Burke Planners Turn To Housing After Town Plan Approval

The Burke Planning Commission is considering changes to local zoning rules to encourage long-term housing, including larger accessory dwelling units and possible limits on short-term rentals.

At its Oct. 20 meeting, commissioners also discussed property tax breaks for long-term rentals and redevelopment of vacant or distressed properties in West Burke. The ideas remain preliminary.

The discussion follows the commission’s recent quick update of the Town Plan, which the Select Board approved in September.

The commission sent the plan to the Northeastern Vermont Development Association.

A more comprehensive rewrite remains ahead, but Town Administrator and Planning Commission Chair Jim Sullivan suggested the commission return to that work in mid- to late 2027.

He suggested they focus on other local issues in the meantime—particularly housing availability.

Larger accessory dwelling units

The commission’s discussion of accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, focused on expanding the supply of long-term housing rather than encouraging investment properties.

Burke’s bylaws limit an ADU to 30% of the primary home’s livable space or 900 square feet, whichever is greater, under a state law change. Harris said the town could consider allowing units of 1,200 or 1,500 square feet.

And now it’s time for your Moo92 sports…

A David Pastrinak goal in the overtime shootout helped propel the Boston Bruins to s 3-2 victory over the Vegas Knights on Monday night. The victory give the Bruins 11 wins in 16 games on the season. Next up for Boston will be the Penguins in Pittsburgh on Thursday night.

The Montreal Canadians will host the Winnipeg Jets tonight. The Habs goinf for their 6th win in a row. Montreal just 3 points behind Boston. Puck drop tonight at the Bell Centre at 7pm.

In the NBA, the Boston Celtics dropped their matchup against the Houston Rockets last night 109-93. Boston will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night at 7:30pm.