Ordinance Committee — Burlington, VT
Date: 2026-05-01
Time: 14:00

Friday, May 1, 2026, 2:00 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR
 REMOTELY via ZOOM

When: May 1, 2026 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Ordinance Committee Meeting

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://zoom.us/j/98817452753?pwd=uacWyADtaIrcty3Ka7ZbOCX4d3WDYS.1
Passcode:417094

Phone one-tap:
+13052241968,,98817452753#,,,,*417094# US
+13092053325,,98817452753#,,,,*417094# US

Join via audio:
+1 305 224 1968 US
+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
+1 564 217 2000 US
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 689 278 1000 US
+1 719 359 4580 US
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Webinar ID: 988 1745 2753
Passcode: 417094
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/abderomC1d




1. Agenda
  1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda

2. Adopt Draft Minutes
  Subject 2.1. Adopt Draft Minutes from 4/23
  Meeting May 1, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Friday, May 1, 2026, 2:00 PM,
 Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 2. Adopt Draft Minutes

  Department Council and Board


  Type
  Recommended Action

3. Public Forum
  Subject 3.1. Verbal Comments
  Meeting May 1, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Friday, May 1, 2026, 2:00 PM,
 Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM
  Category 3. Public Forum
  Department Council and Board


  Type

4. Gross Receipts Ordinance Discussion
  Subject 4.1. Gross Receipts Ordinance Discussion
  Meeting May 1, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Friday, May 1, 2026, 2:00 PM,
 Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 4. Gross Receipts Ordinance Discussion

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

5. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance
Discussion
  Subject 5.1. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance
 Discussion
  Meeting May 1, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Friday, May 1, 2026, 2:00 PM,
 Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 5. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance Discussion

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

6. Bicycle and Motor Vehicle Ordinance Discussion
  Subject 6.1. Bicycle and Motor Vehicle Ordinance Discussion
  Meeting May 1, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Friday, May 1, 2026, 2:00 PM,
 Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 6. Bicycle and Motor Vehicle Ordinance Discussion

  Department Council and Board


  Type
 Recommended Action

7. Any Other Committee Business
 Subject 7.1. Any Other Committee Business
 Meeting May 1, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Friday, May 1, 2026, 2:00 PM,
 Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


 Category 7. Any Other Committee Business

 Department Council and Board


 Type

 Recommended Action

8. Adjournment
 Subject 8.1. Motion to adjourn
 Meeting May 1, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Friday, May 1, 2026, 2:00 PM,
 Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


 Category 8. Adjournment

 Department Council and Board


 Type

 Recommended Action

Friday, May 1, 2026, 2:00 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR
 REMOTELY via ZOOM

When: May 1, 2026 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Ordinance Committee Meeting

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://zoom.us/j/98817452753?pwd=uacWyADtaIrcty3Ka7ZbOCX4d3WDYS.1
Passcode:417094

Phone one-tap:
+13052241968,,98817452753#,,,,*417094# US
+13092053325,,98817452753#,,,,*417094# US

Join via audio:
+1 305 224 1968 US
+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
+1 564 217 2000 US
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 689 278 1000 US
+1 719 359 4580 US
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Webinar ID: 988 1745 2753
Passcode: 417094
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/abderomC1d




1. Agenda
  1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda

2. Adopt Draft Minutes
  Subject 2.1. Adopt Draft Minutes from 4/23
  Meeting May 1, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Friday, May 1, 2026, 2:00 PM,
 Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 2. Adopt Draft Minutes

  Department Council and Board


  Type


 Page 1 of 27
  Recommended Action

3. Public Forum
  Subject 3.1. Verbal Comments
  Meeting May 1, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Friday, May 1, 2026, 2:00 PM,
 Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM
  Category 3. Public Forum
  Department Council and Board


  Type

4. Gross Receipts Ordinance Discussion
  Subject 4.1. Gross Receipts Ordinance Discussion
  Meeting May 1, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Friday, May 1, 2026, 2:00 PM,
 Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 4. Gross Receipts Ordinance Discussion

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

5. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance
Discussion
  Subject 5.1. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance
 Discussion
  Meeting May 1, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Friday, May 1, 2026, 2:00 PM,
 Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 5. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance Discussion

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

6. Bicycle and Motor Vehicle Ordinance Discussion
  Subject 6.1. Bicycle and Motor Vehicle Ordinance Discussion
  Meeting May 1, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Friday, May 1, 2026, 2:00 PM,
 Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 6. Bicycle and Motor Vehicle Ordinance Discussion

  Department Council and Board


  Type




 Page 2 of 27
 Recommended Action

7. Any Other Committee Business
 Subject 7.1. Any Other Committee Business
 Meeting May 1, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Friday, May 1, 2026, 2:00 PM,
 Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


 Category 7. Any Other Committee Business

 Department Council and Board


 Type

 Recommended Action

8. Adjournment
 Subject 8.1. Motion to adjourn
 Meeting May 1, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Friday, May 1, 2026, 2:00 PM,
 Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


 Category 8. Adjournment

 Department Council and Board


 Type

 Recommended Action




 Page 3 of 27
Page 4 of 27
Page 5 of 27
Page 6 of 27
Page 7 of 27
Page 8 of 27
Page 9 of 27
Gross Receipts Tax
 Ordinance Committee
 May 1, 2026




 Page 10 of 27
What falls under Burlington’s Gross Receipts?
• Meals, Alcohol, Admissions, & Amusements = 2.5%
• Short Term Rentals (“AirBnB Tax”) = 9% (dedicated to the Housing
  Trust Fund)
• Hotel/Motel (“Rooms Tax”) = 4%

Current Estimated GR income for FY27 = $7M
Impact of sunsetting the 0.5% GR tax = -$870,000



 Page 11 of 27
How a GR Tax Works
• Gross receipts tax is an “at the register” tax.
• It is not added to the listed/advertised price of the item.
• VT Gross Receipts Law: Applicable State guidance states: (a) Each operator
 shall state the amount of tax to each occupant and each purchaser of a taxable meal and alcoholic beverage,
 and shall charge the tax for each rental, meal, or beverage, and shall demand and collect the tax from such
 occupant or purchaser. The occupant or purchaser shall pay the tax to the operator and each operator shall
 be liable for the collection thereof.
 • Businesses must be passing this tax on to the consumer as a separate item
 • Businesses should not be absorbing this tax – i.e. it is not be a direct cost to
 the business
• The State portion of GR tax is remitted directly to the State
• The City portion of GR tax is remitted directly to the City

 Page 12 of 27
How the Consumer Experiences GR Tax

 Tax Breakdown
 • State GR (11%) = $1.67
 • City GR
 Sandwich and a capuccino • 2% = $0.37
 • 0.5% = $0.09
 Subtotal $18.50

 State & Municipal Tax
 combined = $2.13 (11.5%)
 • 9% State
 • 2.5% City




 Page 13 of 27
 Impact on Consumer Behavior
 • Tax Salience (a concept in behavioral economics): refers to how
 visible or noticeable a tax is to the person paying it at the moment
 they make an economic decision.
 • Taxes that are not fully visible at the decision point (low salience) tend to have
 a weaker effect on consumer behavior than equally sized, highly visible taxes*
 • Consumers underreact to taxes that not salient*




*Chetty, Raj, Adam Looney, and Kory Kroft. 2009. “Salience and Taxation:
Theory and Evidence.” American Economic Review 99, no. 4: 1145–1177.
https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.99.4.1145
 Page 14 of 27
QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION




 Page 15 of 27
 CITY OF BURLINGTON
 ORDINANCE ___________
 Sponsor: Dept. of Permitting and
 Inspections
 Public Hearing Dates: ___________
 In the Year Two Thousand Twenty-Six
 _____________________________
 First reading: _________________
 Referred to: ___________________
 An Ordinance in Relation to Rules suspended and placed in all
 Stages of passage: ______________
 HOUSING—INSPECTION REQUIRED Second reading: ________________
 BCO Chapter 18, Art. II, Div. 1, Sec. 16 Action: ______________________
 Date: ________________________
 Signed by Mayor: ______________
 Published: ____________________
 Effective: _____________________

 It is hereby Ordained by the City Council of the City of Burlington as follows:

 1 That Chapter 18, Housing, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Burlington be and is hereby amended by
 2 amending Article II, Administration and Enforcement; Division 1, Generally; Section 16, Inspection
 3 Required; thereof to read as follows:
 4
 5 18-16 Inspection required.
 6
 7 The enforcement officer or their delegate shall make inspections of rental units within the city, including
 8 hotel and motel rooms which are regularly let to the same tenant(s) for a period of thirty (30) days or more,
 9 for the purpose of determining whether a violation of this chapter exists.
10
11 Excluded from periodic inspection shall be all owner-occupied dwellings containing one (1) or two (2)
12 rooms which are rented out for compensation and partial unit short term rentals. Also excluded from
13 inspection are university and college dormitories that conduct regular, comprehensive inspection programs
14 and annually certify compliance with the minimum housing standards ordinance to the enforcement agency.
15 The required certification shall be submitted in writing using the form prescribed by the Director of
16 Permitting and Inspections, due by September 1st annually. The certification shall include affirmation that the
17 students have been notified of their right and the process to make a complaint to the City pursuant to Sec. 18-
18 24. Inspections of dwellings and dwelling units other than those that are subject to periodic inspections, or of
19 hospital rooms, hotel and motel rooms or dormitories not subject to periodic inspections as provided for in
20 this section, shall be made only upon complaint or upon request of the owner thereof.
21
22 All records, including inspection reports, records of complaints received and investigated, and plans for
23 inspections of rental units, shall be available for public inspection.
24
25
26 * Material stricken out deleted.
27 ** Material underlined added.
28
29 ks/Ordinances 2026/Housing Code/BCO Ch. 18, Art. II, Div. 1
30 Secs. 18-16.
31 3/19/2026


 Page 16 of 27
 PERMITTING & INSPECTIONS
 645 Pine Street, Ste. A | PO Box 849
 Burlington, VT 05402-0849

 Housing: (802) 863-0442
 Trades: (802) 863-9094
 Zoning: (802) 865-7188


Self-Certification Form for University and College Dormitories


Staff Certifying Compliance
Name ___________________________
Address ____________________________
Email ___________________________
Phone # ___________________________


Property Manager/Emergency Contact
Name ___________________________
Address ____________________________
Email ___________________________
Phone # ___________________________


List of Dormitory addresses being certified:
NAME of DORM ADDRESS # of ROOMS CONTACT (name/email/phone)




 Information available in alternative media forms for people with disabilities.
 For disability access information call (802) 865-7121 or (802) 863-0450 TTY.
 An Equal Opportunity Employer


 Page 17 of 27
Total Number of Rooms/Units _____________________________________

Complaint Process Notification –Circle Yes/No
Residents are instructed on how to make a housing complaint to the university/college staff in
order to resolve habitability issues. Additionally, they are informed that they have the right to
complain to the City of Burlington.


Compliance with Chapter 18 Article III. Minimum Standards

Division 1. Generally

Division 2. Plumbing Facilities and Fixture Requirements

Division 3. Light, Ventilation, Space and Mechanical Requirements

Division 4. Space and Occupancy

Division 5. Fire Safety Requirements

Division 6. Responsibilities of Owners and Occupants



Self-Certification
I certify that University/College conducts regular inspections of dorms as part of a
comprehensive inspection program. The inspection program adheres to the standards set forth in
Article III, Chapter 18 of the Burlington Code of Ordinances


This annual certification is for the calendar year/school year from _________ to___________.


Signed: _______________________________
Title: _______________________________
Date: ________________________________




 Information available in alternative media forms for people with disabilities.
 For disability access information call (802) 865-7121 or (802) 863-0450 TTY.
 An Equal Opportunity Employer


 Page 18 of 27
Page 19 of 27
Page 20 of 27
Page 21 of 27
Page 22 of 27
Page 23 of 27
Page 25 of 27
Page 26 of 27
Page 27 of 27

Ordinance Committee
 Friday, May 1, 2026
 Bushor Conference Room, City Hall
 or Remote via Zoom. Burlington, Vermont
 DRAFT MINUTES

Members Present: Councilor Bergman (Chair), Councilor Barlow, Councilor Carpenter

Staff Present: Kim Sturtevant (Assistant City Attorney), Kara Alnasrawi (Interim Chief of
Staff), Will Clavelle (Interim CEDO Director), Bill Ward (Director of DPI), Traci Isham (DFA),
Caleb Manna (DPW), Philip Peterson (DPW)

Public Present: Sharon Bushor, Wendy Koenig, Alicia Estey, Amanda Clayton

Meeting called to order at 2:02 PM.

1. Adopt the Agenda
 1.1 Adopt the Agenda

Motion to Adopt Agenda.
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Bergman.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

2. Adopt Draft Minutes
 2.1 Adopt Draft Minutes from April 23, 2026

No minutes available to adopt.

Councilor Carpenter arrived at 2:04 PM.

3. Public Forum

Marek Broderick: I am the City Councilor for Ward Eight. I like the changes to the UVM and
dorm materials. I am advocating for keeping the 2.5% gross receipts tax rate instead of allowing
it to sunset back to 2%. I believe consumption taxes are regressive and we should move to a
more equitable taxation system, but the City cannot afford to lose the $900k in revenue.
Allowing this to sunset will not increase business downtown, particularly for restaurants. I know
people consider the menu price but rarely are people thinking about the 2.5% gross receipts tax.
The bigger problems are pointless wars, exploitative landlords, and high food costs due to
climate change.

Sharon Bushor: I want to thank City staff for working on the UVM inspection exemption
ordinance and I like the current materials. I wonder if there is a way for a university to inform
the City of ongoing dorm issues that haven’t been resolved but are being worked on. There has
been an increase in ebikes being used on sidewalks and there is danger of injury for pedestrians.
 Page 1 of 4
I want to support businesses and I think this tax is small factor and they actually need more
security. I also think Grubhub and Ubereats should be paying this gross receipts tax.

4. Gross Receipts Ordinance Discussion.

Kara Alnasrawi (Interim Chief of Staff), Will Clavelle (Interim CEDO Director), and Traci
Isham (DFA) shared a presentation on the Gross Receipts Tax Ordinance change. This
presentation is available in the agenda packet on CivicClerk.

Will Clavelle said that many small businesses have trouble when it comes to writing a check to
the City for the taxes they owe and it would be easier to have the money automatically remit to
the City like it does for the State.

Councilor Barlow said that the City has previously indicated that the 0.5% was a temporary
measure. He said that South Burlington and Williston both have thriving business areas that now
compete with Burlington. We are charging more taxes for hotels and restaurants than
neighboring towns. He said he would like to repeal this tax increase.

Kara Alnasrawi said the ordinance change would allow the City to hold businesses like Ubereats
accountable for the taxes they owe and make it easier for them to pay as well.

Councilor Carpenter said the tax increase was originally part of a stopgap while the City pursued
an efficiency study. She said the City has not been able to come up with enough efficiency
improvements to warrant lowering the tax back down and that the City needs to continue to
improve on its efficiencies. She said that the bigger problems for downtown are safety issues
and parking. She said that the Council can adjust taxes whenever it is necessary, so it was
unwise to put the label on temporary on the original increase to the gross receipts tax.

Councilor Bergman said he has opposed the sunset of the tax increase. He added that the
Progressive caucus never supported having a sunset on the gross receipts tax. He said that
cutting revenue will add to a debt spiral. He said that Burlington has unique advantages,
particularly the lake and the sunsets. He said that it would actually be anti-business to make cuts
because the things that will be cut are good for businesses. He also added that the other changes
to the ordinance also will be good for business and keep small businesses from having to pay
interest after interest.

Councilor Bergman added that, despite knowing and liking everyone on the Council, he is
outraged that there is debate over this tax at a time when the City needs the revenue. He said that
whenever the City is no longer is need of the revenue or if economic policy requires it, then the
Council can change the tax.

Councilor Barlow said that the budget has many moving parts, both expenditure decreases and
revenue increases. He said that the unique boons that Burlington once had are not as unique or
as important as they used to be. He added that Parks have raised their fees for events as well and
there are other music venues outside of Burlington that have become more attractive for
promoters.
 Page 2 of 4
Councilor Barlow asked for Kara Alnasrawi to bring back a previous report that was created
regarding whether or not providing grants to specific small businesses would be effective or not.

Kara Alnasrawi said that the report was delivered in executive session. She added that the City
did not ultimately give out funds to businesses last year, but Burlington City Arts (BCA)
received some more money for downtown events and advertising.

Councilor Bergman asked DFA and the City Attorney’s Office to look into how the removal or
lowering of the local option tax on amusements would affect the budget.

5. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance Discussion

Attorney Sturtevant shared the most recent version of the draft ordinance. This draft of the
ordinance is available in the agenda packet on CivicClerk.

Wendy Koenig (UVM) said that UVM is fine with the current draft ordinance changes and with
the self-certification form.

Bill Ward said that the privately-managed and owned Redstone buildings are not subject to this
ordinance and are inspected like any other apartment building in the City.

Councilor Bergman said that the issue of the definition of dormitory should be looked into later
and not extend out the discussion on this ordinance.

Bill Ward said that issues or complaints about the inspection process for the City go to the
Housing Board of Review for further review if necessary.

Motion to refer the draft ordinance back to the full City Council for second reading with a
recommendation for adoption.
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

6. Bicycle and Motor Vehicle Ordinance Discussion

Phillip Peterson and Caleb Manna gave an overview of the changes the Public Works would like
to make to the bicycle ordinance.

Caleb Manna (DPW) responded to Sharon Bushor saying that sidewalks are primarily for
pedestrian use, but bicycles are allowed on sidewalks outside of the city center. He said that
DPW has been working with the Burlington Walk Bike Council and the Public Works
Commission on this issue.

Phillip Peterson (DPW) said that motorized bicycles are prohibited on sidewalks city-wide.

 Page 3 of 4
Caleb Manna said that the ordinance changes are to accomplish two goals: conforming the Main
Street bike lane to state law and addressing the new electric modes of transport that are becoming
more popular like ebikes or scooters.

Councilor Carpenter said she would like ebikes to be banned on sidewalks in general. Councilor
Barlow agreed and said he has seen motorized bikes on the greenway and on sidewalks.

Caleb Manna said this ordinance change is mostly about securing the Main Street bike lane but
the definitions of different types of motorized bikes did spark a larger discussion.

Attorney Ramakrishnan said an interim measure in the draft ordinance already is that the reckless
or careless operation of a motorized bicycle is an ordinance violation.

Caleb Manna said DPW wants to solicit public input for any prohibition on motorized bicycles
before bringing it to the committee.

Councilor Bergman asked Attorney Ramakrishnan to draft language around the prohibition of
motorized bicycles in certain areas.

Attorney Ramakrishnan said a technical change to be made the current draft ordinance is on line
139, which should also say “otherwise as written” so that we clear about not removing the
definitions.

Councilor Bergman suggested coming back to the motorized bicycle definitions and permissible
locations at the June 18th meeting.

Motion to refer the draft ordinance back to the full City Council with the technical change on
line 139, with a recommendation for adoption.
Motion by Councilor Bergman, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

7. Any Other Committee Business

Attorney Sturtevant said there are City Circle ordinance changes coming up in June.

8. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn by Councilor Bergman, without objection.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:02 PM.




 Page 4 of 4