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Vermont · Lake Champlain · Green Mountains · #220 Most Populous County in the US
Chittenden County, Vermont
Burlington - Vermont's largest city and the smallest state's most vibrant urban center, where Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains, the University of Vermont, and a progressive political culture have built one of the most celebrated small cities in America. Bernie Sanders launched his political career here. Ben & Jerry's was founded here. Property tax, courts, public records, probate, and senior services for Chittenden County residents.
Affiliate disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you use them, at no extra cost to you. Our editorial recommendations are independent of these relationships.
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Chittenden County's assessment ratio means effective tax rates are low — but incorrect appraisals still cost money. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
Office: Chittenden County Emergency Management – via Vermont Emergency Management regional coordination
Alert System: VT-Alert
FEMA Region: Region 1
Notes: Vermont’s most populous county, anchored by Burlington, the state’s largest city, on the shore of Lake Champlain; flooding along the Winooski River, reinforced by the historic July 2023 Vermont floods; winter storm risk; Burlington is the county seat (shire town)
Roads & Utilities
ROADS & TRANSPORTATION
Roads: I-89, the primary corridor connecting Burlington to Montpelier and points south; Burlington International Airport, the busiest airport accessible anywhere in Vermont, serves the region
Transit: Green Mountain Transit – the most extensive public bus system accessible anywhere in Vermont, serving Burlington and the surrounding metro area
Business & Permits
BUILDING & PERMITS
Office: Individual town and city zoning departments (Burlington, South Burlington, Essex, and others) handle permitting
Services: Building permits handled at the municipal level; floodplain permits significant given the county’s Winooski River and Lake Champlain flood exposure
Notes: As in all Vermont counties, permitting authority rests primarily with individual municipalities rather than the county itself; Burlington’s Department of Permitting and Inspections handles the city’s substantial permitting volume
Veterans Services
VETERANS SERVICES
Office: Chittenden County Veterans Service Officer (via Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs regional coordination)
State VSO: Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs – veterans.vermont.gov
VA Medical: White River Junction VA Medical Center (accessible southeast); a significant VA outpatient clinic serves Burlington directly
Libraries
LIBRARIES
System: Fletcher Free Library, Burlington; other municipal libraries throughout the county
Services: Books; e-books; public computers; Wi-Fi; extensive genealogy resources
Notes: The University of Vermont’s Bailey/Howe Library is a separate major academic institution
Parks & Recreation
PARKS & RECREATION
Key Assets: The University of Vermont, one of the oldest public universities accessible anywhere in the United States, founded in 1791; Church Street Marketplace, a significant pedestrian shopping district in downtown Burlington, one of the most well-regarded urban commercial districts accessible anywhere in New England; the Burlington Waterfront and Lake Champlain bike path; Shelburne Farms and Shelburne Museum, significant regional cultural and agricultural heritage sites
Notes: Burlington’s combination of the University of Vermont, one of the oldest public universities accessible anywhere in the country, its vibrant Church Street Marketplace, and its scenic Lake Champlain waterfront give Chittenden County one of the most culturally and economically significant identities accessible anywhere in Vermont
GIS & Maps
GIS & MAPS
GIS Portal: Vermont Center for Geographic Information (statewide) – vcgi.vermont.gov
Parcel Search: Vermont statewide parcel viewer
Addressing/911: Chittenden County E-911 Addressing – via municipal governments and Vermont Enhanced 911 Board
Animal Services
ANIMAL SERVICES
Shelter: Chittenden County Humane Society – (802) 862-0135
Landfill/Transfer: Chittenden Solid Waste District – regional transfer stations, one of the more comprehensive municipal solid waste and recycling programs accessible anywhere in Vermont
Recycling: Curbside and drop-off recycling required statewide under Vermont’s universal recycling law
Environmental Complaints: Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation – dec.vermont.gov | (802) 828-1556
Notes: Lake Champlain water quality management, including significant phosphorus-reduction efforts under a federal consent decree, is one of the most significant and closely monitored environmental priorities accessible anywhere in the county
NOTES
Chittenden County, anchored by Burlington and the University of Vermont, one of the oldest public universities accessible anywhere in the United States, holds Vermont’s most significant concentration of population, higher education, and economic activity. Lake Champlain water quality management, addressed under a significant federal consent decree targeting phosphorus pollution, remains one of the county’s most consequential and closely watched ongoing environmental responsibilities.
About Chittenden County
Chittenden County is Vermont’s most populous and economically dynamic county – home to Burlington, a city whose national profile exceeds what its size of 45,000 permanent residents might suggest.
Burlington is best known nationally for two things: being the political launching pad of Bernie Sanders (Mayor of Burlington 1981-1989, who built his independent socialist political identity in Burlington before moving to Congress, the Senate, and two presidential campaigns) and being the birthplace of Ben & Jerry’s (founded by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield in a converted Burlington gas station in 1978, growing into one of the most recognized ice cream brands in the world and a model of socially conscious capitalism). Both Sanders and Ben & Jerry’s reflect Burlington’s distinctively progressive political culture – a city that has long been comfortable with ideas and identities ahead of national political mainstream.
Lake Champlain – the sixth-largest lake in the United States, forming Vermont’s western boundary with New York – defines Burlington’s physical setting. The Lake Champlain waterfront (ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, the Burlington Community Boathouse, and Waterfront Park) has been transformed from a post-industrial shoreline into one of Vermont’s most beloved public spaces. The lake’s recreational appeal – sailing, kayaking, and the ferry crossing to Port Kent, New York – is central to Burlington’s identity.
The University of Vermont (UVM, enrollment ~14,000) – founded in 1791, one of the nation’s oldest universities – is Burlington’s largest employer and has particular strengths in agriculture, environmental science, medicine, and education. The UVM Medical Center is Vermont’s only academic medical center and the state’s largest hospital.
Vermont’s Green Mountains provide the county’s eastern backdrop and access to Stowe (Vermont’s premier ski resort, in adjacent Lamoille County) and other skiing within an hour’s drive. The Burlington International Airport is Vermont’s primary air gateway.
County government in Vermont is limited – municipalities provide most services. The county provides courts. A County Clerk maintains county records. An elected Sheriff operates.
All Services
Browse every category and topic available for this county.
Vermont requires municipalities to assess property at 100% of fair market value (called the “listed value”). Assessment is conducted at the municipal level – each of Chittenden County’s 20 municipalities has its own listers (Vermont’s term for assessors). The Vermont Department of Taxes monitors equalization ratios.
The appeal process:
If you believe your listed value exceeds fair market value, first appeal to your local Board of Civil Authority – file within 30 days of the grievance date set by your municipality. If denied, appeal to the Vermont Director of Property Valuation and Review (state level) within 30 days, then to the Vermont Superior Court (Environmental Division handles property tax appeals).
Income Sensitivity Program: Vermont offers a significant property tax income adjustment for homeowners – the Homestead Declaration (filed annually with your Vermont income tax return) qualifies primary residence owners for an income-sensitive property tax adjustment. Households with income below approximately $90,000 receive a direct reduction in their property tax bill; this is one of the most generous middle-income property tax relief programs in any state and applies regardless of property value. File the Homestead Declaration (HS-122) each April.
Vermont estate tax: Vermont imposes a state estate tax on estates above $5 million (the threshold has been raised from prior levels; confirm current amount) at rates up to 16%. This is below the federal threshold (~$13.9 million) but above the lowest state thresholds (Massachusetts at $2 million). No Vermont inheritance tax. Federal estate tax applies above approximately $13.9 million (2025).
OWNWELL CTA: Chittenden County appeal: Board of Civil Authority within 30 days of grievance date, then Vermont Director of Property Valuation and Review. Income sensitivity program reduces property taxes significantly for households under ~$90K – file Homestead Declaration annually. Vermont estate tax at $5M threshold. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
Recommended
Chittenden County appeal: Board of Civil Authority within 30 days of grievance date, then Vermont Director of Property Valuation and Review. Income sensitivity program reduces property taxes significantly for households under ~$90K - file Homestead Declaration annually. Vermont estate tax at $5M threshold. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
Courts & Legal
Courts & Legal
The Chittenden County Superior Court (Civil, Criminal, and Family Divisions) at 175 Main Street, Burlington (802-651-1950) handles all civil, criminal, and family matters. The Chittenden County Probate Division at 175 Main Street (802-651-1950) handles all estate administration, guardianships, and trusts. The Chittenden County Clerk (802-651-1512) at 175 Main Street maintains all court records. Land records – deeds, mortgages, and recorded documents – are maintained at the municipal level in Vermont (each town’s land records office); the Vermont Land Records Online portal (vlr.vermont.gov) provides statewide access.
Vermont probate: estates with real property or assets over $10,000 require probate. Vermont allows simplified small estate procedures for qualifying smaller estates. Vermont does not currently recognize Transfer on Death deeds – real property passes through probate or joint tenancy.
Ben & Jerry’s and mission-driven business estate planning: The Ben & Jerry’s acquisition by Unilever (2000) created specific governance complications – the company’s social mission board and the tension between Unilever’s corporate ownership and the brand’s progressive identity have been ongoing. Vermont’s B Corporation certification framework (Ben & Jerry’s was one of the first certified B Corps) provides specific governance structures that interact with estate planning for Vermont mission-driven businesses.
UVM and academic estate planning: UVM faculty and staff participate in TIAA and Vermont’s state retirement system. The UVM Foundation is active in planned giving. UVM Medical Center physicians may hold clinical research agreements and trial participation that should be addressed in estate plans.
Income sensitivity and senior estate planning: Vermont’s income sensitivity program is particularly valuable for older Chittenden County residents on fixed incomes with appreciated real estate – a Burlington home worth $600,000 purchased in 1990 may generate a property tax bill significantly reduced by the income adjustment program, making it possible to age in place despite rising property values.
Senior Services: The Chittenden County Area Agency on Aging / Champlain Valley Area Agency on Aging (802-865-0360) at 76 Pearl Street, Suite 201, Essex Junction coordinates senior centers, home-delivered meals, transportation, Vermont SHIP Medicare counseling, caregiver support, Adult Protective Services, and connections to Vermont Medicaid long-term care programs.
Marriage & Vital Records
Marriage licenses, divorce records, and birth & death certificates are handled by the following office(s):
PROBATE DIVISION
Chittenden Probate Division of the Vermont Superior Court, 175 Main St, Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 651-1518
Genealogy
County-level record sources
Chittenden Probate Division, Burlington (probate/estate case files – see Probate section above). Probate records available from 1795 (some sources cite 1778) to present.
In Vermont, MOST vital and land records are actually kept at the TOWN level, not the county level – each of Chittenden County’s towns (Bolton, Burlington, Charlotte, Colchester, Essex, Hinesburg, Huntington, Jericho, Milton, Richmond, Shelburne, South Burlington, St. George, Underhill, Westford, Williston, Winooski) maintains its own Town Clerk records.
Chittenden County Historical Society, PO Box 1576, Burlington, VT 05402.
Local societies
Chittenden County Historical Society (see above).
Numerous town-level historical societies exist within the county (e.g., Charlotte Historical Society, Colchester Historical Society, Essex Community Historical Society).
Probate & Estate
Losing someone and having to deal with courts and paperwork at the same time is hard. This section won’t make that easier, but it should tell you what to expect, what it costs, and where to go – so at least you’re not walking in blind.
Where to go
Vermont Superior Court, Chittenden Probate Division 175 Main Street, PO Box 511, Burlington, VT 05402 (802) 651-1518
Chittenden County was founded October 22, 1787, named for Thomas Chittenden (Vermont’s first governor), Vermont’s most populous county, shire town Burlington – home to the University of Vermont. Vermont has ONE probate court per county, operating as the Probate Division of the Superior Court. Chittenden’s is the largest and busiest probate court in the state.
Step 1: figure out which path applies
Vermont has NOT adopted the Uniform Probate Code – it maintains its own probate framework under Title 14 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated, administered through the Probate Division in each county.
Small Estate Procedure (14 V.S.A. § 1901) – available when the estate’s fair market value is $45,000 or less AND consists entirely of personal property (a timeshare interest is the sole real-property exception, per 32 V.S.A. § 3619(a)). Unlike many states, this is NOT a self-executing affidavit presented directly to a bank – it opens an actual probate case, filed with the Probate Division. The petitioner must be the sole beneficiary under a will or sole heir if intestate, and must also be the sole fiduciary. Filing requires: a petition to open, a list of interested persons, the filing fee, an original death certificate, an inventory, an affidavit of paid/outstanding debts and funeral expenses, a bond without surety in the amount of the estate’s value, and the will if one exists. Non-consenting interested parties get notice and 14 days to object. If the estate later proves worth more than $45,000, the fiduciary must petition to convert it to full administration.
Waiver of Administration (14 V.S.A. § 1852) – a separate, newer mechanism available when the personal representative is the SOLE heir or beneficiary; if granted, it waives the inventory requirement and the bond, and the estate can close with just a single affidavit of administration filed 6 months to 1 year after appointment. No dollar threshold applies to this specific mechanism.
Full/Standard Administration – the default path for estates that don’t qualify for the above, involving formal appointment of an executor or administrator, creditor notice, inventory, and court-supervised distribution.
Step 2: filing for administration
The personal representative (or an interested party) files a Petition to Open an Estate with the Chittenden Probate Division – within 30 days of death if a will exists.
Required documents include the original will (if any) and codicils, a list of estate property and its approximate value, deed book/page numbers for any real estate, a certified death certificate, and a list of interested persons.
The court reviews the petition, holds a hearing if needed, and appoints the executor or administrator, issuing letters.
The personal representative provides notice to creditors – Vermont’s creditor claim period is 4 months.
The personal representative inventories assets, pays valid debts and taxes, and manages the estate.
Remaining assets are distributed to beneficiaries or heirs, and the estate is closed with final accounting.
What it costs
Filing fees vary by estate value; small estate/summary probate filings run roughly $50–$110 per 32 V.S.A. § 1434(a)(30). Confirm current Chittenden County fees directly, or ask about a fee waiver if needed.
Vermont does not publish a fixed statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; reasonable compensation is standard practice.
Vermont has an active STATE ESTATE TAX: a $5,000,000 exemption, with a flat 16% rate applied to the portion of the estate above that threshold. This is separate from and in addition to the federal estate tax (roughly $15 million exemption for 2026) – an estate can owe Vermont tax even when it owes no federal tax.
Vermont does NOT have a separate inheritance tax.
Probate filings, estate administration, and guardianship matters are handled by the following office(s):
PROBATE DIVISION
Chittenden Probate Division of the Vermont Superior Court, 175 Main St, Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 651-1518
Public Safety & Arrests
Arrest records, inmate search, and law enforcement services are handled by the following office(s):
SHERIFF
351 Pine St, Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 863-5555
Elections & Voting
Voter registration, polling locations, and elections information are handled by the following office(s):
Description
Health & Human Services
Offices & Contacts
Health services, social services, and assistance programs are handled by the following office(s):
Health Department
108 Cherry St, Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 863-7323
Economic Services Office
108 Cherry St, Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 863-7369
Public Health Information
PUBLIC HEALTH
Office: Vermont Department of Health, Burlington District Office – (802) 863-7323
Services: Immunizations; WIC; environmental health; vital records
Notes: The University of Vermont Medical Center, one of the most significant academic medical centers accessible anywhere in northern New England, gives the county substantial regional healthcare infrastructure
Editorial independence: CountyOffices maintains strict editorial independence from our affiliate partners. Our content is researched from official government sources. Affiliate relationships do not influence our recommendations or the information we publish.
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