The documents for the 2026 Town Meeting are available!
The First Session of the 2026 Town Meeting will be Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at the Canterbury Town Hall from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At this session we vote to elect officials and decide on zoning changes.
The Second Session of the 2026 Town Meeting will be Friday, March 13, 2026 at Canterbury Elementary School starting at 7 p.m. At this session we meet to discuss and vote on the annual budget and other warrant articles.
Check out the Sample Ballot Here! Take a look to see who is running and what warrant articles will be on the ballot for the First Session. See below for a write-up from the Canterbury Planning Board on these articles.
Please note that at the voting on 3/10/26 you will also be receiving a ballot for Shaker Regional School District. More information about that ballot is available at sau80.org here.
Also take a look at the 2026 Warrant and MS-636 to see the warrant articles that will be voted on at the Second Session. The MS-636 is the NH Department of Revenue Administration’s version of the Operating Budget. To view a more human readable version, check out the 2025 Town Report starting on page 15. More information can be found in the Selectboard minutes for the public hearing on 2/2/26.
Be sure to register to vote and apply for an absentee ballot if needed!
Planning Board explanation of proposed warrant articles for the 2026 Ballot
Article 2: Legislative Compliance
This article updates the Zoning Ordinance to comply with recent changes in New Hampshire state law, RSA 674:71–73. The amendments align local regulations with state requirements related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs), including parking minimums and permitted residential uses.
Click here for full text of the changes.
Article 3: Gross Living Area
This article clarifies how Gross Living Area is calculated for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The Planning Board brought this forward to ensure that requirements tied to a specific amount of living space are applied consistently and predictably.
Click here for full text of the changes.
Article 4: Data Centers
This article proposes prohibiting large-scale commercial data centers as a land use in Town. The Planning Board brought this forward proactively due to potential impacts to environmental resources associated with such facilities. The ordinance is written so as not to restrict personal use of computers or typical home-based businesses. The Board determined it was important to address this issue in advance to provide clarity and avoid unintended outcomes.
Click here for full text of the changes.
Article 5: Wetland Setback Ordinance
This article proposes establishing a wetland setback. This comes after many years of intermittent discussion, including recent efforts by a concerned member of the public. The Planning Board brought this forward proactively to clarify local standards and reflect the importance of environmental protection expressed in the Town’s Master Plan. While some residents have advocated for a larger setback, the Board proposes a short wetland setback, balancing environmental stewardship with the right to reasonably use the land.
Click here for full text of the changes.
Article 6: Cluster Subdivision Ordinance
This article amends the cluster subdivision ordinance to better align it with its original purpose: encouraging the preservation of open space. In practice, the ordinance has been only partially effective in providing the Board greater control over development outcomes. Rather than eliminate cluster development entirely, the Planning Board opted to amend the ordinance to reduce baseline density, placing greater emphasis on density bonuses as a primary incentive and preserving the option for cluster projects that benefit the town. The 50% baseline was selected as a meaningful reduction in the interim, while the Board expects to revisit the broader density bonus structure and overall effectiveness of the ordinance in the coming year.
Click here for full text of the changes.