The City of Essex Junction is proud to announce its selection by the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development as a “Development-Ready” community partner in the groundbreaking “802 Homes” initiative. This selection is part of Vermont’s award-winning Homes for All program, aimed at addressing the critical housing shortage across the state. The City joins the Towns of Hartford and Manchester as one of only three communities to participate in this program.
By participating as a “Development-Ready” community partner, the City will:
- Tailor plans for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) through four-unit homes—adaptable for stick-built or off-site construction—to meet the community’s needs.
- Be the first to gain access to a catalog of 10 ready-to-build, code-compliant home designs (Note: Once the 802 Homes catalog goes “live”, other communities will have a pathway to utilize the home designs).
- Learn how to systematically identify opportunity sites for infill housing in the community.
- Help shape a statewide model that empowers small-scale builders to deliver infill housing that fits into existing neighborhoods.
- Explore streamlined permitting approaches while reinforcing the community’s identity and values.
"Across the country, communities embracing ready-to-build home designs are unlocking new housing potential, said Community Development Director Chris Yuen." "The Community Development Department is excited to be part of this initiative, which may play a major role in helping the City address the housing shortage and achieve its housing targets."
In the coming months, the Community Development Department will engage a broader group of stakeholders, including housing advocates, homeowners, and interested community members. More information on these activities will be announced soon.
For more information about the Homes for All Phase 3 – 802 Homes initiative, please visit: https://accd.vermont.gov/current-initiatives/homesforall/802homes.