The purpose of the Planning & Zoning Commission is to guide the growth and development of the Town of Canaan so as to promote beneficial and convenient relationships among residential, commercial, industrial and public areas within the town in accordance with Section 8 of the Connecticut General Statutes and the Town of Canaan Planning & Zoning Regulations. Planning & Zoning is responsible for the issuance of permits related to commercial projects as well as additions or accessory structures.
The function of the Town of Canaan Planning & Zoning Commission includes but is not limited to: adopt, amend and administer the Subdivision Regulations, deciding upon applications for approval of subdivision or resubdivision plans; to adopt and amend the Towns Plan of Conservation and Development, to review and make recommendations on all proposed municipal improvements.
Permits are typically required for: new buildings, structures and accessory structures, home occupations, signs, tennis and other sports courts, swimming pools, fences, patios, decks, remodeling that will change a buildings use, proposed uses of existing and proposed buildings and properties, such as commercial uses.
Below please find various application forms and the actual Town of Canaan Zoning Regulations. If you have any questions relative to whether your proposed activity requires a zoning permit, please do not hesitate to contact us at (860) 354-9346 so that we may assist you. We also offer full service land use permitting where we handle the entire permitting process from beginning to end.
Canaan Zoning Regulations
Adopted June 1, 1973, last revised January 15, 2006, the Town of Canaan Zoning Regulations should be consulted prior to performing any activity that requires a zoning permit. The Zoning Regulations exist to provide for the orderly and responsible growth of the Town from a residential, commercial and industrial perspective.
Canaan Zoning Permit Application
This application must be filled out for an activity which requires a zoning permit in the Town of Canaan. A new proposed building, excavation/filling, etc. are just some of the activities that would require a zoning permit. This application typically requires a survey and civil engineering services which we will be happy to provide for you. Please contact us at (860) 354-9346 for more information.
Canaan Special Permit / Zone change / Regulation Change Application
This application must be filled out for someone who is performing an activity which requires a Special Permit including but not limited to bed and breakfasts, commercial parking lots, fast food restaurants, golf courses, nursing homes, quarries in an Industrial Zone, etc. A Special Permit will require a Public Hearing at which you must inform your neighbors of the hearing date and the public at large will have the opportunity to comment on your development. A Special Permit application typically requires a survey and civil engineering services which can be performed in house by our staff for you. This is also the application for zone changes and regulation changes.
Canaan Procedure for Lot Line Revision or First Cut
This document details the procedure that you must follow when performing a lot line revision or first cut of your land.
Canaan Subdivision Regulations
Adopted September 21, 1970, last revised August 1, 2003, the Town of Canaan Subdivision Regulations should be consulted prior to considering a subdivision or resubdivision. The Regulations spell out the requirements relative to splitting your land into multiple building lots.
Canaan Subdivision Application Form
This is the application form that must be filled out for anyone proposing to subdivide or resubdivide their land. A set of subdivision plans typically consist of a survey, site development plan, stormwater management plan, and sedimentation and erosion control plan which can all be performed by our office. Please contact us at (860) 354-9346 for more information on how we can help you subdivide your property.
Canaan Plan of Conservation and Development
The Town of Canaan Plan of Conservation and Development , adopted in 2002, provides a framework of needs, policies, actions and priorities that will guide community decision makers on land-use management, community facilities development, parks and recreation, open space and environmental conservation, transportation and traffic improvement, utilities services and economic development. At least once every ten years the Commission must prepare or amend, and must adopt a Plan of Conservation and Development.
Connecticut Public Act 05-124
This Act states that an applicant cannot file a permit application other than for interior work in an existing building or for exterior work that does not expand or alter the footprint of an existing building if the subject property is encumbered by a conservation restriction or preservation restriction. Please read the above Act fully to ensure that your permit will not be unnecessarily overturned if it is to be appealed.
If you have any questions regarding the interpretation of a local land use regulation or application or you are interested in working with us on a project, contact us at (860) 354-9346. We look forward to speaking with you!
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Canaan Building Department Regulations & Application Forms
Canaan Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Regulations & Application Forms:
Canaan Planning & Zoning Regulations & Application Forms:
Canaan Health Department Regulations & Application Forms
Canaan Board of Selectmen Regulations & Application Forms
Canaan Zoning Board of Appeals Regulations & Application Forms
Please note that you should always contact the Town of Canaan to determine if the Regulations and/or application forms have recently changed.