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

It’s 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 “Licenses” below.

• 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.

• Meet with a regional permit specialist.
• If proposing construction/renovations for a commercial purpose or otherwise, contact a Natural Resources Board (NRB) district coordinator 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. 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, obtain a wastewater permit.

• Apply for an overnight summer camp license.
  • For overnight summer camp: Licensed Children’s Camps Rule (PDF).
  • Overnight summer camp license application (PDF).
  • American Camp Association regulations in Vermont.
• If serving food, you will need a license. See the guidelines below for help picking the best one for the situation.
• Guide to learn about health regulations for food establishments in Vermont (PDF).
• Checklist to learn about food establishment facility requirements to help you get ready for an inspection (PDF).

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.

Guide on hosting a summer camp (PDF)