Canaan, Maine
Wednesday, December 20, 2023, 6:00pm - Select Board Meeting at Canaan Town Office
See full schedule here
Wednesday, December 13, 2023, 6:00pm - Planning Board Meeting at Canaan Town Office
The Canaan Maine Fire Department is Actively Seeking Volunteers
Welcome to Canaan, Maine
Canaan is a quiet suburban town located between Skowhegan and Pittsfield in Somerset County. The town’s makeup is a combination of residential, agricultural and small businesses with a population of around 2,300 and is rapidly growing.
There are two lakes, Sibley and Lake George, for those that enjoy Maine’s waters. We offer our residents the best of both worlds, a gateway to natural beauty and the opportunity to grow a business within a community of support.
This website contains useful information related to town operations, services, fees, meetings, points of interest, and local events. We also have links to the state, county and other relevant websites.
GENERAL WELFARE ASSISTANCE
Our General Assistance Administrator is here by appointment
MUNICIPAL NOMINATION PAPERS AVAILABLE December 15th
NOMINATION PAPERS AVAILABLE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15th, 2023 for the following positions:
(3) Select Board for 1 year term; (1) Road Commissioner for 1 year term;
- Anyone may circulate a petition. You do not have to witness the signatures. They will be validated by the Town Clerk if they are registered voters of Canaan.
- Town Clerk must complete the candidate name and position seeking nomination.
- Candidates and family members of the candidate may sign the paper.
- You must collect not less than 25 and not more than 100 signatures of registered voters of Canaan.
Deadline to submit nomination papers to Town Clerk is January 25th, 2024 by 4 pm.
TAX REVALUATION INFORMATION
There is going to be a town wide review and revaluation of the land and building values used for tax assessment purposes. Those new values will be effective for the tax billing in August of 2024. The last revaluation was in 2006 and the town is in need of a comprehensive review.
For the tax year 2023, Maine Revenue Services certified Canaan at a ratio of 67% meaning that most properties, on average, are selling for significantly more than the assessed value. Maine Revenue requires towns to be above a 70% ratio. The goal of the revaluation is to update assessed values to 100% and to assure that we have accurate information on all property record cards.
Revaluations can bring up a lot of concerns and questions, so below you can find some answers to questions you may have.
Common Questions Regarding Valuation Change
Revaluation Questions and Answers
PROPERTY TAX STABILIZATION PROGRAM
The Property Tax Stabilization program is going away after this year, 2023, so we will not be accepting any more applications.
The State is expanding two existing programs for low-income seniors:
1. The Property Tax Fairness Credit, which currently allows eligible Mainers to take a $1,500 credit, has increased to $2,000; it also loosens limits on the program in a way that allows the benefits to remain constant for a Mainer whose spouse passes away.
2. The State Property Tax Deferral Program, a lifeline loan program that covers the annual property tax bills of Maine seniors age 65 and older who cannot afford to pay them on their own, has been expanded. It doubles the income limit on that program to $80,000 and also raises asset limits. Taxes must be paid back when the home is sold or becomes part of an estate.
Permits
Plumbing Permits
Interior Plumbing Permits: please provide 3 signed copies at the time of submitting applications to the Town Office for Code Enforcement/Plumbing Inspector Randy Gray’s approval.
Note: fees are indicated on the application as $10.00 per fixture
Click here for a copy of the plumbing application.
Please provide 3 signed copies at the time of submitting applications to the Town Office for Code Enforcement/Plumbing Inspector Randy Gray’s approval along with the required fees:
Septic System Design Permits
The Town Office may have septic designs on file. We would need your property's Map and Lot # in order located the design in our files. If the Town does not have a copy, you can check the State website.
Please provide 3 signed copies at the time of submitting applications to the Town Office for Code Enforcement/Plumbing Inspector Randy Gray’s approval along with the required fees:
New System = $265.00
Replacement System or Replacement Failure System = $250.00
Replacement System Using Existing Tank = $150.00
Replacement Tank = $150.00
Replacement System Variance = $270
Click here for a list of local site evaluators.
Marriage Licenses by Appointment
INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBTAINING A MARRIAGE LICENSE IN MAINE
Information you will need prior to scheduling your Marriage License appointment (plan 1/2 hr):
- Valid picture ID – Maine Driver’s License/ID card or Passport
- Court Certified Divorce Decree of most recent divorce for each applicant (must have raised seal of originating court)
- If previous spouse is deceased, a copy of the death certificate
- Proof of Canaan residency (if not on driver’s license)
- Must be at least 18 years of age (if underage, call the Clerk's Office at 474-8682)
Vehicle & Trailer Registration
Residents of the Town of Canaan may register their vehicle or trailer at the Town Office during regular business hours
M, T, Th, F 8am - 12pm, 1pm - 4:00pm W 11:00am - 7:00pm
OR Online Re-Registrations at: https://www1.maine.gov/online/bmv/rapid-renewal/
Register Your Vehicle or Trailer
If you would like a reminder to register your vehicles, you may sign up for email reminders by emailing us your request or by completing a sign-up sheet at the town office. You will receive an email approximately fifteen days prior to when your registration expires. The email will tell you how much it will cost to re-register your car.
Vital Records Requests
The Town of Canaan now offers online requests for Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates. If you are in need of one of these records and are unable to come into the office, click here and select Canaan in the Issuing Municipality drop-down menu. We will receive a notification of your request, and will process accordingly. If you have any questions, contact us at the town office.
If you are doing historical research please submit this application either by email, mail or fax
Dog Licenses
2024 DOG TAGS AVAILABLE NOW
As required by Maine State law, every dog over 6 months of age shall be licensed by its owner in the Town/City where the dog resides within 10 days of ownership. Licenses are valid until December 31st of each year. Please bring a certificate of spay/neutering (if applicable), and a current rabies certificate. The fee for spayed/neutered dogs is $6.00 per year, and for unaltered dogs the fee is $11.00 per year.
Dog licenses can be purchased at the Town Office during regular office hours, by telephone with a credit card OR online!