Frequently Asked Questions
Transfer Station
Dogs
Roads
Building/Zoning
TRANSFER STATION
Parents - please, for your child's safety, please have them remain in the vehicle at all times. Thank you.
Where can I dump my trash?
You can either call a private trash collector to come and get it for you, or
you can take it to Wallingford’s Transfer Station. The Transfer Station is
located on Waldo Lane, just west of the bridge on Route 140W.
What can I take to the Transfer Station?
Recyclables (see below), trash, furniture, metal, motor oil, fluorescent
lights, refrigerators, tires, and automobile batteries. We host household
hazardous waste days two times a year.
Who can use the Transfer Station?
The Transfer Station is a service provided only to property
owners and renters of Wallingford. All
garbage must be in bags and the transfer station attendant will punch a hole in
your punch card.
When is the Transfer Station open?
Saturdays 8:00 A.M.–Noon and Mondays & Wednesdays Noon –5:00 P.M.
What are the fees to use the Transfer Station?
Annually, Wallingford property owners receive a packet containing
a 50-hole and 20-hole punch card with their tax bill. Residents can
purchase additional cards either at Town Hall or the Transfer Station. The
20-hole punch card is $20; the 50-hole punch card is $50. There are also varying fees for
heavy metal, furniture, tires, and other
materials. Ask a Transfer Station Attendant, check the price list at the Transfer Station,
or call 446-2872 for the
most current fees.
What can I recycle at the Transfer Station?
Newspaper, glass (clear, green, brown),
cans (tin, steel, aluminum – no foil, pie pans, lids, or paint cans), milk
jugs, #2 plastic, cardboard, shiny paper (junk mail, envelopes, magazines,
coupons, etc.), and boxboard. Returnable bottle and can donations are accepted
on behalf of the Wallingford Elementary School for the E.L.F. fund.
Why are there fees to dump certain materials? Doesn’t the Town make money
by having this stuff recycled?
The Transfer Station runs at a deficit. While we do make money by
selling certain recyclables, the cost to have them removed exceeds any recycling
income. The Town’s 2011 budget includes $93,500 for Transfer Station expenses
(not including wages). The Town runs the Transfer Station as a service to our
property owners and renters, not as
a way to generate revenue.
DOGS
Does Wallingford have a leash law?
Wallingford has an ordinance concerning the regulation of animals. It states
that a person shall not allow a dog to run at large within the limits of the
Town of Wallingford, except upon the property of the owner, or to become a
public nuisance. All dogs must be on a leash, on or within a vehicle, on the
property of the owner or his agent, clearly under the verbal command of its
owner or agent, or hunting with its owner or agent. If the Dog Warden sees a dog
running at large, he can issue a municipal complaint to the owner and require
the owner to pay a fine.
What do I do if I see a stray dog?
Call the Dog Warden (446-3721) who will only pick-up a dog if
he actually sees it off of the property
of its owner or keeper. They cannot incarcerate a dog based on hearsay.
What if a dog bites me?
If a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid has bitten a person while the domestic pet or
wolf-hybrid is off the premises of the owner or keeper, and the person bitten
requires medical attention for the attack, such person may file a written
complaint with the hospital and Selectboard. The complaint must contain the time, date, and
place where the attack occurred, the name and address of the victim or victims,
and any other facts that may assist the Selectboard in conducting an
investigation. Within seven days of receiving the complaint, the Selectboard may investigate the charges and hold a hearing on the matter. If the domestic
pet or wolf-hybrid is found to have bitten the victim without provocation, the
Selectboard shall make such order for the protection of persons as the facts and
circumstances of the case may require, including that the domestic pet or
wolf-hybrid be disposed of in a humane way, muzzled, chained, or confined.
Does my dog have to be registered?
Yes. Title 20, Section 3581 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated requires that all
dogs more than six months old be registered. Before you can register your dog,
you must present to the Town Clerk a current rabies vaccination certificate. Be
sure to register your dog at the Town Clerk's office by the April 1st deadline
or you will have to pay a penalty.
ROADS
Whom do I call when my road needs to be repaired?
The most direct method is to call the Town Garage (446-2472) or call the
Road Commissioner (446-2203).
Does the Town maintain private roads?
The Town is only responsible for maintaining Town Highways. Private roads are
owned by the landowners on that road who are responsible for keeping it
maintained.
What’s a right-of-way?
A right-of-way is essentially a portion of private property "taken"
for public use and enjoyment. Every town, state, and federal highway lies within
a right-of-way. Unless otherwise determined when the road was laid-out, we can
assume that the right-of-way for each road is three rods wide (1 rod = 16.5
feet). It is not possible to trespass within a right-of-way, the state and
local governments can regulate the use of the right-of-way.
Why does it seem to take so long to plow my road?
There are almost 46 miles of Class 2 and Class 3 town highways in Wallingford, all of which are
maintained by a 3-person road crew. While they get as early a start as possible,
the fact remains that not every road can be plowed first. Equipment break-downs
can also cause delays. Rest assured that they are working as fast as they can
and that they will get to you.
BUILDING/ZONING
When do I need to obtain a permit?
You need to obtain a permit for structures, renovations, additions, septic
systems, on estimates over $2,000; and for variances and conditional
uses.
How does the zoning process work?
First, you submit the completed permit application form (with necessary
drawing), along with the
required fee. The Zoning Administrator has 30 days to act on a permit, although
it is usually addressed within 1-2 weeks. After the Zoning Administrator
approves the permit, it is posted at the Wallingford Post Office and Town Hall for 15 days,
during which interested parties may file an appeal. If the permit is not
appealed, then construction can begin after the 15 day waiting period.
When does the Development Review Board get involved?
The Development Review Board approves commercial permits and site plans. So, it
is mandatory that the permit be submitted to the Zoning Administrator at least
15 days prior to a Development Review Board meeting because the notice must be
warned in the Rutland Herald.. After
approval, the permit will be posted at the Wallingford Post Office and Town Hall
for 15 days
to allow for appeals.
What about variances or conditional uses?
A variance or conditional use request must be warned in the newspaper 15
days prior to a meeting. The meeting day is called by the chair of the
Development Review Board after the completed permit has been submitted to the Zoning
Administrator. The Development Review Board's Decision Notice must be
posted at the Wallingford Post Office and Town Hall for 30 days to allow for appeals.
How long will the process take?
It depends. Simple permits not requiring variances or conditional uses and
those not involving commercial permits and site plans can go through relatively
quickly. If the permit has to go to the Development Review Board,
the process could take longer.
Do I need to obtain a certificate of occupancy?
No. Wallingford's zoning by-laws do not require that a certificate of
occupancy be issued for any structure.
This page last updated on 04/28/2011