Vermont § 12 - Adoption of ordinances by initiative
Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 12 — Adoption of ordinances by initiative, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12. Adoption of ordinances by initiative
- (a) An ordinance may be enacted by vote of the Town according to the following procedure: (1) A petition requesting enactment of the ordinance signed by not less than 10 percent
of the Town’s registered voters shall be filed, along with the text of the proposed
ordinance, with the Town Clerk. (2) The proposed ordinance shall be examined by the Town attorney before being submitted
to the special Town meeting. The Town attorney is authorized, subject to the approval
of the Selectboard, to amend the petitioned ordinance to: (A) correct repetitive, unlawful, or unconstitutional provisions; and (B) ensure accuracy, clarity, and precision in its text, legal references, and phrasing,
provided that these technical corrections shall not change the meaning or effect of
the proposed ordinance. (3) The Selectboard shall call a special Town meeting to be held within 60 days after
the date the petition is filed, unless the Selectboard enacts the ordinance within
the 60-day period. (4) The warning for the special Town meeting shall include the text of the proposed ordinance
verbatim and shall provide for a “yes” or “no’’ vote as to its enactment. (5) The ordinance shall be adopted if at least 15 percent of the Town’s registered voters
vote on the question to adopt the ordinance and a majority of that number vote for
adoption. (b) Any ordinance adopted pursuant to this section shall take effect on the 60th day following
adoption. (Added 2023, No. M-14, § 2, eff. July 1, 2023.)
Source: official Vermont text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 12
What does Vermont Statutes Online § 12 cover?
Section 12 ("Adoption of ordinances by initiative") is part of the Vermont Statutes Online, the codified statutory law of Vermont. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Vermont § 12?
A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 12" (Vermont). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Vermont law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Vermont official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Vermont attorney.
How does Vermont § 12 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Vermont can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Vermont.