Community Development
The Community Development Department is responsible for all land-use and transportation planning activities in the City of Essex Junction. The department reviews development applications, conducts zoning enforcement, and manages the City's land use and transportation planning initiatives. Our staff supports the Planning Commission, Development Review Board, and Bike/Walk Advisory Committee.
Region-wide, the department represents the City in coordination with the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission and the Vermont Department of Transportation and works with major employers such as GlobalFoundries and New England Central Railroad.
Contact Information
Chris Yuen
Community Development Director
cyuen@essexjunction.org
(802) 878-6944 EXT: 1607
Terry Hass
Assistant Zoning Administrator
terry@essexjunction.org
(802) 878-6944 EXT: 1604
Michael Giguere
City Planner
mgiguere@essexjunction.org
(802) 878-6944 EXT: 1625
Featured Initiatives
Connect the Junction Transit-Oriented Development Master Plan
Adopted by City Council in December 2025, the Connect the Junction Master Plan guides future growth in the City Center and Pearl Street Corridor. The plan focuses on walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly development, and the City is now working on zoning and design updates to implement its recommendations.
Connect the Junction Project Website
2027 Comprehensive Plan Update
The City is updating its Comprehensive Plan to reflect current conditions, community priorities, and new state requirements. Work began in early 2026 and will guide land use, housing, transportation, infrastructure, and public investment through 2027 and beyond, with community engagement at the center of the process. Learn more abouth this initiative at the link below
2027 Comprehensive Plan Update
Pearl Street Multimodal Improvements
This project will improve safety and connectivity for people walking, biking, and using transit along Pearl Street (VT Route 15) between Susie Wilson Road and West Street Extension. An updated scoping study and preferred design were approved in November 2025, with final design work beginning in Winter 2026.