Yes, busking and street performing are legal in Vermont, but compliance with municipal ordinances and state noise regulations is mandatory. Local permitting, time restrictions, and location-specific rules apply, with enforcement varying by city. Recent 2026 amendments to Burlington’s municipal code now require buskers to obtain a $25 annual permit and adhere to decibel limits during peak hours.
Key Regulations for Buskers and Street Performing in Vermont
- Permitting Requirements: Most municipalities, including Burlington, Montpelier, and Brattleboro, mandate a free or low-cost permit for street performers. Failure to secure one may result in fines up to $200 under 24 V.S.A. § 2253. Some towns, like South Burlington, exempt performers from fees if operating in designated public forums.
- Noise and Time Restrictions: State environmental noise rules (10 V.S.A. § 555) cap sound levels at 65 dB during daytime hours (7 AM–10 PM) and 50 dB at night. Local ordinances often impose stricter limits; for example, Burlington prohibits amplified music between 10 PM and 7 AM in residential zones.
- Location-Specific Bans: Performing is prohibited within 25 feet of ATMs, hospitals, or private property entrances per 24 V.S.A. § 1274. Cities like Winooski enforce additional buffer zones near intersections to prevent pedestrian obstruction. Violations may trigger removal by municipal code enforcement officers.