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Canaan P&Z unanimously adopts ADU zoning amendment to take effect Aug. 1
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously to adopt a revised accessory dwelling unit (ADU) zoning amendment permitting ADUs in all residential zones, clarifying the ADU definition and aligning the change with the town Plan of Conservation & Development; the amendment takes effect Aug. 1, 2026.
The Town of Canaan Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously on July 23 to adopt an updated zoning text amendment governing accessory dwelling units, with the change set to take effect on August 1, 2026. Commissioners agreed the amendment would permit ADUs by zoning permit in all residential zones and would align the change with the town’s Plan of Conservation & Development.
The amendment clarifies the ADU definition in the text: "A second dwelling unit on a property which is clearly accessory in size to the principal dwelling... complete independent living unit with provisions for cooking, eating, sanitation, sleeping, and living activities." The commission closed a continuation of the public hearing after no members of the public spoke and then approved the revision on a motion by Matthew Macchi, seconded by Marc Rosen; the roll-call vote was all in favor with none opposed. The commission recorded the effective date as August 1, 2026.
Commissioners discussed next steps and effective-date logistics but did not record changes to the adopted language at the meeting. The decision was entered in the meeting's motion register as a formal approval; the minutes note the vote as unanimous. The item will appear in the town's public records and available permitting guidance once the effective date arrives.
