farm to make any of these products (for example, jams) then you should follow any regulations listed below for those products.
| Food Product | Examples | Agency with Oversight | Permits/Licenses that Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dairy | Milk, cheese | Phone: 802-828-2421 |
|
| Frozen Dessert | Ice cream, sorbet | Phone: 802-828-2421 |
|
| Baked Goods | Pastries, bread, cake | Vermont Department of Health, Bakery Section Phone 802-863-7221 |
|
| Meat | Sliced deli meat, sausages, whole meat cuts | Phone: 802-828-2426 |
|
| Processed Food | Candy, popcorn, jellies, ciders | Vermont Department of Health Phone: 802-863-7221 |
|
| Canned Goods | Fruits, meat | Vermont Department of Health for fruit and vegetables and Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets for meat Phone (Department of Health): 802-863-7221 Phone (VAAFM): 802-828-2426 |
|
| Malt and Vinous Beverages | Wine, beer, spirits, cider, mead | Department of liquor control enforcement and licensing division Contact: 802-828-2345 |
|
| Maple Syrup | Syrup, sugar | Phone: 802-828-2430 |
|
| General Produce | Tomatoes, corn, squash | Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets Phone: 802-461-5128 |
|
| Strawberries | Vermont Statutes Phone: 802-828-2430 |
| |
| Eggs | Vermont Statutes Phone: 802-828-2430 |
| |
| Potatoes | Vermont Statutes Phone: 802-828-2430 |
| |
| Apples | Vermont Statutes Phone: 802-828-2430 |
|