Project Information

Bid Title

Design Guidelines Update RFP

Issuing Agency

Town of Shelburne

Location

Vermont

Published Date

Jan 5, 2026

Closing Date

Jan 30, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Design Guidelines Update RFP

January 5, 2026

Responses Due: 3pm Friday January 30, 2026

The Town of Shelburne seeks qualified consulting services to update the Town's design guidelines for the Village Design Review Overlay District (VDROD). This project is funded in part by a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant from the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation through the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Historic Preservation Fund.

The updated design guidelines must comply with Vermont Act 47 and upcoming changes to the Town's zoning regulations. An important objective is to create stronger, clearer, and explicit design standards for the exterior renovation of structures that are in the VDROD using the information in the National Register of Historic Places for guidance, as well as the same level of stricter standards for new construction within the Overlay District.

The selected consultant will be expected to work collaboratively with Town officials, the Shelburne Historic Preservation and Design Review Commission, and the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation. All work must comply with the requirements of the grant agreement, including federal procurement standards under 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart D and Chapter 17 of the Historic Preservation Fund Grants Manual.

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TOWN OF SHELBURNE

CHARTERED 1763

P.O. BOX 88, 5420 SHELBURNE ROAD, SHELBURNE, VT 05482

Clerk/Treasurer (802) 985-5116 Town Manager (802) 985-5111 Zoning & Planning (802) 985-5118

Assessor (802) 985-5115 Recreation (802) 985-5110 FAX Number (802) 985-9550

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

January 5, 2026

Responses Due: 3pm Friday January 30, 2026

Overview

The Town of Shelburne seeks qualified consulting services to update the Town's

design guidelines for the Village Design Review Overlay District (VDROD). This

project is funded in part by a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant from the

Vermont Division for Historic Preservation through the U.S. Department of the

Interior, National Park Service, Historic Preservation Fund.

The updated design guidelines must comply with Vermont Act 47 and upcoming

changes to the Town's zoning regulations. An important objective is to create

stronger, clearer, and explicit design standards for the exterior renovation of

structures that are in the VDROD using the information in the National Register of

Historic Places for guidance, as well as the same level of stricter standards for new

construction within the Overlay District.

The selected consultant will be expected to work collaboratively with Town officials,

the Shelburne Historic Preservation and Design Review Commission, and the

Vermont Division for Historic Preservation. All work must comply with the

requirements of the grant agreement, including federal procurement standards under

2 CFR Part 200, Subpart D and Chapter 17 of the Historic Preservation Fund Grants

Manual.

Estimated Schedule

January 5, 2026

RFP Released

January 20, 2026

Deadline for submission of questions

January 23, 2026

Responses to questions made available publicly

January 30, 2026 at 3pm Deadline for submission of proposal via email

February 2-6, 2026

Review of proposals

February 9-13, 2026

Interviews of consultants (if needed)

February 13, 2026

Selection of consultant

By February 15, 2026 Contract execution (required by grant agreement)

Context and Background

The Town of Shelburne's historic village center is listed in the National Register of

Historic Places. The Shelburne Village Design Review Overlay District encompasses

the historic village and requires design review for exterior alterations and new

construction to protect the architectural and cultural heritage of this significant area.

The Town's current design guidelines can be accessed at:

https://shelburnevt.org/DocumentCenter/View/2013/Design-Review-Guidelines-

Recent changes to state law (Act 47) and pending revisions to Shelburne's zoning

regulations necessitate an update to these guidelines. The revised guidelines must

clarify how to build infill buildings and/or make changes to existing buildings in a

manner that complies with new legal requirements while maintaining compatibility

with the village's historic character.

The goal of this project is to minimize conflicts between new laws promoting housing

development and Shelburne's preservation efforts by illustrating how newer, denser

developments can be compatible with the village character. The revised guidelines

will help the Historic Preservation and Design Review Commission (HPDRC) and

developers create a built environment that protects our architectural and cultural

heritage while building a Town Center that will be livable and economically vibrant for

decades to come.

This project is funded by a $15,000 Certified Local Government grant with a $10,000

local cash match, for a total project budget of $25,000. The project must be

completed by August 1, 2027, with interim progress reports due to the State Historic

Preservation Office on specified dates.

Scope of Work and Deliverables

The consultant shall provide the following services:

Phase 1: Research and Analysis

• Review existing design guidelines and identify areas requiring updates for Act

47 compliance and consistency with upcoming zoning regulation changes

• Research best practices from other Vermont communities and comparable

historic districts, including other CLG communities, regarding infill

development and densification in historic contexts

• Review federal (Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation) and

state historic preservation standards applicable to the project

• Consult with the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation regarding

guideline requirements and review procedures

Phase 2: Guideline Development

• Develop clear, explicit design standards for exterior renovations of structures

in the VDROD using the information in the National Register of Historic Places

as guidance

• Create equally explicit standards for new construction within the Village

Design Review Overlay District

• Provide specific guidance on infill development and building alterations that

comply with Act 47 requirements while maintaining historic character

• Include illustrative examples, photographs, and/or diagrams showing

compatible development approaches

• Prepare draft guidelines for review by Town staff and the Vermont Division for

Historic Preservation

Phase 3: Public Engagement and Finalization

• Present draft guidelines at 1-2 public meetings hosted by the HPDRC

(consultant must attend and help lead these meetings)

• Incorporate feedback from public engagement, Town staff, and the Vermont

Division for Historic Preservation

• Submit final draft to the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation for review

and approval

• Deliver final design guidelines in PDF format suitable for web posting and

printing

Required Deliverables

• Public engagement plan (due approximately April 2026)

• First draft of guideline revisions (due approximately December 1, 2026)

• Final draft of guideline revisions (due approximately April 1, 2027)

• Final approved design guidelines in PDF format (due by August 1, 2027)

• Documentation of public engagement activities and feedback received

Submission Requirements

Proposals must include the following information:

• Cover letter introducing the firm and summarizing qualifications

• List of project team members with qualifications, resumes, and professional

registrations

• Description of firm's experience with historic preservation planning and design

guideline development, particularly in Vermont

• Examples of similar guideline or planning projects completed, preferably in

historic districts

• Proposed methodology and approach to the project, including project timeline

and key milestones

• Detailed cost proposal broken down by phase and task (total project budget is

$25,000)

• Hourly rate schedule for work outside the scope of this request (must comply

with Federal Regulations concerning the allowable rates for contractor payments.

See the Historic Preservation Fund Grant Manual HPF Chapter 13-11, Clause

34. E. (page 247 of the PDF)).

• Professional references from at least three recent similar projects

• Evidence of professional liability insurance

Submittals shall provide evidence of demonstrated successful experience working

with municipalities, historic preservation commissions, and state historic preservation

offices. Experience with Vermont state historic preservation processes, the Secretary

of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, and relevant federal and state

regulations is highly desirable.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Qualifications and experience with historic preservation planning, design

guidelines, and federal/state historic preservation standards (weighted most

heavily)

• Understanding of project requirements, including Act 47 compliance, and

proposed approach

• Quality of similar past projects and client references

• Cost proposal and value of services proposed

• Proposed timeline and ability to meet grant-required deadlines

• Experience working in Vermont and knowledge of Vermont regulations and

processes

Final Selection Process

If necessary, times for finalists to interview with Town staff will be scheduled after the

submittal deadline.

Following the selection process, one consultant will be selected to negotiate a final

contract for services. The final scope of work with specified deliverables may be

modified through negotiation of the final contract. Any expenses resulting from the

interview and proposal process will be the sole responsibility of the consultant.

Clear and concise proposals are encouraged. The Town reserves the right to waive

formalities, modify proposals in a mutually agreeable manner, or to accept or reject

any proposals at its sole discretion. Issuing this RFP does not in any way commit the

Town to accepting any proposal.

Grant Agreement Compliance and Federal Requirements

This project is funded by a federal Certified Local Government grant and must

comply with all requirements of the grant agreement between the Town of

Shelburne and the State of Vermont. The Town’s grant agreement can be

viewed here. The selected consultant will be required to:

• Comply with federal procurement regulations under 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart

D

• Comply with Chapter 17 of the Historic Preservation Fund Grants Manual

• Include required acknowledgment language in all project products and

publicity

• Provide supporting documentation for reimbursement (invoices, time reports,

etc.)

• Meet progress reporting deadlines as specified in the grant agreement

The Consultant shall comply with all applicable federal and Vermont non-

discrimination laws and shall make good-faith efforts to utilize small, minority-,

women-, and veteran-owned business enterprises (MWBEs/DBEs) in subcontracting

and procurement.

Submission Instructions

Please direct any questions to Director of Planning and Zoning, Aaron DeNamur, via

email at adenamur@shelburnevt.org. Questions must be submitted by January 20,

2026. Responses to all questions will be posted on the Town website by end of day

on January 23, 2026 and will be sent to everyone who has submitted questions.

Proposals are due no later than 3:00 P.M. on Friday, January 30, 2026. PDF

submissions are required. Proposals should be submitted via email to

adenamur@shelburnevt.org.

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