ORDINANCE 7.3
Sponsor: Office of City Planning, Planning Commission, Ordinance Committee
Public Hearing Date: 07/14/25
First reading: 05/19/25
Referred to: Ordinance Committee
Second reading: 07/14/25
Action: adopted as amended
Date: 07/14/25
Published: 07/23/25
Effective: 08/12/25
It is hereby Ordained by the City Council of the City of Burlington as follows:
That Appendix A-Burlington Comprehensive Development Ordinance of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Burlington be and hereby amends Section 4.5.6, South End Innovation District Overlay; Table 4.5.6-1, SEID Dimensional Standards & Density; and Section 4.5.6(C)1, Dimensions Standards & Density; thereof to read as follows:
Sec. 4.5.6 South End Innovation District Overlay
(a) Purpose:
The South End Innovation District Overlay (SEID) is intended to provide for a dense, vibrant and dynamic mixed-use district. The overlay is unique in its allowance for residential uses in an in that it limits the most intensive manufacturing and industrial uses allowed elsewhere in the district. The overlay permits arts, employment, and other non-residential uses intrinsic to an amenity-rich, convenient urban neighborhood.
Development is intended to be dense and highly sustainable. Lot coverage standards permit significant development but require a high degree of permeable surfaces achieved through green stormwater infrastructure is encouraged. Buildings should range in height from one to eight stories, and should be constructed of materials and in manners that limit embodied carbon and achieve the highest possible energy performance permitted by the Vermont Building Code. Sites should incorporate ample public and private open spaces and include extensive networks of accessible paths that are free of cars. Streets should be constructed in a manner that allocates the majority of their space to pedestrians and cyclists. Buildings should be oriented to the public realm – streets, paths and open spaces, in a manner that creates a safe and inviting district. Site and building design should support public and ecological health to the highest possible degree.
***Remainder of Sec. 4.5.6(a) As Written.
(b) Areas Covered:
As Written.
(c) District Specific Regulations
Table 4.5.6-1: SEID Dimensional Standards & Density
1. – 5. As Written.
6. At least 25% of the pervious area on a lot must include one or more of the following Green Stormwater Management (GSI) techniques: constructed wetland, suspended pavement planted with shade trees, or pervious pavement. No more than 50% of the required GSI area may utilize pervious pavement.
76. Setbacks are measured from the property line; however, buildings must be at least 15′ from the curb or edge of a public Right of Way if no curb exists.
87. Maximum building height in the E-SEID shall be further limited by Map 4.5.6-2: SEID Specific Height Area Map.
1. Dimensional Standards & Density
Within the SEID the standards set forth in Table 4.5.6-1 shall apply to new development and redevelopment, except:
Floors 7-8 may increase maximum size to 15,000 sq.ft. per floorplate for buildings constructed of Mass Timber consistent with currently adopted Building Code as contained under Chapter 8 of the City Code of Ordinances.
The maximum lot coverage may be increased by 10%, to a maximum of 90%, if the site is certified as Gold or Platinum under the SITES system, as administered by Green Business Certification, Inc. (GBCI). or if all of the pervious area on the lot is constructed from one or more of the following Green Stormwater Management (GSI) techniques: constructed wetland, suspended pavement planted with one shade tree per 250 square feet of area, or pervious pavement. No more than 50% of the GSI area may utilize pervious pavement.
* Material stricken out deleted.
** Material underlined added.
Ordinances 2025/ZA-25-03 SEID Stormwater Standards
CDO Sec. 4.5.6 (a), Table 4.5.6-1, Sec. 4.5.6(C)1
07/14/25