802 Homes
802 Homes Catalog -Essex Junction as a Development-Ready Community Partner
Project Status
Ongoing- Join us for the Design Workshop on
Design Workshop - February 7, 2026 at 4 PM
Join us for a two-hour workshop to provide input on candidate home designs for the statewide Vermont 802 Homes effort, an effort to accelerate building of diverse Vermont-appropriate small housing types that better match local budgets and needs.
There will be a brief presentation to orient you to the project, candidate home designs for input, and facilitated small group workshops and discussion on key issues.
Light refreshments would be provided. Everyone is welcome, whether you are a homeowner or not!
When: February 7, 2026 at 4 PM
Where: Aspire Rm, Maple Street Park- 71 Maple St, Essex Junction, VT 05452
Not able to join us during the workshop time listed above? Stop by during our drop-in hour from [insert time] to learn about the project and share your input with the planning team.
Overview
Essex Junction is helping expand housing options for neighbors at all stages of life. The City was selected as a Development-Ready Community through Vermont’s Homes for All Initiative, joining a statewide effort to pilot new, small-scale housing solutions that fit comfortably within existing neighborhoods.
Through the 802 Homes initiative, Essex Junction is working with state partners to:
- Identify suitable sites for pilot homes
- Test and refine pre-approved home designs
- Streamline local permitting and review processes
- Support the development of a statewide 802 Homes catalog
The 802 Homes catalog will include approximately ten community-tested, pre-permitted home designs that:
- Fit small to typical-sized lots
- Meet Vermont building codes
- Support a variety of construction methods, including modular and panelized systems
These designs are intended to make it easier, faster, and more affordable for Vermonters to build homes that meet community needs while fitting into the existing neighborhood fabric.
Community Participation
Essex Junction is seeking local homeowners who are interested in adding one or more apartments to their residential property and are willing to have their site featured as a case study as part of the 802 Homes project. Learn more about participating in the case study in our news release.
In February 2026, city residents and stakeholders will be invited to provide input during a public design workshop (charrette) to help shape the designs to be included in the 802 Homes design catalogue
Timeline
- Project Kickoff: November 2025
- Public Design Workshop (Charrette): February 2026
- Catalog Launch: Fall/Winter 2026
Learn More
Visit the 802 Homes project website for updates, resources, and design previews.