Off-Grid Living in Troy, Vermont

Troy, Vermont is a small Orleans County town, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's unzoned. Troy has had a formal Zoning Bylaw on the books since 1973 (Chapter 170), plus a Subdivision Ordinance (Chapter 135), both administered locally. So anyone thinking about off-grid land here needs to work with two layers of rules: the Town of Troy's zoning permit system, and Vermont's statewide environmental permitting run by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Zoning and raw land. Troy's bylaw covers building, mobile homes, subdivision, excavation, and change of use. If you're planning to build anything, place a mobile home, subdivide, excavate, or change how a structure is used, the town requires a zoning permit. Different districts (like Agricultural-Residential zones) carry their own standards, so I'd confirm with the Zoning Administrator what your specific parcel allows before buying.

Dwellings, tiny homes, RVs. The bylaw clearly addresses mobile homes (a permit is required to place one), but I couldn't confirm specific rules for tiny houses or RV living from what's published online. This is one to call the Zoning Administrator about directly.

Building permits. Troy runs its own zoning permit process through the Town Clerk's office, where you also pick up abutter and parcel information. Vermont does not layer a separate statewide residential building code on top of this for most single-family constructions, so the town zoning permit is the main local hurdle.

Septic and composting toilets. This is a state matter, not a Troy-specific rule. Vermont's DEC requires a permit for composting or incinerating toilets under the statewide Wastewater System and Potable Water Supply Rules, and disposal of the waste has to follow those same rules. This applies uniformly across Vermont, including Troy.

Greywater. Also state-governed. Vermont DEC claims universal jurisdiction over wastewater system design and permitting, including new construction and system repairs. I found no Troy-specific greywater bylaw, so the state rules are what apply.

Rainwater harvesting. I found no restriction in Troy's bylaw or state guidance that would stop you from collecting rainwater for non-potable uses. Not fully confirmed, but nothing suggests a problem.

Wells. Vermont's DEC Water Supply Program covers private wells and small water systems through regional offices, and I didn't find any Troy-specific well ordinance layered on top.

Utilities. Nothing in Troy's zoning bylaw forces a hookup to municipal power or water, but you'll still need a zoning permit for whatever you build, and state wastewater and water permitting applies regardless of your grid status.

Bottom line: Troy is a zoned town where the Zoning Administrator is your first call for anything you build or place on land, and DEC handles the environmental permitting (septic, composting toilets, wells, greywater) at the state level no matter where in Vermont you are.