No Confirmation of Burn Permit Changes or Northside Drive Maintenance Shift in Bennington Area

Residents of Bennington and nearby communities can breathe easier as recent claims regarding changes to open burn permits and road maintenance responsibilities remain unverified. As of July 30, 2026, there is no official announcement confirming that the Town of Bennington has stopped issuing burn permits for North Bennington or that maintenance on Northside Drive has shifted to state or private jurisdiction.

Open Burn Permits

According to Vermont state law, towns have the authority to issue “Permits to Kindle Fire” for open burning. However, these permits can be suspended during periods of elevated fire hazard. While some reports suggested a cessation of burn permits in North Bennington, a review of the Town of Bennington’s official website and the Village of North Bennington’s site revealed no such announcement.

Additionally, the Village of North Bennington is currently considering revisions to its Open Burning Ordinance, indicating that regulations are still under discussion but not confirming the halt of permits.

Northside Drive Maintenance

In a related matter, claims that Northside Drive’s maintenance has been transferred to state or private jurisdiction have also not been substantiated. The Town of Bennington’s Municipal Plan states that Northside Drive is a major commercial area but does not explicitly assign maintenance responsibilities. No recent notices from town officials have clarified this jurisdictional shift.

Local residents are encouraged to stay informed about these issues as further developments may arise. For now, the status of burn permits and road maintenance in North Bennington remains unchanged.

What’s Next?

Community members should keep an eye on local announcements for any updates regarding burn permits and road maintenance responsibilities. Engaging with local government meetings or checking municipal bulletins may provide additional insights.

Sources

• Burn Permits
• The Village of North Bennington
• Meetings — The Village of North Bennington
• Bennington Town Plan
• Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation – Burn Permits

This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.