Overview
The Development Review Board (DRB) conducts public hearings and renders decisions on development applications in accordance with the Town of Georgia Development Regulations. The Development Review Board fulfills the statutory role of an “appropriate municipal panel” as defined by the State’s Planning Statute in 24 VSA 117. The Board comprises resident volunteers appointed by the Selectboard.
Meetings
The board meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM, as needed.
Development Review Board meetings are being held both in person at the Town of Georgia Offices and virtually using Zoom. Zoom is free to the public and does not require registration or login.
Zoom Meeting Information
When attending by Zoom, you will be in a waiting room until the presenter admits you to the meeting.
The following information applies to all Town of Georgia Planning & Zoning public meetings.
Meeting ID: 785 258 7431
Passcode: 5243524
Project Information & submitting applications
As of January 1, 2026, Georgia Planning & Zoning has moved to an online application service through CloudPermit. This new system will enable better communication between the Planning & Zoning Office and applicants for all planning projects. Submitted project applications are subject to review by the Zoning Administrator and the DRB Coordinator before acceptance to appear before the DRB. We recommend reaching out to our office before submitting an application to discuss the project and any required meetings or documentation.
If you would like to inquire about the status of an application or are interested in serving on the DRB, please contact the Zoning Department at 802-524-3524 or email the zoning [at] townofgeorgia.com (Zoning Administrator & DRB Coordinator).
To submit an application, please use this link: Application
About DRB
While the Development Review Board is ultimately responsible for the decision to approve or deny an application, many people are involved:
- Owners, applicants, engineers, and surveyors read the regulations and often consult with the Zoning office to prepare an application.
- Town Staff - including Fire and Public Works - analyze the application’s compliance with the Town of Georgia Development Regulations. The Zoning office writes a DRB report to assist the Development Review Board by:
- Outlining the project as presented by the applicant
- Evaluating the project in conjunction with the development regulations
- Proposing possible conditions of approval
- Framing discretionary decisions for the DRB’s consideration
- Development Review Board members hear testimony, accept evidence, apply the regulations, and rule on applications.
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Applicants and Interested Persons (as defined by 24 VSA 117§4465(b)) testify on the application.
Off-the-Record Communication
Please note that the public may not speak with a DRB member about the substantive content of a pending application outside of a hearing. Off-the-record (Ex Parte) communication is prohibited because it is an opportunity for one party to influence a decision-maker outside the presence of other parties. When rights are at stake, this is a violation of due process, protected by the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.