1.                     Zoning Regulations were adopted in 1971, and have been amended three times in 1972, 1989 and 2008.

2.                     Subdivision regulation was in effect in 1973 and amended in 2008.

3.                     Interim Flood Hazard Area Zoning was adopted in 2008.

SECTION VII. LAND USE

FACTS

Land and property in Wallingford is classified into several categories. Outlined below is a listing of parcel types and numbers for the Town for 1990, 2000 and 2010.

                                                      Source: Town of Wallingford, VT

DESCRIPTION

Land use in Wallingford is still largely rural, with a strong agricultural presence and a large proportion of the Town currently in forested tracts. The town also has a strong residential component since Wallingford serves as a bedroom community for the nearby employment centers of Rutland, Manchester, Killington and Ludlow. Another important use of land in Wallingford is either as nonresident second homes or nonresident land investment.  

Land use regulations in Wallingford are an overlapping mix of various bylaws passed between 1971 and 2011. They are listed in this document.  

Subdivision regulations provide for the orderly review of subdivisions creating 4 or more lots.  

Floodplain regulations meet federal guidelines limiting construction of buildings in a floodplain.  

The Development Bylaw is the only comprehensive bylaw regulating land use in Wallingford. Almost the entire town, with the exception of the areas within the villages and a conservation district, has a 1 acre minimum lot size. Wetlands of more than one acre and areas of steep slopes over 25% are deemed undevelopable with structures. There is also a 50 foot setback for buildings near any wetlands or stream. These regulations provide areas of greenspace in the town, mostly in the form of narrow corridors along watercourses and on high elevation land. Commercial uses may be permitted throughout the town, but only after they have received a conditional use permit from the Development Review Board.  

RESIDENTIAL  

The table above reveals a shift in land use over the last twelve years toward more residences. Since 1990, the number of year round residences increased by 12. At the present time the town is not heavily subdivided. There has been in the past a demand for seasonal camp lots in the town, and recently some seasonal dwellings have been converted to year-round residences.  

Wallingford Village is considered by many to be the "town center." Though there is no town green or commercial focal point, this area includes the Town Hall and has a higher population density. The town is made up of three hamlets known as South Wallingford, East Wallingford, and Wallingford. Since the last town plan, Wallingford has seen minimal construction of residential structures scattered around town. Goals of the plan are that the siting of new residential structures use vegetation and existing topography to reduce the intrusiveness of the homes and that new development in town is not to be inconsistent with the historic and rural character of the town.  

Also, since the last town plan, state laws have changed significantly with respect to subdivision of land and sewage disposal. The former exemption of subdivided lots of more than ten acres from the requirement of septic suitability has been eliminated. The state has assumed full responsibility for wastewater disposal permits after 2007, while, at the same time, being authorized to issue permits for new and innovative waste disposal systems. These changes will make the regulation of waste disposal and land development more uniform across the state, and may also permit development on lands that were previously unsuitable for conventional septic system waste disposal.  

The intent of this plan is to maintain the current mix of low density housing and viable farms and woodland along existing Class 2 and 3 roads outside the town centers and their immediate periphery as well as maintain the mix of permanent and seasonal residences and homes. This provides a high quality life style for all residents and nonresidents, while minimizing the cost of services for those residents.  

The town should consider the implementation of mixed zoning districts or other bylaw amendments that would allow for continued growth but would encourage the clustering of homes in and around “town centers” and protect open space in outlying districts. These could permit smaller lot sizes in zones around “town centers” and larger lot sizes in outlying districts. Maintaining the rural aspect of the town should be encouraged. Enrollment of properties in Current Use Taxation and sale or gift to the State of Vermont, Vermont Land Trust, Nature Conservancy and other preservation organizations is strongly encouraged to reduce the tax burden on large holdings and to preserve farms and large tracts of land.  

The clustering of homes to protect open space and to mimic the natural hamlet development of the town is also encouraged.  

The town encourages affordable housing through the recommended zoning districts and through the various land trust mechanisms that are available to create lower cost single family homes.  

The bylaw should be amended to permit accessory apartments or dwellings consistent with applicable state law.  

AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY  

Wallingford is typical of many Vermont towns, having a variety of farms and farming activities, and forest properties and forestry activities, throughout the town.   Farming in Wallingford includes commercial and household production of crops and livestock.  At any given time farming in Wallingford may include production of vegetables, flowers, bedding plants, fruits, cereal grains, hay, silage, and maple products.  Livestock and animal products may include dairy farms, dairy cows, dairy cow replacements, veal, beef cattle, horses, ponies, donkeys and mules, alpacas and llamas, sheep, goats, pigs,  honey bees and honey, and poultry such as turkeys, geese, ducks, guinea fowl, and chickens.  Forestry related activities include commercial and small-scale woodlot management producing a variety of wood products.

Farm and forest properties in Wallingford can, and sometimes do, change among these uses, sometimes being actively farmed, or actively forested, or falling out of productive use for a time, and unused land may become productive again when farming or forestry is resumed on a parcel.

COMMERCIAL

Wallingford's commercial uses tend to be very small scale and scattered widely throughout the town. Home occupations are an important component of the non-farm commercial base.

The intent of the plan is to maintain small scale commercial use and to encourage any proposed commercial development to locate in areas adjacent to existing villages or hamlets. No industrial uses are planned or encouraged and the intent of the town plan is to neither encourage nor discourage the location of new commercial enterprises in town. The Development Bylaw provides for their placement anywhere in town after obtaining a conditional use permit. All new commercial uses should be adequately sized, sited and screened so as to be compatible with the residential use found throughout the town.

RECREATION

A wide range of recreational opportunities are provided throughout Wallingford for both residents and visitors alike.  These opportunities are provided by local authorities and organizations, as well as by the state and federal government.  Recreational resources include a Town Recreation Park, the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail, the Green Mountain National Forest and Otter Creek.

GOALS

The major land use objectives of the Plan are summarized as follows:  

·              Encourage the clustering of houses.

·              Encourage any new subdivision and construction to maintain the current mix of lot sizes and building setbacks from the road, so as to continue the rural character of the Town; and similarly, to discourage building placement and site design that creates a suburban aspect to the Town.

·              Have new residential structures use vegetation and existing topography to reduce their intrusiveness.

·              Assure that new development in town is not unduly inconsistent with the historic and rural character of the town

·              Maintain or improve the agricultural and forestry base in the Town.

·              Focus new housing on existing town roads that currently have electric utility service.

·              Generally discourage the conversion of Class 4 roads to Class 3 roads unless there are significant advantages to the town.

·              Keep the best agricultural soils (prime land and land of statewide importance) available for long-term agriculture use.

·              Maintain the small scale, "in-home" aspect of the Town's non-farm commercial base. Discourage commercial strip development in the Town.

·              Protect sensitive ecological areas such as steep slopes, wetlands, deer yards, endangered species and river and stream banks.

·              Encourage the maintenance and improvement of public and private lands in the town for recreational use and make sure that all Class 4 roads remain accessible to the public.

·              Encourage the creation of appropriate greenbelts in the subdivision process or through other methods by reserving undeveloped portions of land that serve as corridors to connect larger blocks of undeveloped land.

·              Encourage landowners voluntarily to conserve their farm and forest lands through donation and sale of development rights to qualified non-profit land trusts.

·              Provide an environment where people can maintain domestic animals.

·              Provide an environment where people can conduct home-based businesses and small commercial enterprises.

·              Encourage the creation of public recreational land.

·             Encourage and improve appropriate recreational fields and facilities at the school for public use.  

SECTION VIII. TRANSPORTATION

Primary access to the town is via US Route 7, an arterial highway that is one of the most important non-interstate highways in Vermont.  Route 7 has been designated by the State as part of the National Highway System, making it eligible for a separate category of funds within the federal appropriation of funds to Vermont.  Highways are the single most important component of the transportation system in Wallingford.  They provide for automobile, school bus, and emergency access to all parts of the town.  They also provide for the movement of goods and services, and for public transportation and bicycling. 

Highways in the town include:

                        16.76 miles of State highway

                         54.69 miles of Town highways

                           3.89 miles of Class 2 highways

                         42.08 miles of Class 3 highways

                           8.72 Miles of Class 4 highways  

Class 2 highways secure important routes of travel between towns.  Class 3 highways, as the predominant type of Town highway, provide the principal means of access to the rural, residential and recreational areas of the town.  

Although the private automobile is and will continue to be the predominant means of transportation, other ‘modes’ of transportation serve Wallingford, including public van/bus, rail, air, bicycle and pedestrian modes.  

Bus  

Marble Valley operates a Job Access/Reverse Commute (JARC) program, which is designed to provide transportation to and from employment opportunities.  The Route 7 South Commuter route connects with the Green Mountain Express in Manchester , allowing passengers access to areas throughout Bennington County.  This bus stops at Cumberland Farms Store and the Old Antique Shop.  Busses returning from Manchester on their way to Rutland stop at the Wallingford House and across the street from the Cumberland Farm Store.  

Rail  

Freight service passes through Wallingford on tracks operated by Vermont Railway, and through East Wallingford on tracks owned by Vermont Railways.  Passenger rail via Amtrak is available in Rutland to Whitehall, NY and points south.   

Air   

Air service is available at the Rutland State Airport, located to the north in Clarendon.  A shuttle service connects this airport with major airlines in Boston on a daily basis.  Service is also available at Burlington, VT and at Albany, NY .  

Highways  

As the single most critical and controversial component of Wallingford’s transportation system, the transportation infrastructure, traffic volumes and other impacts of US Route 7 through Wallingford Village have caused, and continue to cause, debate and division.  Heavy truck traffic, and high traffic volumes generally, have had a negative impact on the quality of life of residents, and, reportedly, on the structural integrity of some of Wallingford ’s most important historical homes.  On the other hand, a number of Wallingford businesses are dependent on traffic on Route 7 to sustain them.   

It is recommended that “future access management plans for this segment recognize the considerable historic and community resources in this area.  Transportation plans must recognize this fact and develop solution(s) with traffic calming and reduced design speeds as major considerations.”   

GOALS

To provide for proper use, construction, and maintenance of Town roads. 

SECTION IX. FACILITIES

Municipal Water Service  

Municipal water service (as distinguished from private or on-site wells or water systems) is provided in Wallingford by the Wallingford Fire District # 1 and by the South Wallingford Water Cooperative.  

Wallingford Fire District # 1  

Wallingford Fire District # 1 was created in 1906 to provide water to the residents of the main village area of Wallingford.  The Wallingford Water Company constructed the system and the system’s 35,000-gallon reservoir in 1908.  A 140,000-gallon reservoir was constructed by the District in 1942. A new 300,000 gallon reservoir now serves the community.

Operation of Wallingford Fire District # 1 is overseen by a Fire District Prudential Committee.  Members of the Prudential Committee are elected to their positions by the residents of the area served by the Fire District.  In addition to providing water service, Fire District # 1 also provides the village with sewer and fire protection services and maintains sidewalks and street lighting.  

Water Sources  

The service area for Fire District # 1 includes all of Wallingford village, extending up Route 140 East & West and over to the Wallingford Lodge. Fire District # 1 services over 350 connections.  

South Wallingford Water Cooperative  

The South Wallingford Water Cooperative was originally started in the early 1900’s to meet the water needs of South Wallingford Village.  It is a private, non-municipal organization.

Sewage Collection, Treatment and Disposal  

Sewer service in Wallingford is provided by the Wallingford Fire District # 1.  The District owns and operates a secondary level treatment sewage plant that is located behind Shaw’s Sales and Service in the village.  As a secondary level facility, the plant includes an oxidation ditch, chlorine contact tank, clarifiers, and sludge drying beds.  The plant was constructed in 1970 using funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and has permitted capacity of 120,000 gallons per day.   

The average daily flow in 2010 was approximately 70,000 gallons per day.  The flow varies considerably depending on weather conditions.  During rainy periods, the plant has treated over 100,000 gallons per day.  Much of this fluctuation is due to infiltration through basement sump pumps hooked into the system, as well as manholes that allow inflow into the system.

Roughly 400 customers are connected to the system.  Of these, approximately 350 connections are for residential uses, 5 are for municipal uses, 29 are for commercial uses, 7 are institutional uses and 1 is a manufacturing use.  

 An additional factor in maintaining capacity is the elimination of inflow and infiltration of storm and runoff waters into the piping system carrying wastes to the treatment plant.  As sewer mains age, openings in the system allow the infiltration of surface and ground water.  In addition, roof drains on older homes, and basement sump pumps may be connected into the system adding volume that causes the plant to exceed treatment capacity, resulting in the discharge of untreated wastes to Otter Creek.  According to system representatives, they are beginning to identify such sources and producing plans to eliminate the excess flowage.  The district is continuously making small changes to improve the efficiency of the system.  Because sump pumps have been identified as a large contributor to the infiltration problem, plans are being made to pursue and address this problem.

Sludge currently generated by the plant during winter operations is transported by the Rutland County Solid Waste District, of which the Town is a member, to Glens Falls , NY for disposal. Sludge generated in the summer can be treated and stored in the expanded and reconstructed sludge beds at the treatment plant.

The area served by the treatment plant takes in the core of the village.  Users of the treatment plant are serviced by a series of gravity feed lines. 

Future growth will increase demands on the system, intensifying the need for system improvements.  Population projections have not been prepared for the sewer service area. Some capacity will be able to be reclaimed by elimination of inflow and infiltration

Solid Waste Disposal  

The Town of Wallingford is a member of the Rutland County Solid Waste Management District, (RCSWMD) which has the responsibility for managing the solid waste generated in the town.  Wallingford maintains a Transfer Station located on Route 140 for collection of solid waste and recyclables.  Wallingford has a strong recycling program, collecting glass, newspaper, cardboard, tin cans, aluminum cans, plastic milk jugs, and colored plastic containers.  Wallingford is also participating in the RCSWMD magazine/junk mail collection system, and in the Household Hazardous Collection program operated by the District.   

The RCSWD Implementation Plan, updated in 2002, outlines the district’s waste diversion goals.  The statewide goal to decrease per capita waste generation.  These address four main areas:

      ·         Reduction of waste generated,

·         Increase reuse,

·         Increase recycling in the residential, resort/tourist, construction, demolition and commercial sectors.  Increase participation, collection efficiencies, and recycling of organic and other types of waste.  Decrease incineration and disposal of recyclables,

·         Implement ongoing waste diversion education and outreach program for schools, youth, consumers and businesses.  

Fire Protection Services  

Wallingford Fire District # 1 provides fire protection service to all of Wallingford , including Wallingford Village , East Wallingford and South Wallingford .  In addition, East Wallingford has its own Fire Department.  

Wallingford Fire District # 1  

A group of volunteers make up the regular fire-fighting force of the Wallingford Fire District.  

Fire District # 1 currently has two station buildings.  The main building is located in Wallingford village and has 4 bays.  A satellite building donated by OMYA, Inc. for $1.00/year rental to provide space for a pumper truck and a tanker truck is scheduled for demolition in the near future. Plans for a solution are underway between the Fire District and SLC formally OMYA.

Wallingford Fire District # 1 maintains a mutual-aid network with Clarendon, Danby, East Wallingford, Rutland City, Rutland Town and Tinmouth. A Prudential Committee is responsible for the overall affairs of the District.

East Wallingford Fire Department  

The East Wallingford Fire Department is organized as Wallingford Fire District # 2. Equipment is housed in a station in East Wallingford Village .  

As a municipality (a fire district), funding for the East Wallingford Fire Department is raised by a district property tax.  This revenue is supplemented by the fund raising activities of the Fire District Auxiliary.   

Emergency Response  

Except for that portion of East Wallingford , which is served by Mt. Holly Rescue, most of the town is covered for emergency response services by Wallingford Rescue.  The primary emergency facility to which patients of both Wallingford Rescue and Mt. Holly Rescue are transported is the Rutland Regional Medical Center .  

Wallingford Rescue  

Wallingford Rescue is a volunteer organization.  

The E.M.S. District # 10 “Disaster Plan”, which is coordinated by the State’s Emergency Health Division, governs part of the method of operations of Wallingford Rescue by detailing plans to handle mutual aid.  Under the Plan, the primary back up for Wallingford Rescue is the Regional Ambulance Service based in Rutland .  In an effort to meet emergency service needs of neighboring communities, Wallingford Rescue also covers the Town of Tinmouth .  

The Rescue Squad is dispatched by the Vermont State Police.  The Rescue Squad has been dispatched by the Rutland Regional Medical Center as well as locally at various points in recent years.  

Funding for the Rescue Service comes from local fund-raising efforts and an allocation at Town Meeting.   

SECTION X. SPECIAL NATURAL AND HISTORIC FEATURES  

SCENIC NATURAL FEATURES  

GENERAL DESCRIPTION  

Major natural resources in the town include its agricultural and forest lands, mineral resources, wildlife habitat, lakes and ponds, rivers and streams, and recreation areas.  Many of these resources contribute directly to local economic activities, such as farming and forestry, by providing critical business ‘inputs’.  Others contribute indirectly, for example by attracting travelers and tourists who purchase goods and services in the town.  By making Wallingford a desirable place to live, these resources also contribute to the town’s high quality of life.  

Lands within Wallingford with high potential for agricultural production are focused in the Vermont Valley, as well as in selected areas in the northeast corner of town.  Meanwhile, lands with high potential for forestry production follow the same general pattern as agricultural soils but are more widespread.  

Mineral resources, including sand and gravel, are scattered in parts of the Vermont Valley .  They are also found in distinct veins or arms in the vicinity of Route 140 west, and the western slope of the Green Mountains .  Wildlife potential is high throughout much of Wallingford , as is ‘unimproved’ recreation potential, although each tends to be greatest in areas dominated by water or forests.  

Important surface water resources (lakes, ponds, rivers and streams) include Otter Creek, Elfin Lake, Roaring Brook, Homer Stone Brook and Wallingford Pond.  Groundwater resources include the aquifers for the town’s water systems, and their ‘source protection areas’.

Major cultural resources include the large number of historic buildings, the historic village centers, and institutions such as churches, the Historical Society, and the Grange, as well as the town’s overall landscape.  Wallingford is home to 176 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places and 50 buildings on the State Register of Historic Places.  Furthermore, the town was the first in the state with an officially recognized Rural Resource Area extending on both sides of Route 7 generally from the Twin Bridges to South Wallingford .  Like natural resources, cultural resources also contribute positively to the local economy and the quality of life. 

GOALS  

It is the intent of the plan to protect the scenery and integrity of these special natural features by discouraging growth in these sensitive areas, adopting, when needed, regulations to protect special features, and encouraging the permanent protection of important areas through the acquisition of land or conservation restrictions by public agencies or private land trusts. The town is encouraged to have the Conservation Commission work with the Planning Commission to further these goals.  

Historic Resources  

Historic resources in Wallingford include buildings, elements of the landscape (scenic areas), archeological sites, artifacts, archives and traditional culture.  The thoughtful management of our historic resources will provide the guidelines required to maintain our community’s unique identity, heritage, and course of development. Considerable time and effort on the part of several Wallingford citizens and the state during the past few years has been spent on identifying and clarifying Wallingford’s historic resources.  The Wallingford Village Historic District and the Rural Otter Creek Valley Multiple Resource Area are now officially on the National Register of Historic Places.  The National Register of Historic Places is our nation’s official list of historical, architectural and archeological resources of local, state and national significance worthy of preservation.  To be eligible for the National Register, buildings, complexes, districts, or sites must be at least 50 years old and must be distinctive and well preserved examples of their type and period of architecture, and/or have strong associations with important historical events or persons, and/or have the potential of yielding significant information on our history.  

Wallingford Village Historic District  

We are most fortunate to have the many beautiful historic buildings and landmarks that exist in the Village and throughout the Town of Wallingford. Wallingford Village has in excess of 144 historic structures or sites listed in part in the National Register of Historic Places, dating c. 1807 through c. 1930.  A complete listing is provided in The Historic Architecture of Rutland County published by the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, a copy of which is attached to this Plan as a Technical Report with the permission of the Division.  

The following is only a very brief list of prominent buildings or sites in the Village of Wallingford :  

·         Paul P. Harris Memorial Building, c. 1818.  (Schoolhouse attended by Paul P. Harris, founder of Rotary International).

·         Wallingford House, c. 1824.  (Former True Temper Inn).

·         The Old Stone Shop, c. 1848. (Batcheller Pitchfork Manufactory).

·         Gilbert Hart Library, c. 1894. (Donated by Gilbert Hart, prominent industrialist and a native of Wallingford).

·         The Boy with the Boot, c. 1894.  (Donated in memory of Arnold Hill, by his children).  

South Wallingford and East Wallingford  

The villages of South Wallingford and East Wallingford both contain several historic buildings and sites that are listed in the Vermont State Register of Historic Places.  A complete listing is provided in The Historic Architecture of Rutland County, published by the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation.  

The Rural Otter Creek Valley Multiple Resources Area  

Beginning at the southern edge of Wallingford Village, the Rural Otter Creek Valley Multiple Resource Area extends both east and west of Route 7 to South Wallingford Village.  This area is entered on the National Register of Historic Places.  Many historic farm homes, barns and sites are located in this area.

Settlements of Centerville and Aldrichville  

Centerville near East Wallingford was a lumbering settlement in the late 1800’s with a sawmill and a factory which made tubs and boxes for packaging butter and cheese.  A few older homes of historic nature still remain in the area.  Aldrichville was also a thriving lumbering community in the late 1800’s situated near Little Rock Pond, east of South Wallingford .  Few traces of this historic settlement remain.  After the sawmills were moved to South Wallingford, the area was abandoned.  

GOALS  

It is the intent of the Plan to encourage the preservation of the architectural integrity of Wallingford's historic villages and structures through the use of techniques such as local historic districts and the listing of districts and individual buildings on the State and National Registers. It is the purpose of the Plan to preserve potential archaeological sites and promote archaeological research.  

SECTION XI. WATER RESOURCES  

Wallingford has an abundance of high-quality water resources, including its surface waters -­lakes, ponds, streams -- and its springs, wetlands, and groundwater. Land use planning and regulation can play an important role in the maintenance of the quality of the Town's water resources.  

There are currently two community water supplies in Wallingford. Town residents are self-supplied through wells and springs. Wallingford's several villages or future developments may need to consider community water supplies in the future. The Town should research and map the location of any underground aquifers which have the potential to serve as future community water supplies. The Town should consider establishing an aquifer protection overlay district in which special regulations would apply around important aquifers.  

The maintenance of high water quality is important for public health, fisheries, ecosystem health, and water-based recreation. There are currently no permitted point discharges, except for the wastewater treatment facility, to surface waters in Wallingford. However nonpoint pollution from inadequate septic systems and landscaping, runoff from roads and construction projects, and improper agricultural practices are all potential problems. The Town should take advantage of State programs to control nonpoint pollution, and should provide input to the State when it is considering any applications for discharge permits in Wallingford.

SECTION XII. EDUCATION

Wallingford Elementary School  

The Wallingford Elementary School, located on a seven-acre lot on School Street, was constructed in 1952 and expanded in 1969.  In 1992, two temporary classroom units were added.   

Operation of the school is governed by a five member volunteer school board.  Members of the board, who set policy and present the annual budget to voters at Town Meetings, are elected on a staggered basis for two and three year terms.  Staffing levels change in response to shifts in the school population, changes in the school’s programs and budgetary decisions.  

The capacity of the school is estimated at 240-250 students.  This estimate of capacity recognized both physical and program constraints and is based on the results of the Vermont Public School Approval (PSA) review program.  Currently, the school is well below full capacity.

Mill River Union High School  

Wallingford sends secondary school students (those in grades 7 - 12) to Mill River Union High School.  MRUHS, which was built in 1975, occupies a forty-acre parcel on Middle Road in Clarendon.  A major addition was completed in 1996-97.  A variety of secondary, vocational-technical and college preparatory classes are offered.   

Wallingford ’s share of the cost of operating MRUHS has decreased in recent years due to the decrease in Wallingford’s high school-aged population.  The Town makes its contributions to the school based on the number of students from Wallingford who attend Mill River.  

Attendance at Mill River Union High School is open to all students in grades seven through twelve who reside in the towns of Clarendon, Wallingford and Shrewsbury.  The school also accepts tuition students.  

Recent population projections and elementary school enrollments suggest that the number of secondary school students at MRUHS will remain stable.  Existing data from current class sizes at Wallingford Elementary School leads us to believe that Wallingford’s percentage of the total enrollment at the high school will decrease as the current elementary population reaches the junior/senior high school level.

Stafford Technical Center  

Students from MRUHS may enroll in classes at the Stafford Technical Center.  The Center, built in 1974, is located in Rutland City and provides secondary technical/vocational education to junior and senior high school students and adults throughout the Rutland Region.

Private Preschool, Elementary and Secondary Schools  

Private elementary education facilities are available outside the community to residents of the town on a tuition basis.  They include: Rutland Area Christian School, Mountain View School and Christ the King in Rutland.  Private secondary school facilities available to residents on a tuition basis include: Mount St. Joseph in Rutland, and The Long Trail School in Dorset .  The town’s pre-school population is presently served by privately owned and operated daycare providers.  

Rutland South Supervisory Union  

Administrative and support services are provided by the staff of the Rutland South Supervisory Union.  The Supervisory Union comprises the districts of Wallingford, Shrewsbury, Clarendon and the Mill River Union High School.  It provides administrative, financial and purchasing support, employment services, training, special education personnel and various other services to the three elementary schools and to MRUHS.  The Supervisory Union governing board consists of representative members from the three town school boards and the MRUHS Board.  

Advanced Education  

Degree granting institutions of higher education within the Region include Castleton State College, the College of St. Joseph, Green Mountain College and St. Michael’s College.  Castleton State offers two and four year programs in the arts, sciences and humanities.  The College of St. Joseph offers courses in education, business, arts and sciences.  Green Mountain College offers two and four year degrees in business management, general sciences, retail management, leisure resource management and liberal arts.  

College level courses in various areas are also offered by the Community College of Vermont , and the University of Vermont.  The Community College of Vermont offers associate degrees in liberal studies, business management, early childhood education and human services, while St. Michaels offers local students the opportunity to pursue Master of Science and Advanced Certificate programs in administration and management.  University of Vermont courses held in Rutland complement the wide range of programs and degrees offered through UVM’s main campus in Burlington. 

GOALS  

To provide quality education in adequate physical facilities.  

SECTION XIII. ENERGY  

ENERGY USE

Residential: Most of the residences in Wallingford use as their primary heat source either oil, propane (bottled gas), or wood, although some use electricity as a primary or secondary heat source. In those residences where the domestic water supply is not heated by a central heating system (furnace) it is normally heated by propane or electricity. Some homes use passive solar radiation as the primary heat source, although many depend to a greater or lesser extent upon passive solar for a portion of their heating needs.  

Agricultural: Active farms are significant energy users, depending primarily upon electricity for barn lighting, milk cooling and other motor operated barn equipment. Field work is performed by tractors, which are predominantly diesel operated.  

Public Buildings: The Wallingford Elementary School and the Town Office are heated with oil. The Town Garage uses oil and some wood.  

ENERGY SOURCES  

Electricity: Electricity is provided within their franchise areas by Central Vermont Public Service Corporation. Most of the Town is supplied only with single phase service. Some residences and farms have the capability to generate electricity through the use of renewable energy systems such as photovoltaic panels, windmills, and biomass.

Oil: Heating oil (Number 2) is delivered by several local vendors to the users' storage tanks.

Propane: Propane is delivered by local vendors to customers, either in form of fully charged cylinders or by tank trucks which meter deliveries into storage tanks at the users' locations.

Wood: Most of the fuel wood is harvested from small privately owned woodlots or purchased from nearby suppliers.

GOALS

The town encourages the responsible use of energy and the use of the least environmentally damaging sources of energy.

The town encourages the use of renewable energy systems in both off-grid and net metering systems. The town may consider whether to create incentives for renewable energy systems.

New buildings should be constructed so as to utilize the maximum feasible passive solar heating, use high efficiency lighting and appliances and meet appropriate standards of insulation and air infiltration to minimize energy use. The approval of larger scale residential developments should be made conditional on meeting such standards. The installation of on-peak resistance electric heat should be discouraged.

Residents and owners of existing buildings should be encouraged to obtain a competent energy audit of the buildings with a view toward identifying and making cost-effective improvements in energy efficiency. When it is found to be practical, they should:

Be encouraged to retrofit those buildings to improve their insulation and efficiency.  

Be encouraged to install highly efficient heating systems and to maintain and operate their existing heating systems to maximum efficiency possible. Wood heating systems should be designed and operated to achieve efficient and thorough combustion to minimize polluting emissions.  

            Residents and owners of existing buildings, including the town with respect to the school and the town office, should be encouraged to acquire and use high efficiency lighting equipment and appliances.  

            Woodlot owners should be encouraged to manage their woodlots for multiple uses which would include sustained yield of timber and fuel wood.  

SECTION XIV. HOUSING

The vitality of Wallingford is dependent on the town’s ability to house its present and future residents.  A sufficient supply of quality housing is the basis upon which a community builds strong, healthy families and a stable workforce, both necessary components of a sustainable economy.  Stable affordable housing also lets families establish long-term community involvement. 

Housing Need  

Nationwide, a trend towards fewer persons per household has changed the type of housing needs and increased the demand for housing, even in towns such as Wallingford with stable populations.   

In order to determine whether that need is being met presently as well as in the future, it is necessary to review housing and income data.  Identification of housing needs requires an evaluation of housing demand, housing supply, and the buying power of the Town’s residents. 

Single family and mobile homes account for a large majority of housing in Wallingford; of the 1,088 housing units in 2010, approximately 83% were single family and 7% were mobile homes. This high percentage of single-family homes indicates the possible need for a greater variety of housing types in order to accommodate all types and sizes of households residing in Wallingford.  

In 1970, average household size in Wallingford was 3.42.  This decreased to 3.03 by 1980, 2.71 by 1990, 2.49 by 2000 and to 1.91 by 2010.  The Region followed the same trend with a 2000 household size of 2.39, down from 3.33 in 1970 but up to 2.94 in 2010.  It is now taking more housing units to accommodate the same number of Wallingford residents.           

Housing Affordability  

The issue of housing affordability is centered around the fact that everyone seeks adequate housing that is within the household budget, a very rough indicator of affordably priced housing is when a household is paying no more than 30% of their gross income on housing costs.  National, state and regional indicators identify affordable housing as an issue that is affecting households regardless of socioeconomic status, profession or household type  

Sixteen percent of all Wallingford households are living in potentially unaffordable situations, slightly less than the regional average of 22.

While an analysis of household income and housing costs aids in understanding the affordability of Wallingford’s housing, it is understood that affordability can vary greatly based on an individual’s particular situation. Affordability is a complex issue that does not relate solely to household income.  Other principal contributing factors affecting the affordability of a household’s living situation could include:  

§         New construction and rehabilitation costs—the higher the fixed costs for new construction, the less likely that low-cost housing will be added to the market.  Factors affecting these costs include complex septic installation, availability and quality of water, materials costs, unpredictable permitting processes and restrictive local regulations.

§         Utility Costs—including electricity, fuel oil, and telephone service.

§         Finance Rates—depending on national economic trends, interest rates on mortgages can have significant effects.

§         Property Taxes—elevated state or local property taxes can add significantly to the cost of housing.

§         Transportation Costs—if a household is forced to own and maintain one or more vehicles, this must be added into the affordability equation.  If, on the other hand, a person can walk or take a bus to work, the costs of living may be reduced substantially.

§         Childcare—working parents with children are faced with the challenge of finding daycare that suits their schedules and budgets.

Future Housing Needs  

Wallingford’s population is not likely to grow significantly in the next ten years.  Between 1990 and 2000, the town saw its population grow by only 4%, from 2,184 to 2,274 and saw a decrease from 2000 to 2010 of 8.5% or 195 people.  This is not to suggest that there is no demand for housing, at an affordable rate, among Wallingford residents.   

While the population is decreasing slowly, there are noticeable shifts in the types of households seeking homes—the population is rapidly aging, household size is decreasing (meaning the need for housing is expanding at a greater rate than the population), and the number of homeowners living in unaffordable housing is increasing.  All of these trends point to the need to diversify the housing market of Wallingford , to ensure that a variety of types and costs of housing are available.   

POLICIES  

In the absence of a specific housing program, it is the Town's policy that:  

All housing, existing and proposed, should be safe, sanitary and provide adequate shelter.  

While it is probable that housing needs will be met by private initiative, it is the responsibility of the Planning Commission to keep informed of housing trends and to take an active part in public housing initiatives.  

Wallingford should investigate establishing a local housing and conservation trust fund as some other communities have done.  

SECTION XV. PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY  

A.                   The town budget includes contributions to the Regional Ambulance Service, Rutland County Mental Health Association, Rutland Visiting Nurse and Hospice Service, S. Western VT Council on Aging, VT Center for Independent Living, VT Association for the Blind, Association for Retarded Citizens, Rutland County Women’s Network, Mount Holly Rescue, Wallingford Rescue, Rutland County Parent/Child Center and BROC all of which offer services to Wallingford residents.  

B.                    Law enforcement services are provided by the Town Constable, the County Sheriff and the State Police. Fire protection is provided by a volunteer company.  

C.                   The advent of enhanced 911 in Wallingford has vastly improved the ability to rapidly locate residences through its database and  
 installation of road signs.  

SECTION XVI. INTEGRATION WITH PLANS OF ADJACENT TOWNS and REGIONAL COMMISSION  

This Town Plan for Wallingford is fully consistent with the plans and regulations of all of the contiguous towns and Regional Commission. Most of the borders between Wallingford and its neighbors are relatively rural areas where the current uses and the planned future uses are either identical or fully compatible. However, if major developments are planned near town borders, this Plan encourages the close communication and cooperation between towns to address any potential problems.  

SECTION XVII. IMPLEMENTATION  

Wallingford's by-laws for subdivision, flood plains and general zoning provide the means for carrying out the goals and objectives of the land use element and parts of Section X.  

The Planning Commission shall, from time to time, review the Bylaws and propose such amendments as are deemed necessary to implement the Plan. Public input and comments are received at regular meetings held the second Monday of every month.

Section XVIII. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT  

At least three aspects of economic development serve the positive goals of the Plan.  First, the creation of new businesses in Town provides job opportunities.  Second, the presences of businesses in Wallingford provide the local services that improve convenience, create a sense of community and relieve the traffic burden on the roads.  Third, economic development may be important in preserving certain aspects of the town.  For instance, agricultural and forestry enterprises provide local services while enhancing the livability and appearance of the town.  

Hospitality and heritage tourism already play a role in the town and have the potential to increase.  These enterprises depend heavily on the attractions of the area, and of Wallingford in particular.  Preservation of the beauty and desirability of the town is critical to the health and growth of this industry, as it is important to those who live here.  The Wallingford Selectboard will play a large role in guiding public policy as well as offering support for businesses in town.  

GOALS  

To encourage the development of small-scale local services and employment opportunities, and to preserve the attractive features of Wallingford .  

SECTION XIV. APPENDIX  

Attached and included as a part of this Plan are maps created from the Vermont Geographic Information System (GIS):  

Development Bylaw Districts

Transportation Map

Facility Map

Natural Communities Map  

Also relevant to this Plan and maintained in the Town Offices or the Town Library are the following:  

Vermont Fish and Wildlife Natural Heritage Map of Wallingford Wallingford NWI Wetlands Map

                               Vermont Division of Historic Preservation Listings

                               The History of Wallingford

                               Soils Maps

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