Vermont roofing: permits, codes and approvals

Vermont's residential contractor registration and written-contract rule for jobs over $10,000, the RBES energy code, local permit checks, and contractor lien and prompt-pay rules.

Switch state

1 · Product approvals

Product approvals

Vermont has no statewide roofing product approval or listing system. Where a local or state code applies, inspectors rely on manufacturer labeling and evaluation reports.

Code evaluation reports (ICC-ES, UL, IAPMO): 48 roofing reports

2 · Permit forms

City re-roof permits

There is no statewide re-roof permit rule. Most owner-occupied homes fall outside the state building code, so any permit comes from town zoning or a local building department. Call the town before you start.

BurlingtonRoofing is listed as a short-form construction permit project. A zoning permit may not be needed for in-kind replacement (same materials, dimensions and design) outside historic and design-review areas, but the city asks you to get a staff determination.

3 · Code rules

Code rules

Vermont has no statewide building code for owner-occupied single-family homes. The state Fire and Building Safety Code covers 'public buildings', which include rentals, and the Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES) apply statewide to homes. Official adoption page ↗

Owner-occupied homes are not 'public buildings'20 V.S.A. § 2730 excludes an owner-occupied single-family residence from the 'public building' definition unless it is used for a listed public purpose. Rental housing is covered by the Division of Fire Safety.Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES)The RBES covers additions, alterations and repairs to residential buildings three stories or less. Revisions adopted April 10, 2026 took effect July 14, 2026 and let projects comply with either the 2020 or 2024 RBES.RBES certificate and disclosure formsThe state publishes an RBES Certificate and an Owner/Builder Disclosure Statement for both the 2020 and 2024 editions. Registered residential contractors must meet the state building energy standards.

5 · License and insurance

License and insurance

Vermont has no roofing license. Contractors who contract directly with a homeowner for residential work, including roofing, over $10,000 must register with the Office of Professional Regulation.

Residential contractor registration (26 V.S.A. § 5501)Required for anyone contracting with a homeowner for residential construction over $10,000 in labor and materials. Roofing is named in the definition. Subcontractors who don't contract with the homeowner usually don't register.Registration types and feesIndividual registration (self-employed, no employees) costs $75. Business registration (with employees) costs $250. Business names used on contracts must also be registered with the Secretary of State.Required liability insuranceRegistrants must carry at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate liability coverage and upload a certificate at initial application and at each two-year renewal.Home improvement fraud (13 V.S.A. § 2029)Act 153 (2024) raised the fraud threshold to contracts over $1,000. Contractors convicted of fraud must post a $250,000 bond or letter of credit to keep working in the field, and convictions go on the state's Home Improvement Fraud Registry.

6 · Lien and contract forms

Lien and contract rules

Contractors and subs get a lien on the home and lot for labor and materials. Record the lien with the town clerk within 180 days after payment for the last work came due, then sue within 180 days.

Written contract for jobs over $10,000 (26 V.S.A. § 5509)Registered contractors need a written contract before taking a deposit or starting work over $10,000. It must state the price type, estimated start and finish dates, scope and materials, and how change orders are approved. Changes need a signed writing.Deposit limitOn a maximum-price contract, the down payment may not exceed half the labor cost or half the material cost, whichever is greater. On open time-and-materials contracts, the deposit is negotiated.Notice to owner for subs and suppliers (9 V.S.A. § 1921(b))Anyone not hired by the owner must give the owner written notice that they will claim a lien, with the payment due date if known. The lien covers only the unpaid contract balance when the owner gets the notice.Record the lien (9 V.S.A. §§ 1921(c), 1923)The lien lapses 180 days after payment for the last labor or materials came due unless a signed memorandum is filed with the clerk of the town where the property is located.Enforce the lien (9 V.S.A. § 1924)Start the lawsuit and attach the property within 180 days of filing the memorandum. Advance lien waivers are unenforceable.Prompt payment (9 V.S.A. chapter 102)If the contract is silent, payment is due 20 days after the billing period ends or the invoice is delivered, whichever is later, with interest from day 21. Courts add a 1% per month penalty and attorney's fees on wrongly withheld sums.

Install instructions by brand: all makers →

Public records, last checked Oct 23, 2026. Always verify on the official source before you permit.