About Burlington

Burlington, Vermont is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, its picturesque waterfront, and its progressive politics. The city council is composed of nine members, each elected to a two-year term. The council is responsible for setting policy, approving the city budget, and appointing members to various boards and commissions. The council meets twice a month and holds public hearings on various issues.

Burlington was settled by colonists historically and incorporated as a town in 1787. The city's location on Lake Champlain, which connects to the Hudson River via the Champlain Canal and to the St. Lawrence River via the Richelieu River in Canada, made it a natural hub for trade and transportation. Burlington grew throughout the 19th century as a lumber town, taking advantage of the vast forests of Vermont and the Adirondacks and shipping lumber via Lake Champlain to markets to the south. The university has approximately 13,000 students and is one of Burlington's largest employers. Burlington is also home to Champlain College, a progressive institution known for its experiential learning approach. The medical sector is another major employer, with the UVM Medical Center (formerly Fletcher Allen Health Care) being the largest employer in the state. Burlington has a distinctive political culture, having elected Bernie Sanders as its mayor in 1981 (his first political office) and maintaining a history of progressive municipal governance. The city is governed by a mayor and an eight-member City Council, with a ward-based representation system. Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian shopping district in the heart of downtown, is one of Vermont's most visited attractions. The Burlington waterfront on Lake Champlain features bike paths, parks, and access to the lake. Public records for Burlington are maintained by the City of Burlington and Chittenden County. The Burlington City Clerk maintains vital records, land records, meeting minutes, and official city documents. Property records and deeds are maintained by the City Clerk in the capacity of Town Clerk. Court records for Chittenden County are handled by the Vermont Superior Court. Vital records are also maintained by the Vermont Department of Health. Property assessment information is available through the Burlington Assessor's Office. Vermont's open records law governs access to public records.

Acceptable identification includes a Vermont driver's license, current utility bill, bank statement, or government check showing the voter's name and current address. Municipal elections occur annually on Town Meeting Day, the first Tuesday in March, when residents elect the mayor, city council members, and vote on local ballot items. The next mayoral election arrives in March 2027, with city council seats elected in rotating cycles. The city previously used ranked-choice voting (instant runoff) for mayoral elections, though this practice has faced legal challenges. Voters can locate their assigned polling place through the Vermont Secretary of State's polling place lookup at https://mvp.vermont.gov or by contacting the City Clerk. Vermont does not have U.S. Senate elections in 2026 as both senators were last elected in 2024 and 2022. Election records publicly accessible in Vermont include voter checklists (registration lists without birthdates), campaign finance reports through the Vermont Secretary of State's office, candidate filings, and precinct-level results published after each election. Vermont allows early voting and no-excuse absentee voting. Residents can request absentee ballots through the MyVoterPage portal at https://mvp.vermont.gov or by contacting the Burlington City Clerk. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the City Clerk by 5:00 PM the day before Election Day, and completed ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day. Vermont mails absentee ballot applications to all registered voters before major elections, making vote-by-mail widely accessible.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Burlington

Burlington Police Department

Proudly serving the City of Burlington, VT since 1865. Page · Police Station · 1 North Ave, Burlington, VT, United States, Vermont · (802) 658-2700 ·

https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/police

Chittenden County Sheriff's Office

Learn About the Chittenden County Vermont Sheriff's Department - Sheriff Daniel Gamelin

https://www.vtsheriffs.com/chittenden-county.php?id=4

⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Burlington

DISTRICT OF VERMONT | United States District Court

Welcome to the official website for the United States District Court for the District of Vermont. Courthouses are located in Burlington and Rutland. Clerk of Court Jeffrey S.

🔗 https://www.vtd.uscourts.gov/

🏠 Property & Public Records in Burlington

town or city level

Property records for Burlington, Vermont are maintained at the town or city level. In Vermont, there is no county-level recording office — land records (deeds, mortgages, liens) are recorded by the Burlington City Clerk (or the Town Clerk for unincorporated areas). Vermont land records are recorded by Town Clerks in each of ~246 towns (NOT at county level). VT counties have minimal government functions.

Public Records & Services in Burlington

Public Schools

Official source: NCES Public School District Search
  • 🎓Public schools are administered by local school districts under state Department of Education oversight.
  • 📊School performance data, enrollment, and district boundaries are published by the state Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics (nces.ed.gov).
  • 📞Contact the local district office for enrollment, transcripts, or attendance records.
Public schools in Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Burlington School District (bsdvt.org) or the Vermont Agency of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.

Crime Data & Statistics

Official source: FBI Crime Data Explorer Crime data for Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Chittenden County Sheriff's Office and local police departments report crime statistics to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly. For specific crime reports or incident data, submit a public records request to the Burlington police department or the Chittenden County Sheriff's Office.

Public Library Records Access

Official source: IMLS Library Search & Compare
  • 📚Public libraries provide free access to online databases, historical archives, and government-document collections.
  • 🔎Many libraries offer remote access to property records, court records, and genealogy resources with a valid library card.
  • 👤Reference librarians can assist with research, document retrieval, and government-records lookups.
The Burlington Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The Chittenden County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.

Fingerprinting Services

Official source: FBI Identity History Summary Checks
  • 👆Fingerprinting for background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening is offered by local police and authorized providers.
  • 📅Most agencies require appointments; walk-in hours and fees vary by location.
  • 🪪Bring valid government-issued photo ID; some agencies accept fingerprint cards mailed in for processing.
Fingerprinting services for Burlington, Vermont residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized third-party providers in Chittenden County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. Contact local police (where present) or the Chittenden County Sheriff's Office for scheduling, fees, and required documentation. The Vermont Attorney General or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.

About Burlington — In Depth

Jail & Inmate Records

The Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility in South Burlington serves as Chittenden County's primary detention center. Individuals arrested anywhere in Chittenden County are brought to this facility for booking, processing, and holding until bail is posted or court appearances occur. The facility provides online inmate lookup services that allow the public to search for current detainees. Visitors must schedule appointments in advance and follow strict guidelines.

Arrest Records

Arrest records across Chittenden County are maintained by the Chittenden County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. Anyone seeking these records must submit a formal request to the appropriate law enforcement agency. The records typically contain the individual's name, date of arrest, charges filed, and booking details. Vermont's Public Records Act governs access to this information, for openness while protecting ongoing investigations and sensitive materials from disclosure.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Chittenden County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Vermont Crime Information Center, which offers reports including arrest records, convictions, and sex offender status.

Vital Records

For those in need of vital records, the Burlington Vermont Vital Records office is the go-to resource. This state-run agency oversees the issuance of birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses for residents of Burlington and the surrounding Chittenden County area. Individuals can submit requests for these important documents either in person or through the office's convenient online portal, making sure of efficient and reliable access to these critical records.

Business & Licensing Records

Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont supports local enterprises through municipal services. The city's business licensing and permitting departments handle registration and oversight of businesses throughout the area, providing guidance on zoning regulations, tax requirements, and compliance matters. Both entrepreneurs launching new ventures and established companies can tap into economic development initiatives builds a thriving business climate in this Chittenden County hub.

Economy & Demographics

Burlington's economy is diverse and thriving, driven by a range of key industries and major employers. The city's largest employer is the University of Vermont, which not only provides educational opportunities but also is a hub for research and innovation. The UVM Medical Center, formerly known as Fletcher Allen Health Care, is another major economic force, delivering world-class healthcare services to the community.

Elections & Voter Records

The Burlington City Clerk's Office, Elections Division handles all voter services from its location at 149 Church Street, Burlington, VT 05401 (phone: 802-865-7000, website: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/ct/elections). Vermont residents can register online through the Vermont Secretary of State's website at https://olvr.vermont.gov or visit the City Clerk's office in person. Same-day voter registration means residents can register and vote on Election Day itself with proof of residency.
Acceptable identification includes a Vermont driver's license, current utility bill, bank statement, or government check showing the voter's name and current address. Municipal elections occur annually on Town Meeting Day, the first Tuesday in March, when residents elect the mayor, city council members, and vote on local ballot items. The next mayoral election arrives in March 2027, with city council seats elected in rotating cycles. The city previously used ranked-choice voting (instant runoff) for mayoral elections, though this practice has faced legal challenges. Voters can locate their assigned polling place through the Vermont Secretary of State's polling place lookup at https://mvp.vermont.gov or by contacting the City Clerk. Vermont does not have U.S. Senate elections in 2026 as both senators were last elected in 2024 and 2022. Election records publicly accessible in Vermont include voter checklists (registration lists without birthdates), campaign finance reports through the Vermont Secretary of State's office, candidate filings, and precinct-level results published after each election. Vermont allows early voting and no-excuse absentee voting. Residents can request absentee ballots through the MyVoterPage portal at https://mvp.vermont.gov or by contacting the Burlington City Clerk. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the City Clerk by 5:00 PM the day before Election Day, and completed ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day. Vermont mails absentee ballot applications to all registered voters before major elections, making vote-by-mail widely accessible.
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Frequently Asked Questions

To register to vote in Burlington, Vermont, residents can register online through the Vermont Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Burlington City Clerk's Office. In Vermont, voter registration is handled at the town or city level — there is no county elections office. Vermont allows same-day voter registration through Election Day. Voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and Vermont residents. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Vermont Secretary of State's My Voter Page. For local municipal elections in Burlington, contact the Burlington City Clerk's Office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Burlington, Vermont are maintained by the Burlington City Assessor and the Burlington City Clerk. In Vermont, assessing and land recording are handled at the town or city level — there is no county recording office or county assessor. The Burlington City Assessor is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within the City of Burlington. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Burlington City Clerk maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Burlington's land records are searchable online at burlingtonvt.gov/211/Land-Records. For in-person requests, visit the Burlington City Clerk's Office at City Hall (149 Church Street). The Burlington City Treasurer handles property tax payments.
Birth, death, and marriage records for Burlington, Vermont residents are available through both city and state offices. The Vermont Department of Health, Vital Records Office, located in Burlington, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Vermont. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Burlington City Clerk's Office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for the City of Burlington — in Vermont, marriage licenses are issued by the town or city clerk, not at the county level. Birth and death certificates may also be requested from the Burlington City Clerk's Office for events that occurred in Burlington. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.