Vermont building code
Vermont has adopted 2025 VFBSC (Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code) / IBC based on 2021 IBC. The table below lists the governing edition for every discipline a plan check touches, followed by the Vermont cities and counties that amend it locally.
- Current edition
- 2025 Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code (effective 2025-11-04; adopts 2021 IBC/IEBC, NFPA 1-2021, NFPA 101-2021 with Vermont amendments)
- Prior edition
- 2015 Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code (2015-model-code based)
- Code authority
- Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety (Commissioner of Public Safety is AHJ); trade boards under DFS: Electricians' Licensing Board, Plumbers' Examining Board, Vermont Access Board, Elevator Safety Review Board; energy codes: Vermont Department of Public Service
Edition changeover: Projects with a complete application on or before 2025-11-04 may still be reviewed under the 2015 Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code (2015-model-code based).
Adopted code by discipline
| Discipline | Adopted code | Local amendment |
|---|---|---|
| Building | 2025 VFBSC (Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code) / IBC based on 2021 IBC | n/a |
| Existing buildings | 2025 VFBSC / IEBC based on 2021 IEBC | n/a |
| Fire | 2025 VFBSC / NFPA 1 + NFPA 101 based on 2021 NFPA 1 and 2021 NFPA 101 | n/a |
| Electrical | 2025 Vermont Electrical Safety Rules / NEC (NFPA 70) based on 2023 NEC | n/a |
| Mechanical | 2025 NFPA 1 + NFPA 90A (via VFBSC); IMC not adopted as a standalone code based on 2021 NFPA 1 / NFPA 90A; 2021 IMC referenced as an option for specific ventilation provisions | n/a |
| Plumbing | 2025 Vermont Plumbing Rules / IPC based on 2024 IPC | n/a |
| Energy | 2024 Vermont RBES / CBES (Residential & Commercial Building Energy Standards) based on CBES: 2018-IECC-based Vermont standalone code with 2021 IECC elements (ASHRAE 90.1-2019 alternative path); RBES: IECC-based Vermont standalone code with selected 2021/2024 IECC updates | n/a |
| Accessibility | 2012 Vermont Access Rules based on Vermont-specific rules incl. Adaptable & Visitable Standards for Dwellings; used alongside 2010/2012 ADA Standards | n/a |
| Fuel Gas | 2025 NFPA 54 / NFPA 58 (via VFBSC) based on 2021 NFPA 54 (incl. Annex G) and 2020 NFPA 58 | n/a |
Overlays that can apply
Mapped hazard and district overlays stack on top of the adopted code. These are the overlays recorded for Vermont. They apply by parcel, not jurisdiction-wide, so confirm the parcel before assuming one is in play. Check CAL FIRE's fire hazard severity viewer and FEMA's flood map service.
- Local stretch energy code
- FEMA mapped flood hazard area
Sources
- https://firesafety.vermont.gov/sites/firesafety/files/Rules/2025%20Vermont%20Fire%20&%20Building%20Safety%20Code.pdf
- https://firesafety.vermont.gov/sites/firesafety/files/Rules/2025%20Vermont%20Electrical%20Safety%20Rules.pdf
- https://firesafety.vermont.gov/sites/firesafety/files/Rules/2025%20Vermont%20Plumbing%20Rules%20V2.pdf
- https://firesafety.vermont.gov/sites/firesafety/files/files/rules/dfs_rules_accessammended-current.pdf
- https://publicservice.vermont.gov/efficiency/building-energy-standards/residential-building-energy-standards
- https://publicservice.vermont.gov/efficiency/building-energy-standards/commercial-building-energy-standards
- https://publicservice.vermont.gov/efficiency/building-energy-standards/building-energy-standards-update
- https://publicservice.vermont.gov/sites/dps/files/documents/2024%20Vermont%20Commercial%20Building%20Energy%20Standards%20Amendments_FINAL.pdf
- https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/20/173/02730
- https://firesafety.vermont.gov/licensing/plumbing
Common questions
What building code does Vermont use?
Vermont uses 2025 VFBSC (Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code) / IBC based on 2021 IBC. It is administered by the Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety (Commissioner of Public Safety is AHJ); trade boards under DFS: Electricians' Licensing Board, Plumbers' Examining Board, Vermont Access Board, Elevator Safety Review Board; energy codes: Vermont Department of Public Service. The prior edition was 2015 Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code (2015-model-code based).
Do cities in Vermont amend the state code?
Local amendments are adopted by ordinance at the city or county level. Confirm with the building department that reviews your permit.
Which edition applies to a permit already in review in Vermont?
Projects with a complete application on or before 2025-11-04 may still be reviewed under the 2015 Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code (2015-model-code based).
Check a plan set against Vermont code
Knowing the adopted edition is the easy half. Architechtura reads your drawings, resolves which of these provisions actually apply to the project, and returns the corrections a plan checker would write up, each one cited to the section it came from.
Your first check is free, no card required.
Compiled from published state and municipal adoption ordinances. Local governments amend their codes on their own schedule, and a pending ordinance can change what applies to your permit. Confirm the governing edition with the building department before you submit. This page is reference information, not a code determination.