Zoning & Floodplain Administrator
Kristen Leahy
802-472-1686
zoning.administrator@hardwickvt.gov
Fall 2025 Office Hours
| Please note: The Zoning office will be closed for the week of the Thanksgiving holiday – 11/24 to 11/28 Monday – 11 am to 1 pm Tuesday – 8:30 am to 2 pm Wednesday – 9:30 am to 2 pm Thursday – 8:30 am to 2 pm Friday – By Appointment Saturday – By Appointment | |
| Outside of daily stated hours, by appointment. |
NEWS
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Seeing the Lamoille River and Cooper Brook Differently: a community presentation on Hardwick’s New River Flood Modeling Project
Exploring Flood Mitigation Alternatives
Wednesday, December 3 – Two Sessions
1:00–2:30 PM (In Person + Zoom)
5:00–6:30 PM (In Person, Recorded by HCTV)
Hardwick Memorial Building – 3rd FloorLearn how new river models will help Hardwick plan smarter, safer, and stronger.
Project funded by the US Economic Development Administration through the Northern Vermont Economic Development District.
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Hardwick Downtown Scoping Study – Public Presentation Summary🚗🚲👟
On November 5, 2025, the Town of Hardwick and consultants from VHB hosted a well-attended public presentation for the Mill Street and Main Street Scoping Study, with 29 participants joining in person and online.
The study focuses on improving traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and speed management in the downtown corridor, particularly at the Mill Street / Main Street and Glenside Avenue intersections.
VHB presented three conceptual alternatives—ranging from baseline to comprehensive improvement packages—each offering a “menu” of possible design elements such as sidewalk continuity and crosswalk enhancements, realignment of the Main Street intersection, traffic-calming measures including bump-outs and gateway treatments, and improved pedestrian and bicycle connections.
The presentation emphasized that the preferred design will be implemented through a phased approach, allowing the Town to pursue incremental construction as state transportation funding becomes available—an approach successfully used by other Vermont communities.
The presentation slides are available in the Planning section of the Town website, and the full meeting was filmed by HCTV and will be available for viewing soon.
Next steps: The project team will review feedback from the public presentation and identify a preferred alternative for refinement. That draft concept will be presented to the Select Board for review and approval in early 2026. A final Scoping Report is expected to be completed by February 2026. Public input remains welcome as the project moves toward design.
PLANS & STUDIES
TOWN PLANS & STUDIES
Town Forest Recreation Plan – 2018
Hardwick Municipal Plan – 2019
Hardwick Municipal Plan Maps – 2019
Ecological Inventory – 2024
Enabling Better Places – A Zoning Guide for Vermont Neighborhoods – 2020 (State of Vermont)
Designated Downtown Map – 2023
South Main Street, Hardwick Audit – 2024
Original LVRT Loop Proposal Recommendations – Spring 2023
LVRT Loop Recommendations – 2024
Hardwick – LVRT Connector Loop Proposal by Local Motion – 2022
Updated Recommendations to the original Summer 2020 list – 2024
AARP WALKABILITY STUDIES (SIDEWALK REVIEWS)
South Main Street, Hardwick Walkability Audit from the Hardwick Planning Commission – 2024
Wolcott Street, Hardwick Walkability Audit from the Hardwick Planning Commission – 2024
Mill Street, Hardwick Walkability Audit from the Hardwick Planning Commission – 2021
Main Street, Hardwick Walkability Audit from the Hardwick Planning Commission – 2021
West Church Street, Hardwick Walkability Audit from the Hardwick Planning Commission – 2021
VHB – MILL STREET & MAIN STREET SCOPING STUDY – SUMMER/WINTER 2025
Local Concerns Meeting Flyer – Mill Street and Main Street – August 13, 2025
Concepts Presentation Invitation – Mill Street and Main Street – November 5, 2025
Presentation Slides for the November 5, 2025 Mill Street and Main Street Draft Concepts meeting
Overview of Concepts for November 5, 2025 Mill Street and Main Street scoping study presentation
Next steps: The project team will review feedback from the public presentation and identify a preferred alternative for refinement. That draft concept will be presented to the Select Board for review and approval in early 2026. A final Scoping Report is expected to be completed by February 2026. Public input remains welcome as the project moves toward design.
COMMUNITY PLANNING FORUM (Bylaw Modernization Grant Process)
November 14, 2023 Community Planning Forum Slides
September 28, 2023 Community Planning Forum slides
WETLANDS
Lauren Sopher, MS., District Wetlands Ecologist in the Department of Environmental Conservation of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources ~ 802-798-6634 ~ Lauren.Sopher@Vermont.gov
Lauren Sopher is the new contact for the Wetlands Program for Caledonia and Essex Counties. The Zoning Office has business cards for Lauren but we encourage you to request a site visit or a site review through the Wetland Inquiry Form. Additionally, here is a helpful snippet about how landowners and land buyers can check for wetlands:
- Check to identify if there is a wetland on property you are looking to purchase and develop. There are several ways that you can check for wetlands:
- Wetland Screening Tool: use this tool for the easiest and recommended way to see if a property has wetlands or to know if your plan may be affected by wetland laws.
- Identify wetlands on the ground: refer to our What is a Wetland? page with information on how to identify a wetland. Our Landowner’s Guide to Wetlands is a handy guide that includes a checklist to help spot a potential wetland or buffer zone on the ground.
- Check for Wetlands Before You Buy or Build educational campaign.
Visit the Wetlands Program website. Read frequently asked questions about wetlands.
Please note: by Vermont law, landowners and/or contractors are not allowed to disturb ground within 50 feet of an identified wetland without a wetland permit.
EMERGENCY PLANNING
Basic Emergency Operation Plans – Ongoing – external page
The Hardwick Plan – 2025 (Newest version of the Local Emergency Management Plan or the Basic Emergency Operations Plan)
The Volunteer Amendment to the Hardwick Plan – 2025
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan – 2023
EAP for East Long Pond/Nichols Pond/Mackville Pond – 2012
EAP for Mackville Pond Dam – 2016
EAST HARDWICK
East Hardwick Walk and Bike Safety Improvement concepts from Local Motion – 2022
East Hardwick Walkability Audit from the Hardwick Planning Commission – 2022
East Hardwick LVRT Trailhead Scoping Study – 2022
East Hardwick Designated Village Center Map – 2018
East Hardwick Fire District #1 – 2024 Source Protection Plan Update – 2024
Better Connections Final Report – 4-30-25 ~ Adopted in June 2025 by the Hardwick Select Board as an Addendum to the Hardwick Municipal Plan
Better Connections: Appendix 1 – List of Funding Sources
Better Connections: Appendix 2 – Market Study
Better Connections: Appendix 3 – Report on Community Outreach
Better Connections: Appendix 4 – Scoping Study for the LVRT Trailhead
Better Connections: Appendix 5 – Final Stormwater Treatment Report
Unified Development Bylaws – Also Known as the Zoning Regulations
Hardwick Unified Development Bylaws – adopted on September 5, 2024 (also known as the zoning and subdivision regulations).
Flood Safety Act Presentation on June 18, 2025 for the Community
Zoning Bylaw Update – 2025 – December 9, 2025 Public Hearing at 6:30 pm on the 3rd floor of the Memorial Building.
2025 Updated Hardwick Unified Development Bylaws
Hardwick Planning Commission Report
December 9, 2025 Hearing Notice
Proposed Map for the new Village Center Zoning District
Proposed Table of Information for the new Village Center Zoning District
APPLICATIONS
HELPFUL REFERENCES
2025 Local Wastewater and Potable Water Designers
2025 Local Surveyors and Wetland Professionals
Factsheet about Renovations and Demolitions
Demolition and Renovation Activities information sheet
Low Risk Site Handbook for Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control – 2020
Vermont Residential Building Energy Code Handbook – 2024
Absorb the Storm: Create a Rain-friendly Yard and Neighborhood – 2010
The wetland screening tool was developed to help you navigate all the mapping layers which indicate a property may have wetlands on it. In addition to the Vermont Wetland Inventory Maps, the tool also screens for nearby hydric soils, wetland projects, wetland permits, wetland natural community types, and wetland advisory layers. To get started, all you need is the 911 address or the SPAN number for an undeveloped property. It is the best means of gaining a comprehensive view of potential wetlands on a property short of a site visit by a wetland professional, and understanding the layers you are looking at.
To request a site visit or a project review, please fill out this form. The form will be automatically emailed to your District Wetlands Ecologist for their processing. Please be patient for a response as they are typically in the field two days a week during the growing season.
ZONING APPLICATIONS
Hardwick Zoning Application for Permitted Use
For any permitted use outside of the Flood Hazard Area Overlay. This permit covers new construction, additions, or any other item which is permitted in your zoning district.
Hardwick Zoning Application for Subdivision
For any Subdivision Review Request. If you wish to subdivide your land, then this permit is for you.
Hardwick Agricultural Structural Exemption Notification
For Agricultural Exemptions Requests. Per Section 7.2 B; accepted agricultural and best management practices, including farm structures, are exempted from the permit requirements. However, written notification including a sketch plan of the structure showing setback distances from road rights-of-way, property lines, and surface waters shall be made to the Zoning Administrator prior to any construction. This document can be used to notify the ZA. Filing fee for this notification is $15 (recording fee). Please note that this exemption does not cover employee housing on a farm.
Hardwick Zoning Application for Signs
Specifically for a sign request. Calculation of Sign Area
Hardwick Demolition of Structures Notification
Notify us when you plan to demolish a structure. This notification has a $15 recording fee.
State of Vermont Asbestos Regulations – Demolition Requirements
Per Section 9.1 of the Vermont Regulations for Asbestos Control:
1. Inspection Requirement
- Before any demolition (full or partial) in Vermont, an inspection for asbestos-containing materials must be performed by a Vermont-licensed Asbestos Consulting Company.
- If asbestos is found, it must be removed by a Vermont-licensed Asbestos Abatement Company.
2. Demolition Notification Requirement
- Regardless of whether asbestos is found, a Notification of Demolition must be filed with the Vermont Department of Health at least 10 days prior to demolition.
- The notification must include the asbestos inspection results.
- These requirements apply to all buildings, regardless of age, type of construction, or demolition method.
3. Unsafe Structure Protocol
- If a building is unsafe to inspect or abate prior to demolition, the entire structure is presumed to contain asbestos.
- It must be demolished and disposed of as a permitted asbestos abatement project.
Resources
- Vermont Asbestos and Lead Licensing Portal
- Search for Vermont-licensed asbestos inspectors and abatement companies.
- Search by:
- Type: Company or RRPM Firm
- License Type: Asbestos Consulting Company
- Vermont Asbestos and Lead Licensing Portal
- Or https://vtalrp.imagetrendlicense.com/lms/public/portal#/lookup
- Vermont Building Demolition Notification Form
- Submit your required 10-day demolition notification online.
- You must attach your asbestos inspection results to the form.
- Vermont Building Demolition Notification Form
- Or https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7079735/Vermont-Demolition-Notification
*DEC has created an online Permit Navigator to help answer state environmental permit questions. Permit Navigator | Department of Environmental Conservation (vermont.gov)
CONDITIONAL USE OR VARIANCE APPLICATIONS
Hardwick Zoning Application for Conditional Use
Specifically for Conditional Use or Variance. If you will need to visit the Development Review Board, then this permit is for you.
Hardwick Special Event – Conditional Use Application
DRIVEWAY PERMIT
Driveway Construction Approval Application
FLOOD HAZARD AREA OVERLAY DISTRICT APPLICATIONS
DEC has created an online Permit Navigator to help answer state environmental permit questions. Permit Navigator | Department of Environmental Conservation (vermont.gov)
Hardwick Zoning Application for Flood Hazard Administrative Permit
Specifically created for development in the Flood Hazard Area Overlay which would not require a zoning permit in other Zoning Districts. Examples include exterior and interior improvements, new parking areas, new or replacement fuel storage tanks for existing structures.
Hardwick Zoning Application for Flood Hazard Permitted Use
This application can be used for accessory structures (under 500 feet) in the Flood Hazard Area.
Hardwick Zoning Application for Conditional Use
Most activities in the Flood Hazard Area require a review from the Vermont Floodplain Manager and a Conditional Use review with the Development Review Board. Examples include new structures (even accessory structures over 500 square feet), substantial improvements to existing structures, grading, excavation, and road improvements.