Planning Board

The Planning Board administers regulations for Sub-divisions, Site Plans, Excavations, and driveways.

Subdivision typically involves the creation of new lots, and the services of a licensed surveyor are required by law.   Additional professionals may be required such as wetland or soil scientists.  The surveyor can advise you, as to who is required, which varies by site.  The minimum size of a lot depends upon the terrain and soils.   It must be large enough to support a septic system and well, if not on municipal services, and buildings with appropriate emergency access.  At least 50 feet of frontage is required on a road, and a driveway permit is required.  Prior to submitting a formal application, you are welcome to attend a Planning Board meeting to discuss concepts and alternatives. There is no fee for conceptual discussions.  The fee for a formal submittal is $150 plus other fees, which vary from project to project based upon number of abutters and professionals used on your project. Please contact Tax Assessor’s office for fees on your project.

A Lot Line Adjustment is a subdivision, but no new lots are created, however a surveyor is required.  Other professionals and driveway permits are usually not required.  The fee is the same as above.

Existing lots may be merged without a surveyor or other professionals.  Any lot to be merged must have written consent of mortgage holders before the lots are merged.  Fee required is $30.

Placing additional dwellings, beyond the first, on an existing lot is a subdivision, but there is no town fee.   The main purpose is to ensure the lot is capable of supporting addition dwellings, with an emphasis on health and safety.

Site plan approval only applies to Large Wind Energy Systems. 

Excavation activity is regulated by the Planning Board. The Canaan Excavation Regulations and Permit are available here and an Explanation of Regulations is available here.

Driveways on state roads are approved by NH DOT, and those on town roads are approved by Canaan Highway Department.

Building on Class VI or Private Roads is a regulation required by state law.  Since the town has some older substandard private roads established before the town had road standards, and because the town has stopped maintaining some of our public roads, consideration must be given before building on these substandard or unmaintained roads, since they may not meet fire codes or other requirements.  After review the applicant may be required to upgrade the road before building, or the application may be denied a permit.  Each situation is unique and must be examined.

Subdivision regulation may be found in the first 16 pages of the Town of Canaan Land Use Regulations.

Please open the Forms tab below where you will find the subdivision application form, checklists, other forms, and useful documents.