Essex Junction is taking a practical, community-centered step to expand housing choices for neighbors at all stages of life. The City has been selected as a Development-Ready Community through the State of Vermont’s Homes for All Initiative, positioning Essex Junction to help pilot new, small-scale housing solutions that fit comfortably within existing neighborhoods.
Over the coming months, the City will work with state partners to identify suitable sites, test new home designs, streamline local permitting and review processes, and secure approvals for a new statewide home design catalog known as 802 Homes. The goal is simple: make it easier, faster, and more affordable for Vermonters to build homes that meet real community needs.
Once completed, the 802 Homes catalog will include approximately ten community-tested, pre-permitted home designs. These designs are intended to work on small to typical-sized lots, meet Vermont building codes, and support a range of construction methods, including modular and panelized systems. For municipalities that demonstrate “development-readiness,” the catalog will be available at no cost to homeowners and builders—reducing uncertainty, saving time, and lowering development costs.
To ensure these designs work in real neighborhoods, Essex Junction is seeking homeowners willing to have their property considered as a case study site, including properties where an additional apartment or small home may be feasible. At least three sites will be selected locally. After initial site visits, the project team will host a one-day public design charrette, bringing residents, local stakeholders, and design professionals together to refine concepts and ensure the homes reflect community values and neighborhood character.
By pre-approving well-designed, modest-scale housing options, the 802 Homes initiative supports homeowners, creates more choices for renters and buyers, and helps Essex Junction remain a welcoming community for families, workers, and older adults alike. This approach focuses on gentle infill, allowing growth that fits naturally into existing neighborhoods while addressing Vermont’s ongoing housing shortage.
Homeowners interested in having their parcel considered as a case study site are encouraged to contact Chris Yuen, Community Development Director, at 802-878-6944 ext. 1607 or cyuen@essexjunction.org by January 9, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.
The City encourages interested landowners and small-scale developers to participate in this forward-thinking effort—one that supports local homeowners, strengthens neighborhoods, and helps ensure Essex Junction remains a place where people can live, work, and stay connected to their community.