To apply for designation, communities must meet the following requirements outlined below:

• a planning commitment in the form of a design review district or local historic district (in zoning bylaws);

• a town plan approved by the regional planning commission, and a confirmed planning process;

• an urban renewal district, or a development review board authorized to undertake local Act 250 reviews;

•a community reinvestment agreement by private and public partners leading the revitalization effort;

• a map showing the downtown boundary consistent with the statutory definition, the area of the planning commitment and the boundary of the National Register historic district;

• a capital improvement plan for the downtown district;

• an organizational structure for carrying out a comprehensive, long-term revitalization program;

• funding and resources to fulfill the Community Reinvestment Agreement;

• water and sewage systems in compliance with state regulations, with reserve commitments for downtown growth

The municipality, in cooperation with its community partners, is the applicant. Complete instructions are contained in the Application Guidelines for Downtown Designation. The Downtown Program staff can help guide applicants through the designation process.