Vermont law authorizes municipalities to adopt ordinances regulating certain subjects as legally enforceable local laws if specific statutory process is followed. Some of the more common civil ordinances regulate dogs, solid waste, parking, and speeding. Adopting, amending, and enforcing ordinances in accordance with the processes prescribed in state law is critical for avoiding legal challenges.
This recorded session has two parts described below.
1. Effective Ordinance Drafting and Adoption
VLCT Senior Staff Attorney Garrett Baxter presents best practices and legal requirements for drafting and adopting ordinances. He focuses on what ordinances municipalities can adopt; the essential elements of an ordinance and what they mean; and the statutorily required processes for adopting, amending or repealing an ordinance.
2. Enforcing Local Ordinances in the Judicial Bureau
VLCT’s Law Enforcement Consultant Trevor Whipple, who is also a former Chief of Police for both South Burlington and Barre City, reviews best practices and tips for complying with state law governing the process for enforcing civil ordinances. He also reviews requirements for how “enforcement officials” may issue municipal tickets for violations and file them with the Judicial Bureau.
Presenters:
Garrett Baxter, Senior Staff Attorney, VLCT Municipal Assistance Center
Trevor Whipple, Law Enforcement Consultant, VLCT PACIF
Recorded: August 29, 2024
Register for upcoming events on our Training & Events calendar.
Recorded sessions reflect current applications of the law at the time of the recording. For the most current information, members should refer to our MAC topics page or contact us at info@vlct.org or 1-800-648-7915. You may also submit a question on our Ask A Question webpage.
This page may expire at any time due to changes to the laws and/or topics discussed, or because a newer training replaces it. Please do not distribute this recording.