Overview

Short-term rentals ARE explicitly allowed in Saint Johnsbury, Vermont. STRs operate under Vermont state regulations, with no specific city-level restrictions identified in the provided content. Short-term rentals offering fewer than three units and not preparing food are permitted but must comply with state health and safety requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Step 1: Determine Your License Requirements

• No lodging license required from the Vermont Department of Health if offering fewer than three guest units and not preparing food
• Lodging license required if operating three or more guest rooms, OR fewer units if also preparing food

Step 2: Contact Required State Agencies

• Department of Taxes: Set up a tax account for business operations
• Department of Environmental Conservation: Obtain wastewater permit or exemption documentation
• Secretary of State's Office: Register your business name
• Department of Public Safety: For fire safety compliance and inspections

Step 3: Ensure Compliance with Short-Term Rental Regulations

• Short-term rentals are considered rental housing under Vermont law
• Must comply with Vermont Rental Housing Health and Safety Code
• Subject to Division of Fire Safety health and safety regulations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

For Short-Term Rentals (Fewer than 3 units, no food preparation):

• Business registration with Secretary of State
• Tax account setup with Department of Taxes
• Wastewater permit or exemption from DEC (if applicable)
• Compliance with Division of Fire Safety regulations
• Compliance with Vermont Rental Housing Health and Safety Code

For Lodging Establishments (3+ units or food preparation):

• Lodging license application (online or paper form)
• Water test results if using private water source (total coliform and E. coli testing, results less than one year old)
• Wastewater documentation (permit or exemption)
• Opening inspection with public health inspector
• License renewal annually

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

State-Level Requirements (Applies to Saint Johnsbury):

• Short-term rentals are governed by 20 V.S.A., Chapter 172
• Subject to Vermont Rental Housing Health and Safety Code
• Division of Fire Safety has jurisdiction over health and safety compliance
• Properties with fewer than three units that don't prepare food are exempt from Health Department lodging licenses but must meet fire safety standards

Key Compliance Areas:

• Fire safety standards as enforced by Division of Fire Safety
• Health and safety requirements under the Rental Housing Health and Safety Code
• Wastewater compliance if using private systems
• Water quality testing requirements for private water sources

Contact Information for Local Authority

Vermont Department of Health - Food & Lodging Program

Primary Contact for Licensing Questions:

• Phone: 802-863-7221 or 800-439-8550 (toll-free within Vermont)
• Fax: 802-863-7483
• Email: AHS.VDHENVFoodLodging@vermont.gov
• Mailing Address:
  • VT Dept of Health
  • Environmental Health
  • Food & Lodging Program
  • 280 State Drive
  • Waterbury, VT 05671-8350

Department of Public Safety - Division of Fire Safety

Contact for short-term rental health and safety regulations:

• Website: firesafety.vermont.gov
• Phone: Contact through main Department of Public Safety line
• Address: Department of Public Safety, Waterbury, VT

Other Relevant State Agencies:

• Department of Taxes: tax.vermont.gov
• Department of Environmental Conservation: anr.vermont.gov
• Secretary of State: sos.vermont.gov
• Health Department Lab: 802-863-7360

Links to Source Pages

1. Vermont Department of Health - Lodging Establishments: www.healthvermont.gov/environment/food-lodging-program/lodging-establishments
2. Vermont Department of Public Safety - Division of Fire Safety: firesafety.vermont.gov/
3. Lodging License Application (PDF): www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/document/env-fl-lodging-license-application_0.pdf
4. Licensed Lodging Establishment Rule: www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/document/reg-lodging-establishment.pdf
5. Guide to Opening a Lodging Establishment: www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/ENV_FL_GuidetoOperating.pdf
6. Vermont Department of Taxes: tax.vermont.gov/
7. Department of Environmental Conservation: anr.vermont.gov/
8. Secretary of State - Business Registration: sos.vermont.gov/

Important Notes for STR Investors

• No city-specific restrictions were identified for Saint Johnsbury
• State-level regulations apply uniformly across Vermont
• Compliance verification recommended with Division of Fire Safety before operations
• Annual license renewal required for lodging establishments (3+ units)
• Inspection requirements vary based on operation type and size

This guide provides the foundational regulatory framework for operating short-term rentals in Saint Johnsbury, Vermont, under current state regulations.