Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
(2-4-26 Document #3) 2026 ATM Warrant draft 2-3-26
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Town of Canton
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
2026 Annual Town Meeting
Table of Contents
Article 1 Elect a Moderator ............................................................................................................. 1
Article 2 Adopt Rules to Govern Town Meeting ............................................................................. 1
Article 3 Hear Reports of Committees ............................................................................................ 1
Article 4 Act on “Consent Agenda” ................................................................................................. 1
Article 5 Collective Bargaining Agreements Under the Select Board ............................................. 2
Article 6 Personal Service Contracts Under the Select Board ........................................................ 2
Article 7 Pay Bills of Prior Fiscal Year .............................................................................................. 2
Article 8 Adjust Fiscal Year 2026 Accounts ..................................................................................... 2
Article 9 Rescind Unused Borrowing Authorizations ...................................................................... 2
Article 10 Appropriate Funds from Overlay Surplus Account ........................................................ 2
Article 11 Authorize Certain Revolving Funds ................................................................................ 3
Article 12 Insurance Proceeds ........................................................................................................ 3
Article 13 Accept General or Session Laws Enacted by the General Court .................................... 3
Article 14 Appropriation to Supplement Chapter 90 Program....................................................... 3
Article 15 “Omnibus” Capital Outlay Program ............................................................................... 3
Article 16 Funding for Annual July 4th Community Celebration .................................................... 4
Article 17 Recommendations of the Community Preservation Committee................................... 4
Article 18 Appropriation to Increase Capital Stabilization Account ............................................... 5
Article 19 Appropriation to Increase Special Education Reserve Account ..................................... 5
Article 20 Appropriation to Create Safe Streets ............................................................................. 5
Article 21 Appropriation for Gridley Cemetery Repair ................................................................... 5Source page 2
Article 22 Special Act Request Authorizing Municipal Charge Liens .............................................. 5 Article 23 Bylaw Modernization Study Committee Extension........................................................ 6 Article 24 Amend General Bylaw Article IV – Moderator ............................................................... 7 Article 25 Amend General Bylaw Article IV – Voting ...................................................................... 8 Article 26 Amend General Bylaw Article IV – Reconsideration ...................................................... 8 Article 27 Amend Police Regulations – Obstructions ..................................................................... 8 Article 28 Amend Miscellaneous Bylaw – Trailer Bylaw ................................................................. 9 Article 29 Amend Hazardous Materials – Penalty & Fees .............................................................. 9 Article 30 Amend Police Regulations – Water Wells .................................................................... 10 Article 31 Amend Miscellaneous Bylaw – Regulating Smoking .................................................... 10 Article 32 Amend General Bylaw – Stormwater Management .................................................... 11 Article 33 Amend General Bylaw – Stretch Specialized Energy Code .......................................... 22 Article 34 Vote to Accept Stillwater Road as a Town Way ........................................................... 23 Article 35 Vote to Accept Foundry Lane as a Town Way .............................................................. 24 Article 36 Vote to Accept Dalebrook Court as a Town Way ......................................................... 25 Article 37 Vote to Accept Stonewood Drive as a Town Way ........................................................ 26 Article 38 Vote to Accept Isabella Circle as a Town Way ............................................................. 26 Article 39 Vote to Accept Holly Way as a Town Way ................................................................... 27 Article 40 Rescind Prior Vote Taken on Article 38 of 2006 Annual Town Meeting ....................................................................................................................................................... 27 Article 41 Accept MGL Ch. 31 61A 61B ......................................................................................... 28 Article 42 Accept MGL Ch. 44 531/2 ............................................................................................. 28 Article 43 Amend Zoning Bylaw Section 8.1 ................................................................................. 28 Article 44 Amend Zoning Bylaw Section 11.0 ............................................................................... 30 Article 45 Amend Zoning Map by Removing CCEOD A ................................................................. 30 Article 46 Amend Zoning Map by Removing CCEOD B ................................................................. 30 Article 47 Amend Zoning Map by Removing CCEOD C ................................................................. 30
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Article 48 Appropriate Funds To Meet The Expenses Of The Next FY ......................................... 30
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Town of Canton
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk, ss
To the Constables of the Town of
Canton,
Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are hereby required to notify and
warn the inhabitants of the Town of Canton to meet at Morse Auditorium, Canton High School,
900 Washington Street in said town on;
MONDAY, THE 11th DAY OF MAY 2026
At seven o’clock p.m. (7:00 P.M.) in the evening for the annual town meeting at which time and
place the following articles are to be acted upon:
ELECT A MODERATOR
Article 1 To elect a Moderator to preside at this Town Meeting to serve until the commencement
of Annual Town Meeting in 2027; or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
ADOPT RULES TO GOVERN TOWN MEETING
Article 2 To see if the Town will vote to adopt certain procedures to govern the conduct of the
2026 Annual Town Meeting; or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
HEAR REPORTS OF COMMITTEES APPOINTED AT PRIOR TOWN MEETINGS
Article 3 To hear the reports of committees appointed at previous town meetings, which have
not yet been discharged; or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
ACT ON “CONSENT AGENDA”
Article 4 To see if the Town will vote to dispose of certain articles in this warrant by a single vote,
in accordance with a so-called “consent agenda” or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
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COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS UNDER THE SELECT BOARD
Article 5 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, or
transfer from Free Cash, a sum of money for the purpose of funding any new cost items contained
in any collective bargaining agreements entered into by the Select Board, on behalf of the Town,
with any group of employees, serving under its jurisdiction; or to take any other action related
thereto.
Select Board
PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACTS UNDER THE SELECT BOARD
Article 6 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, or
transfer from Free Cash, such sums of money as may be necessary to fund new cost items
contained in contracts for personal services with any individual employee; or take any action
related thereto.
Select Board
PAY BILLS OF PRIOR FISCAL YEAR
Article 7 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, or
borrow pursuant to any applicable statute, a sum or sums of money to pay any unpaid bills of
any prior fiscal year; or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
ADJUST FISCAL ’26 ACCOUNTS
Article 8 To see if the Town will vote to increase/decrease or otherwise adjust the
appropriations heretofore made for the Fiscal Year 2026 beginning on July 1, 2025 and ending
on June 30, 2026 and the revenue sources to meet those appropriations, as voted pursuant to
Article 36 of the warrant for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting, and to raise and appropriate, or
borrow pursuant to any applicable statute, transfer from available funds to meet any such
increases or adjustments; or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
RESCIND UNUSED BORROWING AUTHORIZATIONS
Article 9 To see if the Town will vote to rescind unused borrowing authorizations previously
voted by the Town; or take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
APPROPRIATE FUNDS FROM OVERLAY SURPLUS ACCOUNT
Article 10 To see if the Town will vote to appropriate funds from the Town’s Overlay Surplus
account for purposes voted by the Board of Assessors; or take any other action related thereto.
Select Board for the Board of Assessors
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AUTHORIZE CERTAIN REVOLVING FUNDS
Article 11 To see what new or additional revolving funds, pursuant to c. 44, section 53E ½ of the
General Laws of the Commonwealth, the Town may establish by amendment to Article VIII
(“Financial Regulations”), Section 16 (“Departmental Revolving Funds”) of the General Bylaws of
the Town and to see what amendments if any the town may vote to existing revolving funds
contained in the Town’s Bylaw, and to determine the limit on total amounts that may be
expended from the Town’s revolving accounts, for various boards, commissions or departments
of the town, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027; or to take any
other action related thereto.
Select Board
INSURANCE PROCEEDS
Article 12 To see whether the Town will vote to appropriate all sums over $150,000 recovered
under the terms of any insurance policy and any other insurance proceeds paid to the Town in
connection with any losses suffered by the Town; or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
ACCEPT GENERAL OR SESSION LAWS ENACTED BY THE GENERAL COURT
Article 13 To see if the Town will vote to accept any general or session laws enacted by the
General Court for the benefit of cities or towns or of benefit to the Town of Canton; or to take
any other action related thereto.
Select Board
APPROPRIATION TO SUPPLEMENT THE COMMONWEALTH’S CHAPTER 90 PROGRAM
Article 14 To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds,
transfer from water enterprise surplus (retained earnings), or borrow pursuant to any
applicable statute, a sum of money to be spent by the Select Board acting as the Board of Public
Works to supplement the amount received from the Chapter 90 Roads Program with
improvements done in accordance with improvement specifications as determined by and
subject to, the approval of the Board of Public Works and consistent with locations identified in
the Town’s Pavement Management System, or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
“OMNIBUS” CAPITAL OUTLAY PROGRAM
Article 15 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds,
or to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Select Board, to borrow (and to
issue bonds or notes therefore) any sum or sums of money, or by any combination of these
methods of financing, as may be necessary or desirable, make available funds for the purpose
of purchasing, leasing, re-conditioning, improving or replacing any motor vehicles or other
items of equipment or machinery or other items of personal property for any town agency, or
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for the purpose of contracting for any service, or for the design, repair, acquisition,
construction, replacement or relocation or improvement to any town building or other
structure, public works facility (including highway needs and traffic safety items), any other
town owned facility or real property, or for any other purposes for which borrowing may be
authorized, to purchase, or to take by eminent domain, any land or easements necessary for
any such purposes and, where applicable, to authorize the trade-in of any presently owned
motor vehicles, equipment or machinery to reduce the purchase or acquisition cost of any item
to be acquired, and to include in any new capital project borrowing authorization and/or to
amend such borrowing authorizations from prior years Town Meetings to provide for the
application of any bond premiums to reduce the cost of such borrowings or to apply same to
payment of project costs; or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board for Capital Planning Committee
APPROVAL OF FUNDING FOR THE ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Article 16 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow pursuant to any
applicable statute, transfer from available funds, a sum of money to be expended by the
Director of Parks and Recreation, and with the approval of the Select Board, for the purpose of
funding the annual July 4th community celebration in 2026; or to take any other action related
thereto with the intent these funds be available in FY26 in anticipation of July 4, 2026.
Select Board for the Canton Recreation Commission
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
Article 17 To see if the Town will vote to adopt and approve the recommendations of the
Community Preservation Committee for Fiscal Year 2027 and to see if the Town will vote to
implement such recommendations by appropriating a sum or sums of money from the
Community Preservation Fund established pursuant to Chapter 44B of the General Laws, or
otherwise to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds or borrow pursuant to any
applicable statute a sum of money for such purposes; to authorize the Select Board, with the
approval of the Community Preservation Committee, to acquire by purchase, gift or eminent
domain such real property and property interests in the name of, or enforceable by the Town,
including perpetual affordable housing restrictions, conservation restrictions and historical
preservation restrictions, and to dispose of Town property or portions thereof or interests
therein, all as may be required by the Community Preservation Act and Chapter 184 of the
General Laws and as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the recommendations of the
Community Preservation Committee, or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board for the Community Preservation Committee
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APPROPRIATION TO INCREASE CAPITAL STABILIZATION ACCOUNT
Article 18 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from any available
funds or borrow pursuant to any applicable statute, a sum of money in order to increase the
Capital Stabilization Account, or to take any action related thereto.
Select Board
APPROPRIATION TO INCREASE SPECIAL EDUCATION RESERVE ACCOUNT
Article 19 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from any available
funds or borrow pursuant to any applicable statute, a sum of money in order to increase any
Special Education Reserve Account, or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board for the School Committee
APPROPRIATION TO CREATE SAFE STREETS
Article 20 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from any available
funds or borrow pursuant to any applicable statute, a sum of money to improve safety on
Canton roads and sidewalks by improved signage, roadway, sidewalk and crosswalk painting,
and any other necessary improvements or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
APPROPRIATION FOR GRIDLEY CEMETERY REPAIR
Article 21 To see If the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from any available
funds or borrow pursuant to any applicable statute a sum of money ($20,189) for the purpose
of protecting and preserving the Gridley Cemetery on Kinsley Place. Said funds shall be used for
the implementation of an in- depth ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey and constructing a
historically appropriate fence and interpretive signage. Said work shall meet the Secretary of
the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. This work shall be overseen by Canton Historical
Commission. Or take any other action related thereto.
Select Board for the Historical Commission
SPECIAL ACT REQUEST AUTHORIZING MUNICIPAL CHARGE LIENS
ARTICLE 22 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to request a special act of
the General Court, in the form set forth below, in relation to placing municipal charge liens,
provided, however, that the General Court may make clerical or editorial changes of form only
to the bill, unless the Select Board approve amendments to the bill before enactment by the
General Court; and provided further that the Select Board is hereby authorized to approve
amendments which shall be within the general public objectives of this petition:
"AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF CANTON TO PLACE MUNICIPAL CHARGE LIENS ON
CERTAIN PROPERTIES IN THE TOWN OF CANTON FOR NONPAYMENT OF ANY LOCAL CHARGES,
FEE OR FINE
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SECTION 1.
(a) The town of Canton may impose a lien on property located within the town for any local
charge, fee or fine that has not been paid by the due date. This lien shall be known as a municipal
charges lien. For purposes of this act, local charge, fee or fine shall mean any charge, fee or fine
imposed by the town under the town by-laws, town regulations, statute or state regulations and
any charge, fee or fine imposed by a state court payable to the town as a result of any action
initiated by town officials to enforce town by-laws, town regulations, statute or state regulations.
(b) A lien authorized under this act shall take effect upon recording of the unpaid municipal
charge, fee or fine, by parcel of land and by the name of the property owner assessed for the fine
in the registry of deeds of Norfolk county.
(c) If a charge, fee or fine, which is secured by a municipal charges lien, remains unpaid when the
assessors are preparing a real estate tax list and warrant to be committed under section 53 of
chapter 59 of the General Laws, then the board or officer in charge of the collection of the
municipal charge, fee or fine shall certify such charge, fee or fine to the assessors, who shall add
the charge, fee or fine to the tax on the property to which it relates and commit it with the
warrant to the collector of taxes as part of the tax.
(d) If the property to which such charge, fee or fine relates is tax exempt, the charge, fee or fine
shall be committed as the tax.
(e) A lien under this section may be discharged by filing in the registry of deeds of Norfolk county,
a certificate from the tax collector that all municipal charges, fees or fines constituting the lien,
together with any interest and costs thereon, have been paid or legally abated.
(f) All costs of recording or discharging a lien under this act shall be borne by the owner of the
property.
(g) Prior to any lien being imposed for any local charge, fee or fine as defined by this act, a bylaw
shall be established by a vote of town meeting specifying each type of charge, fee or fine to be
collected under this act.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage.”
Or take any further action in relation thereto.
Select Board
BYLAW MODERNIZATION STUDY COMMITTEE EXTENSION
Article 23 To see If the Town will vote to reauthorize the Town Meeting Bylaw Modernization
Study Committee for two (2) years to conduct a review of the Town of Canton's General By-
Laws for possible town meeting articles to adopt changes thereto (but not the town's Zoning
By-laws) and to bring forth recommendations for adoption of changes on or before the 2028
Annual Town Meeting. Vacancies occurring on this Town Meeting Committee shall be
appointed by the Town Moderator. The Committee shall continue to be comprised of 9
members to include:
• A Member of the Select Board, or designee of the Select Board;
• Director of Finance, or designee of the Finance Director;
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• Information Systems manager, or designee of the Information Systems manager
• Town Administrator, or designee of the Town Administrator; and
• 5 citizens of the Town of Canton as members at large.
Or take any other action related thereto.
Select Board for the Bylaw Modernization Study Committee
AMEND GENERAL BYLAW ARTICLE IV ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - MODERATOR
Article 24 To see if the Town will vote to amend General Bylaw Article IV by deleting Section 1A
in its entirety, deleting Section 4 in its entirety and replacing with the following Section 4 and
amend Section 5 with the following with new language in bold and language to be deleted in
strikethrough
Section 4 Moderator Election, Powers and Duties
The town moderator, elected as provided below, shall preside at all sessions of the town
meeting. Annually, at the first session of the spring town meeting, the town moderator shall
appoint a deputy moderator to serve as acting moderator in the event of the temporary
absence or disability of the town moderator. The appointment of a deputy moderator shall
be subject to ratification by the town meeting. The deputy moderator shall, when presiding
at town meeting sessions, have all the powers of the town moderator, but shall have no
other powers or duties of the town moderator.
The town moderator, at town meetings, shall regulate the proceedings, decide all questions
of order, make public declaration of all votes and may exercise such additional powers and
duties as may be authorized by general law, by-law or other vote of the town meeting.
(a) Term of Office - The moderator shall be elected to serve a two (2) year term, beginning
with the 2027 annual town election and every two (2) years thereafter. The incumbent town
moderator’s term shall expire upon election of a successor moderator at the 2027 annual
town election.
(b) Powers and Duties - The town moderator shall be the presiding officer of the town
meeting, shall regulate its proceedings, decide all questions of order and shall have such
other powers and duties as may be provided for that office by general law, by-law and other
vote of the town meeting.
(c) Vacancy - In the event of a vacancy in the office of town moderator, the deputy
moderator, as designated above, shall perform the powers and duties of the town moderator
until the election of a successor.
Section 5 Order of Business
The order of business at the annual town meeting shall be as follows:
1. the election of a moderator,
2. 1. the adoption of procedures to govern the conduct of the meeting,
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3. 2. to hear the reports of committees appointed at prior town meetings,
4. 3. to hear a report on the fiscal condition of the town,
5. 4. to act on a, so-called, consent agenda,
Or take any other action related thereto.
Select Board for the Bylaw Modernization Study Committee
AMEND GENERAL BYLAW ARTICLE IV ANNUAL TOWN MEETING – VOTING
Article 25 To see if the Town will vote to amend General Bylaw Article IV by inserting the
following language into Section 12 after the second paragraph:
Notwithstanding the provisions of Voice vote, subject to the availability of an approved
electronic vote counting and recording system for use by Town Meeting members, the
Moderator may determine that a vote be taken by use of such electronic vote counting and
recording system.
Or take any other action related thereto.
Select Board for the Bylaw Modernization Study Committee
AMEND GENERAL BYLAW ARTICLE IV ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - RECONSIDERATION
Article 26 To see if the Town will vote to amend General Bylaw Article IV by deleting the
language in Section 6 in its entirety and inserting the following language in its place:
Section 6 Reconsideration
If an article of the warrant has once been acted upon and disposed of, a motion to return to the
article may be made at any time, if the Moderator determines that the person offering the
motion discloses significant new factual information to the Town meeting concerning said
article, which existed but had not been disclosed or made available to the meeting when the
motion under that article was debated, and the Moderator thereupon explains why such
information satisfies the foregoing criteria. If the moderator deems a reconsideration request
does not meet the requirements but the body feels differently, then the proponent of the
reconsideration request can ask for a vote of the town meeting members and if this vote
passed by a simple majority that the motion to reconsider will proceed provided, however, that
debate and action on said motion shall be deferred until all financial articles are concluded and
the budget ball is added to the lottery system. A two-thirds vote shall be required for approval
of a motion to reconsider an article
Or take any other action related thereto.
Select Board for the Bylaw Modernization Study Committee
AMEND BYLAW ARTICLE XIV POLICE REGULATIONS SECTION 2 OBSTRUCTIONS OF PUBLIC
WAYS AND SIDEWALKS
Article 27 To see if the Town will vote to amend General Bylaw Article XIV Section 2 by adding
the following new language in bold:
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Section 2. Obstructions of Public Ways and Sidewalks No person shall place, or cause to be
placed, upon any public way or sidewalk, any lumber, iron, wood, coal, trunk, bale, box, crate,
cask, barrel, package or other thing, and allow the same to remain for more than one hour, or
more than ten minutes after being notified by a police officer to remove the same, provided
that the provisions of this section shall not apply to placing of ashes, refuse or garbage in
proper receptacles for collection under public authority. Any such obstruction(s) as referred to
in this section which remain(s) on any public way or sidewalk beyond the above referenced
time frame(s) may be removed by and/or under the direction of a police officer at the
owner’s expense and any expense(s) not reimbursed to the Town shall constitute a municipal
charge lien in accordance with G.L. c. 40, §58.
Or take any other action related thereto.
AMEND BYLAW ARTICLE XVI MISCELLANEOUS SECTION 4 TRAILER BYLAW
Article 28 To see if the Town will vote to amend General Bylaw Article XVI Section 4 by
amending the with following added language under Special Regulation item 2. The
amendments are as follows with the new language in bold:
Article XVI Miscellaneous
Section 4 Trailer Bylaw
Special Regulation:
2. In a garage or other accessory building, or in the real half of a lot owned or occupied by the
owner of the trailer (if placed so as to conform to the yard requirements of the Zoning By-Laws
for main buildings in the same district), or in an approved driveway consistent with Town of
Canton Zoning Bylaws, but its use for business and/or living purposes is prohibited, except that
the Board of Appeals may subject to reasonable conditions and safeguards, authorize: a. The
use of a trailer as a temporary office incidental to construction on or development of the
premises on which located. b. The temporary use of a trailer for living purposes owner of the
lot on which located for a period not exceeding three (3) months, provided that such
authorization shall not be renewed or extended to exceed a total of twelve (12) months in any
case.
Or to take any action related thereto.
Select Board
AMEND BYLAW ARTICLE XVII SECTION 1 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SUBSECTION 16 PENALTY
AND SUBSECTION 17 FEES
Article 29 To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaw Article XVII Section 1
Subsection 16 and Subsection 17 to provide consistency between the General Bylaws and the
Board of Health Policies. The amendments are as follows with the new language in bold and
deleted language in strikethrough:
Section 1 Hazardous Materials
Subsection 16 Penalty
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Any person who violates any provision of this By-Law shall be punished by a fine of not more
than three hundred ($300.00) dollars. Each day or portion thereof during which a violation
continues shall constitute a separate offense if more than one, each condition violated shall
constitute a separate offense. This By-Law may be enforced pursuant to M.G.L., Chapter 40
Section 21D by the Board of Health, a Canton Police Officer or any other officer having police
powers.
Section 1 Hazardous Materials
Subsection 17 Fees
Any person registering storage of hazardous materials pursuant to subsection 6 shall pay to the
town of Canton an annual registration fee set by the Board of Health. Such a fee shall be due
on the same date as the annual registration. Failure to pay shall constitute a violation and shall
be subject to the penalties of subsection 16 of the By-Law.
Or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
AMEND BYLAW ARTICLE XIV POLICE REGULATIONS SECTION 41 WATER WELLS
Article 30 To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaw Article XIV Section 41 to
provide consistency between the General Bylaws and the Board of Health Policies by amending
the language. The amendments are as follows with new language in bold and deleted language
in strikethrough:
Section 41 Water Wells
a) No person or entity corporate or otherwise, as owner or as one in control of premises
shall excavate or drill in the Town of Canton for the purpose of creating and maintaining
a well for commercial use without first obtaining from the Select Board Board of Health
written authorization for said excavating or drilling.
b) Any person or entity who violates this By-Law shall be liable to a fine of $20.00 $300.00
or penalty set by the Board of Health for each day said violation continues.
Or take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
AMEND BYLAW ARTICLE XVI MISCELLANEOUS SECTION 9 REGULATING SMOKING
Article 31 To see if the Town will vote to amend General Bylaw Article XVI Section 9 D through I
to provide consistency between the General Bylaws and the Board of Health Policies by
amending the language. The amendments are as follows with new language in bold and
deleted language in strikethrough:
Section 9 Smoking
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D. Smoking Prohibited: Smoking is prohibited per MGL Ch. 270 § 22 in all workplaces,
restaurants, bars, and all enclosed or public places within the Town of Canton except as may be
authorized in section F of this bylaw.
E. Posting Notice of Prohibition: Every person having control of premises upon which smoking is
prohibited by and under the authority of this bylaw shall conspicuously display upon entry of
the premises "No Smoking" signs using a clearly readable font with at least 2-inch highly
contrasted lettering, or the international "No Smoking" symbol (consisting of a pictorial
representation of a burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle with a red bar across it at least 6
inches in diameter). F. Exceptions: Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph D of this
bylaw, smoking may be permitted in the following places and/or circumstances:
1. Private residences, except those portions used as a childcare or health care office
when operating as such,
2. Retail tobacco stores where the owner or manager ensures that persons under the
age of eighteen (18) twenty-one (21) may never enter the premises at any time, and where the
owner or manager conspicuously posts signs, acceptable to the Board of Health, at the
entrance(s) stating that persons under the age of eighteen (18) twenty-one (21) are prohibited
from entering the premises and stating further that environmental tobacco smoke is hazardous
to health;
G. Conflict with Other Laws or Regulations: Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing
Paragraph F of this regulation, nothing in this regulation shall be deemed to amend, repeal or
override applicable 95 REVISED General By-Laws (2024 edition) fire, health or other regulations
or statutes so as to permit smoking in areas where it is prohibited by such fire, health or other
regulations or statutes.
H. Violations and Penalties: Any person, employer, and/or their employee or business agent,
who violates any provision of this bylaw, the violation of which is subject to a specific penalty,
may be penalized by the non-criminal method of disposition as provided in MGL c 40, § 21D or
by filing a criminal complaint at the appropriate venue. It shall be the responsibility of an
employer, or their employee or business agent, to ensure compliance with all sections of this
bylaw. Penalties are per the Canton Board of Health “Regulation of the Sale of Tobacco and
Nicotine Products” Amended 2025 as well as all subsequent amendments.
I. Penalties: Any person who violates any provision of this bylaw shall be subject to a fine of one
hundred dollars ($100) for a first offense, two hundred dollars ($200) for a second offense
within one year of the date of the first offense and three hundred dollars ($300) for a third or
subsequent offense within one year of the date of the first offense. Violations of this bylaw may
be enforced in the manner provided in MGL c 40, § 21D.
Or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
AMEND GENERAL BYLAW ARTICLE XXI STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Article 32 To see if the Town will vote to amend General Bylaw Article XXI as follows with new
language in bold and deleted language in strikethrough.
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STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
1. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE
A. The purpose of this bylaw is to protect public health, safety, general welfare, and
environment by controlling the adverse effects of construction site stormwater runoff and post-
construction runoff from new development and redevelopment. The construction phase and
post-development impacts of stormwater runoff quantity and quality can adversely affect
public safety, public and private property, surface water drinking water supplies, groundwater
drinking water supplies, recreation, aquatic habitats, fish and other aquatic life, property
values, and other uses of lands and waters.
B. The objectives of this bylaw are to:
1. Protect water resources;
2. Comply with state and federal statutes and regulations relating to stormwater
discharges;
3. Prevent and reduce pollutants from entering the Town of Canton’s municipal separate
storm sewer system (MS4);
4. Establish minimum construction and post construction stormwater management
standards and design criteria for the regulation and control of stormwater runoff quantity and
quality;
5. Require the use of nonstructural stormwater management practices, stormwater
better site design practices or “low-impact development practices”, such as reducing
impervious cover and the preservation of greenspace and other natural areas, unless proven to
be infeasible;
6. Establish provisions for the long-term responsibility for and maintenance of structural
stormwater control facilities and nonstructural stormwater best management practices to
ensure that they continue to function as designed and are perpetually maintained;
7. Establish administrative procedures and fees for the submission, review, approval or
disapproval of stormwater management plans, and for the inspection of approved active
projects, and long-term follow up;
8. Ensure that there is an adequate funding mechanism, including surety, for the proper
review of applications, inspection of projects, and assurance of the long-term maintenance of
stormwater facilities implemented as part of this Bylaw;
9. Recognize Canton’s legal authority to ensure compliance with the provisions of this
bylaw through inspection, monitoring, and enforcement;
12Source page 16
10. Require, through issuance of a Major or Minor Stormwater Management Permit, and
through an inspection program described in the Stormwater Management Rules and
Regulations, the proper management of construction phase soil erosion and sediment control
to minimize or eliminate erosion and maintain sediment on site so that it is not transported in
stormwater runoff and allowed to discharge to a water of the U.S through Canton’s drainage
system, as required by the Town of Canton’s Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System
(MS4) General Permit issued by the United States Environmental Protection Administration
(EPA).
2. APPLICABILITY
A. No person may undertake a construction activity or land disturbance activity, including
clearing, grading, excavation or redevelopment that will disturb or alter an area equal to or
greater than 20,000 1,000 square feet without a Major or Minor Stormwater Management
Permit approved by a majority of the Stormwater Authority members or as otherwise provided
in this Bylaw. Any person that fails to follow the requirements of a Major or Minor Stormwater
Management Permit, including and the related Erosion and Sediment Control Methods Plan
and Operations and Maintenance Plan, shall be in violation of this Bylaw.
1. This Bylaw shall be applicable to all new development and redevelopment, including,
but not limited to, site plan applications, subdivision applications, grading applications, land use
conversion applications, any activity that will result in an increased amount of stormwater
runoff or pollutants flowing from a parcel of land, or any activity that will alter the drainage
characteristics of a parcel of land, unless exempt pursuant to Section 2.C of this Bylaw. All new
development and redevelopment under the jurisdiction of this Bylaw as prescribed in this
Bylaw shall be required to obtain a Major or Minor Stormwater Management Permit.
2. The holder of a Major or Minor Stormwater Management Permit must employ
sediment and erosion control at the permitted construction site in accordance with an Erosion
and Sediment Control Plan Methods approved by the Stormwater and/or Erosion and
Sediment Control Authority. The Proposed Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Methods must
be prepared designed in accordance with the Canton Stormwater Management Rules and
Regulations and the “Massachusetts Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines for Urban and
Suburban Areas”, May 2003 (or as modified). Proposed Erosion and Sediment Control
Methods shall be shown on all site development plans.
B. Hotspots - An alteration, redevelopment, or conversion of land use to a hotspot such
as, without limitation: auto salvage yards, auto fueling facilities, fleet storage yards, commercial
parking lots with high intensity use, road salt storage areas, commercial nurseries and
landscaping businesses, outdoor storage and loading areas of hazardous substances, shall
require a Major or Minor Stormwater Management Permit.
C. Exemptions – The following activities are exempt from the requirement to obtain
a Major or Minor Stormwater Management Permit:
13Source page 17
1. Any activity that will alter an area less than 20,000 1,000 square feet, with the
exception of any projects which file for a Stormwater Management Permit between the
effective date of this Bylaw and prior to after August 30, 2020, for which the threshold will be
5,000 20,000 square feet of disturbance or less than 25% of a contiguous property, whichever is
less. This exception may not be applied for contiguous properties held in common ownership at
the time of adoption of this Bylaw that may have been previously subdivided and/or are
attributed to multiple separate owners.
2. Normal maintenance and improvement of land in agricultural use as defined by the
Wetlands Protection Act.
3. Maintenance of existing landscaping, gardens or lawn areas associated with a single
family dwelling.
4. Repair or replacement of an existing roof of a single family dwelling.
4.5. The construction of any fence that will not alter existing terrain or drainage patterns.
5.6. Construction or repair of utilities (gas, water, sewer, electric, telephone, etc.) other
than drainage, which will not alter terrain, ground cover, or drainage patterns.
6.7. Emergency repairs to any stormwater management system, facility or practice that
poses a threat to public health or safety, or as deemed necessary by the Conservation
Commission Stormwater Authority.
7.8. Any work or projects for which all necessary approvals and permits have been issued
before the effective date of this Bylaw.
D. Nothing in this Bylaw is intended to replace the requirements of the Town of Canton
Zoning Bylaw, Town of Canton Land Subdivision Rules and Regulations, Flood Plain Overlay
District, the Town of Canton Wetlands Protection Bylaw, the Consolidated Drainage Bylaw or
any other Bylaw that may be adopted by the Town of Canton. Any activity subject to the
provisions of the above cited Bylaws must comply with the specifications of each. Nothing in
this Bylaw is intended to replace the requirements of construction site operators to comply
with the terms and conditions of EPA’s Construction General Permit.
3. AUTHORITY
This Bylaw is adopted under authority granted by the Home Rule Amendment of the
Massachusetts Constitution, the Home Rule statutes, and pursuant to the regulations of the
federal Clean Water Act found at 40 CFR 122.34.
4. ADMINISTRATION
14Source page 18
A. The Conservation Commission Board of Public Works or its authorized Agent(s) shall
administer, implement and enforce this Bylaw. Any powers granted to or duties imposed upon
the Commission Board of Public Works may be delegated in writing by the Commission Board
of Public Works to its employees or agents.
B. Stormwater Management Rules and Regulations. The Conservation Commission Board
of Public Works may adopt, and periodically amend, rules and regulations relating to the terms,
conditions, definitions, enforcement (including sanctions for violation), fees (including
application, inspection, and/or consultant technical review fees), procedures and
administration of this Stormwater Management Bylaw by majority vote of the Commission
Board of Public Works after conducting a public hearing to receive comments on any proposed
revisions. Such hearing dates shall be advertised in a newspaper of general local circulation, at
least seven (7) days prior to the hearing date. After public notice and public hearing, the
Commission Board of Public Works may promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the
purposes of this Bylaw. Failure by the Commission Board of Public Works to promulgate such
rules and regulations or a legal declaration of their invalidity by a court shall not act to suspend
or invalidate the effect of this Bylaw. As revisions to this Bylaw may precede updates to the
Stormwater Management Rules and Regulations, in case of conflict, this Bylaw shall govern and
the Conservation Commission Board of Public Works and its authorized Agent(s) may waive
provisions of the Stormwater Management Rules and Regulations which are in conflict with
this Bylaw. Applicants should consult with the Conservation Agent Stormwater Authority.
C. Massachusetts Stormwater Handbook. The Conservation Commission Stormwater
Authority, at a minimum, may utilize the policy, criteria and information including
specifications and standards of the latest edition of the Massachusetts Stormwater Handbook
for execution of the provisions of this Bylaw. This Handbook includes a list of acceptable
stormwater treatment practices, including the specific design criteria for each stormwater
practice. The Handbook may be updated and expanded periodically, based on improvements in
engineering, science, monitoring, and local maintenance experience. Unless specifically altered
revised in the Stormwater Management Rules and Regulations, stormwater management
practices that are designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance with the Handbook will
be presumed to be protective of Massachusetts water quality standards.
D. Major or Minor Stormwater Management Permit. The Conservation Commission
Board of Public Works shall have the authority to adopt rules and regulations further defining
the Major or Minor Stormwater Management Permit (SMP) for projects as described in section
2.A.
E. Actions by the Conservation Commission Stormwater Authority. The Conservation
Commission Stormwater Authority may take any of the following actions as a result of an
application for a Major or Minor Stormwater Management Permit as more specifically defined
as part of Stormwater Management Rules and Regulations promulgated pursuant to this
Bylaw: Approval, Approval with Conditions, Denial, or Denial without Prejudice.
15Source page 19
F. Appeals of Action by the Conservation Commission Stormwater Authority. A decision
of the Conservation Commission Stormwater Authority shall be final. Further relief of a
decision by the Conservation Commission Stormwater Authority made under this Bylaw shall
be appealed to a court of competent jurisdiction.
G. Stormwater Utility. The Select Board may adopt, pursuant to any applicable law or
Bylaw, a Stormwater Utility pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 83 Section 16 and Chapter 40 Section
1A. The Select Board shall administer, implement, and enforce this Utility. Failure by the Canton
Select Board to promulgate such a Stormwater Utility through its Regulations or a legal
declaration of its invalidity by a court shall not act to suspend or invalidate the effect of the
other provisions of this Bylaw.
H. Stormwater Management Design Credit System. The Canton Conservation
Commission Board of Public Works may adopt, through the Stormwater Management Rules
and Regulations authorized by this Stormwater Management Bylaw, a Stormwater
Management Design Credit System. This credit system will allow applicants the option, if
approved by the Commission Board of Public Works, to take credit for the use of stormwater
low impact design practices to reduce some of the requirements specified in the criteria section
of the Regulations. Failure by the Commission Board of Public Works to promulgate such a
credit system through its Regulations or a legal declaration of the invalidity of the credit system
by a court shall not act to suspend or invalidate the effect of the other provisions of this Bylaw.
5. PROCEDURES
Permit Procedures and Requirements shall be defined and included as part of any rules and
regulations promulgated as permitted under Section 4.B. of this Bylaw. As revisions to this
Bylaw may precede updates to the Stormwater Management Rules and Regulations, in case of
conflict, this Bylaw shall govern and the Conservation Commission Stormwater Authority and
or its authorized Agent(s) may waive provisions of the Stormwater Management Rules and
Regulations which are in conflict with this Bylaw. Applicants should consult with the
Conservation Agent Stormwater Authority.
6. ENFORCEMENT
The Conservation Commission Stormwater Authority and Erosion and Sediment Control
Authority as or an authorized agent(s) of the Conservation Commission Board of Public Works
shall enforce this Bylaw, regulations, orders, violation notices, and enforcement orders, and
may pursue all civil and criminal remedies for such violations. Enforcement shall be further
defined and included as part of any Stormwater regulations promulgated as permitted under
Section 4.B. of this Bylaw.
7. COORDINATION WITH OTHER TOWN DEPARTMENTS
Any person filing a permit application with the Conservation Commission Stormwater
Authority shall submit a copy thereof at the same time, by email, certified mail, or hand
delivery, to the Select Board, Planning Board, DPW Engineering Department DPW Engineering
Department, Conservation Commission, Board of Appeals, Board of Health, Fire Chief and
16Source page 20
the Building Inspector. The person filing such application shall at the same time submit to the
Conservation Commission Stormwater Authority a written notice that these copies have been
submitted to these other boards, departments and officials. The Conservation Commission
Stormwater Authority shall not take final action on an application until such boards,
departments and officials have had fourteen calendar days from their receipt to submit written
comments, if any, to the Conservation Commission Stormwater Authority. The applicant shall
have the right to receive such written comments, if any, and to respond to them, if desired,
prior to final action.
8. DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and implementation of this
Bylaw. Additional definitions may be adopted by separate regulation:
ALTER: Any activity which will measurably change the ability of a ground surface area to absorb
water or will change existing surface drainage patterns. Alter may be similarly represented as
“alteration of drainage characteristics,” and “conducting land disturbing activities.”
AUTHORIZED AGENT(S): A Town of Canton department, board or employee that has been
granted the authority to act on behalf of the Board of Public Works regarding implementing
the Stormwater Management Bylaw and Stormwater Management Rules and Regulations.
Authorized agents include, but not limited to, the Stormwater Authority and the Erosion and
Sediment Control Authority as defined in this Bylaw.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE (BMP): Structural, non-structural and managerial techniques
that are recognized to be the most effective and practical means to prevent and/or reduce
increases in stormwater runoff volumes and flows, reduce point source and nonpoint source
pollution, and promote stormwater quality and protection of the environment. “Structural”
BMPs are devices that are engineered and constructed to provide temporary storage and
treatment of stormwater runoff. “Nonstructural” BMPs use natural measures to reduce
pollution levels, do not require extensive construction efforts (e.g. policies or procedures such
as enhanced street sweeping), and/or promote pollutant reduction by eliminating the pollutant
source.
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL AUTHORITY: The Town of Canton Conservation
Commission or its authorized agent.
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL METHODS PLAN: A document containing nNarrative,
drawings, and details developed by a qualified professional engineer (PE) or a Certified
Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) which includes best
management practices or equivalent measures designed to control surface runoff, erosion and
sedimentation during pre-construction and construction related land disturbing activities in
accordance with requirements of this bylaw.
17Source page 21
EROSION: The wearing away of the land surface by natural or artificial forces such as wind,
water, ice, gravity, or vehicle traffic and the subsequent detachment and transportation of soil
particles.
GRADING: Changing the level or shape of the ground surface.
HOTSPOT: Land uses or activities with higher potential pollutant loadings, such as auto salvage
yards, auto fueling facilities, fleet storage yards, commercial parking lots with high intensity
use, road salt storage areas, commercial nurseries and landscaping, outdoor storage and
loading areas of hazardous substances, or marinas.
LAND-DISTURBING ACTIVITY (also referred to as LAND DISTURBANCE, DISTURBANCE OF LAND
and LAND ALTERATION): Any activity that causes a change in the position or location of soil,
sand, rock, gravel, or similar earth material; results in an increased amount of runoff or
pollutants; measurably changes the ability of a ground surface to absorb waters, involves
clearing (of soil, trees or vegetation) and grading, and/or results in an alteration of drainage
characteristics.
LOW IMPACT DESIGN (formerly Better Site Design): Site design approaches and techniques that
can reduce a site’s impact on the watershed through the use of nonstructural stormwater
management practices. Also known as environmentally sensitive design, low impact design
includes conserving and protecting natural areas and greenspace, reducing impervious cover,
and using natural features for stormwater management.
MASSACHUSETTS STORMWATER MANAGEMENT STANDARDS: The Standards issued by the
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, as further defined in the
Massachusetts Stormwater Handbook, as amended, that coordinates the requirements
prescribed by state regulations promulgated under the authority of the Massachusetts
Wetlands Protection Act G.L. c. 131 § 40 and Massachusetts Clean Waters Act G.L. c. 21, §. 23-
56. The Standards address stormwater impacts through implementation of performance
standards to reduce or prevent pollutants from reaching water bodies and control the quantity
of runoff from a site.
MAJOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PERMIT: Required prior to any construction activity
or land disturbance, including clearing, grading, excavation, or redevelopment that may result
in the disturbance of:
• 3,000 square feet or more of land area for all properties except Single Family
Residential and Two-Family Residential Properties,
• Exceptions as noted in Section 5.0(A) of the Stormwater Management Rules and
Regulations.
MINOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PERMIT: Required prior to any construction activity of
land disturbance, including clearing, grading, excavation, or redevelopment that may result in
the disturbance of:
18Source page 22
• 1,000 square feet or more of land area for Single Family and Two-Family Residential
Properties;
• 1,000 to 2,999 square feet of land area for all other properties;
• Exceptions as noted in Section 5.0(A) of the Stormwater Management Rules and
Regulations
MS4 MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM (MS4) or MUNICIPAL STORM DRAIN
SYSTEM: The system of conveyances designed or used for collecting or conveying stormwater,
including any road with a drainage system, street, gutter, curb, inlet, piped storm drain,
pumping facility, retention or detention basin, natural or man-made or altered drainage
channel, reservoir, and other drainage structure that together comprise the storm drainage
system owned or operated by the Town of Canton.
NEW DEVELOPMENT: Any construction or land disturbance of a parcel of land that is currently
in a natural vegetated state and does not contain alteration by man-made activities.
NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION: Pollution from many diffuse sources caused by rainfall or
snowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries
away natural and human-made pollutants, finally depositing them into water resource areas.
NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) STORMWATER DISCHARGE
PERMIT: A permit issued by United States Environmental Protection Agency or jointly with the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts that authorizes the discharge of pollutants to waters of the
United States.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PLAN: A plan setting up the functional, financial and
organizational mechanisms for the ongoing operation and maintenance of a stormwater
management system in perpetuity to ensure that it continues to function as designed.
PERSON: Any individual, group of individuals, association, partnership, corporation, company,
business organization, trust, estate, the Commonwealth or political subdivision thereof to the
extent subject to Town Bylaws, administrative agency, public or quasi-public corporation or
body, the Town of Canton and any other legal entity, its legal representatives, agents, or
assigns.
POLLUTANT: Any element or property of sewage, agricultural, industrial or commercial waste,
runoff, leachate, heated effluent, or other matter, whether originating at a point or nonpoint
source, that is or may be introduced into any sewage treatment works, stormwater
management system or facility, watercourse, or Waters of the Commonwealth. Pollutants
include, but are not limited to:
i. Paints, varnishes, and solvents;
ii. Oil and other automotive fluids;
19Source page 23
iii. Nonhazardous liquid and solid wastes and yard wastes;
iv. Refuse, rubbish, garbage, litter, or other discarded or abandoned objects, ordnance,
accumulations and floatables;
v. Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers;
vi. Hazardous materials and wastes;
vii. Sewage, fecal coliform and pathogens;
viii. Dissolved and particulate metals;
ix. Animal wastes;
x. Rock, sand, salt, soils;
xi. Construction wastes and residues; and
xii. Noxious or offensive matter of any kind.
PRE-CONSTRUCTION: All activities in preparation of construction.
PRE-DEVELOPMENT: The conditions that exist at the time that plans for the development of a
tract of land are submitted to the Canton Conservation Commission Stormwater Authority.
Where phased development or plan approval occurs (preliminary grading, roads and utilities,
etc.), the existing conditions at the time prior to the first plan submission shall establish pre-
development conditions.
RECHARGE: The process by which groundwater is replenished by precipitation through the
percolation of runoff and surface into the soil. The process of replenishing groundwater
through the infiltration of surface water, such as precipitation or treated stormwater runoff,
into the underlying soil and eventually reaching the groundwater table.
REDEVELOPMENT: Development, rehabilitation, expansion, demolition, construction, land
alteration, or phased projects that disturb the ground surface, including impervious surfaces, on
previously developed sites resulting in the decrease of impervious surface area. The creation
of new areas of impervious surface or new areas of land disturbance on a site constitutes
development, not redevelopment, even where such activities are part of a common plan which
also involves redevelopment. Redevelopment includes maintenance and improvement of
existing roadways including widening less than a single lane, adding shoulders, correcting
substandard intersections, improving existing drainage systems and repaving; and remedial
projects specifically designed to provide improved stormwater management such as projects to
separate storm drains and sanitary sewers and stormwater retrofit projects.
20Source page 24
SEDIMENT: Mineral or organic soil material that is transported by wind or water, from its
original to another location; the product of erosion processes.
SEDIMENTATION: The process or act of deposition of sediment.
SITE: Any lot or parcel of land or area of property where land-disturbing activities are, were, or
will be performed.
STORMWATER AUTHORITY: The Town of Canton Conservation Commission Superintendent of
Public Works or its their authorized agent(s). The Conservation Commission Superintendent of
Public Works or their authorized agent(s) is responsible for coordinating the review, approval
and permit process as defined in this Bylaw. Other Boards and/or departments participate in
the review process as defined in the Stormwater Management Rules and Regulations adopted
by the Conservation Commission Board of Public Works.
Y. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FEE: a charge for the use of the Stormwater
Management Services.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND FACILITIES: Including, but not limited to,
natural and man-made channels, swales, ditches, rivers, streams, brooks, creeks, wetlands,
branches, reservoirs, ponds, drainageways, drainage structures, conveyances, storm drains,
catch basins, inlets, gutters, pipes, culverts, bridges, headwalls, storm sewers, lakes, outfalls,
and other physical works, properties, and improvements that collect, transport, transfer,
control, pump, treat, convey, detain, retain, dispose of, or otherwise influence the movement
of stormwater runoff.
STORMWATER UTILITY: A specific management structure for the Stormwater Management
Utility Fee, in which a municipal utility is established to administer the fee for the Town to
provide and the Stormwater Management Program Services similar to a water or sewer utility.
Refer to the Canton Stormwater Utility Rules and Regulations.
STORMWATER UTILITY FEE: The periodic user fee imposed by the Town of Canton for providing
stormwater management services. Refer to the Canton Stormwater Utility Rules and
Regulations.
WATERS OF THE COMMONWEALTH: All waters within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth,
including, without limitation, rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, springs, impoundments, estuaries,
wetlands, coastal waters, groundwater, and Waters of the United States as defined under the
Federal Clean Water Act as hereafter amended.
9. SEVERABILITY
The invalidity of any section, provision, paragraph, sentence, or clause of this Bylaw shall not
invalidate any other section, provision, paragraph, sentence, or clause thereof, nor shall it
invalidate any permit or determination that previously has been issued.
21Source page 25
Or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
AMEND GENERAL BYLAW ARTICLE XXIII STRETCH ENERGY CODE (SPECIALIZED ENERGY CODE)
Article 33 To see if the Town will vote to amend General Bylaw Article XXIII to change the code
to Specialized Energy Code by adding and deleting language as outlined in the following with
new language in bold and language to be deleted in strikethrough.
ARTICLE XXIII STRETCH SPECIALIZED ENERGY CODE
1. DEFINITIONS The terms below shall have the following meanings for the purposes of this
Article XXIII.
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) - The International Energy Conservation
Code (IECC) is a building energy code created by the International Code Council. It is a
model code adopted by many state and municipal governments in the United States for
the establishment of minimum design and construction requirements for energy
efficiency, and is updated on a three-year cycle. The baseline energy conservation
requirements of the MA State Building Code are the IECC with Massachusetts
amendments, as approved by the Board of Building Regulations and Standards.
SPECIALIZED ENERGY CODE- Codified by the entirety of 225 CMR 22 and 23 including
Appendices RC and CC, the Specialized Energy Code adds residential and commercial
appendices to the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code, based on amendments to the
respective net-zero appendices of the (IECC) to incorporate the energy efficiency of
the Stretch Energy Code and further reduce the climate impacts of buildings built to
this code, with the goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from the
buildings sector no later than 2050
Stretch Energy Code - Codified by 225 CMR 22 and 23, not including Appendices RC and CC,
the Stretch Energy Code is a comprehensive set of amendments to the IECC seeking to achieve
all lifecycle cost-effective energy efficiency in accordance with the Green Communities Act of
2008, as well as to reduce the climate impacts of buildings built to this code.
2. PURPOSE The purpose of 780 CMR 115.AA the Specialized Energy Code 225
CMR 22 and 23 including Appendices RC and CC, is to provide a more energy efficient
alternative to the Stretch Energy Code or the Base Energy Code, applicable to the relevant
sections of the Building Code for both new construction and existing buildings.
3. APPLICABILITY The Stretch Specialized Energy Code applies to residential and commercial
buildings. Buildings not included in this scope shall comply with 780 CMR 13, 34, 51, as
applicable.
22Source page 26
4. STRETCH CODE The Stretch Code, as codified by the Board of Building Regulations and
Standards as 780 CMR Appendix 115.AA, including any future editions, amendments or
modifications, is herein incorporated by reference into these General Bylaws, Article XXIII.
4. SPECIALIZED ENERGY CODE The Specialized Energy Code, as codified by the entirety of 225
CMR 22 and 23 including Appendices RC and CC, and also including any future editions,
amendments, or modifications, is herein incorporated by reference into the Town of Canton
General Bylaws, Article XXIII.
5. ENFORCEMENT The Stretch Specialized Energy Code is enforceable by the Building
Commissioner.
6. Effective DATE This chapter and by its incorporation herein, the Specialized Energy Code,
225 CMR 22 and 23 including Appendices RC and CC, shall take effect in the Town of Canton
with an effective date of January 1, 2027, subject to the provisions of MGL Chapter 40,
Section 32.
Or take any other action related thereto.
This Article serves two purposes. One, to modernize, clarify, consolidate and eliminate redundancies in
the Town’s current Energy Building Code and General Bylaws. Secondly, the addition of Specialized
Code, while only applicable to new construction and without replacing the existing Base and Stretch
Code, greatly increases both energy efficiency in new buildings construction and consumer choice,
ensuring consumer protection through energy affordability and avoiding costly future retrofits.
Select Board for the Sustainability Climate Action Plan Committee
VOTE TO ACCEPT STILLWATER ROAD TOWN WAY
ARTICLE 34 To see if the Town will vote to accept Stillwater Road as a Town way, as
recommended by the Planning Board and laid out by the Select Board pursuant to G. L. c. 41
and c. 82; as shown on a plan entitled “Final As-Built Road Utility Plan for Canton Reserve
(Stillwater Estates) in Canton, Massachusetts prepared for Toll Brothers, Inc., dated January 16,
2024; and revised on January 23, 2025 and prepared by ESE Consultants, 116 Flanders Road,
Suite 1200, Westborough, MA 01581” (hereinafter referred to as “Acceptance Plan”); to
authorize the Select Board to acquire by purchase, gift or eminent domain such land and
easements for the creation, maintenance and operation of a public way, including but not
limited to easements for access, grading, drainage, sloping, construction and utilities, in all or
any portions of such way and the parcels on such street, including, but not limited to the
parcels listed below; to see if the Town will vote to appropriate, borrow pursuant to any
applicable statute or transfer from available funds, a sum of money for such purposes; and
further to authorize the Select Board to take any and all related actions necessary or
appropriate to carry out the purposes of this article; or to take any other action related thereto.
Property Address Town Assessor ID
23Source page 27
5 Stillwater Rd. Map 101 - Lot 110
10 Stillwater Rd. Map 101 - Lot 93
15 Stillwater Rd. Map 101 - Lot 109
20 Stillwater Rd. Map 101 - Lot 94
25 Stillwater Rd. Map 101 - Lot 108
30 Stillwater Rd. Map 101 - Lot 95
35 Stillwater Rd. Map 101 - Lot 107
40 Stillwater Rd Map 101 - Lot 96
45 Stillwater Rd. Map 101 - Lot 105
50 Stillwater Rd. Map 101 - Lot 97
55 Stillwater Rd. Map 101 - Lot 106
60 Stillwater Rd. Map 101 - Lot 98
65 Stillwater Rd. Map 90 - Lot 44
70 Stillwater Rd. Map 101 - Lot 99
75 Stillwater Rd. Map 90 - Lot 43
80 Stillwater Rd. Map 101 - Lot 100
85 Stillwater Rd. Map 100 - Lot 183
Select Board
VOTE TO ACCEPT FOUNDRY LANE AS A TOWN WAY
ARTICLE 35 To see if the Town will vote to accept Foundry Lane as a Town way, as
recommended by the Planning Board and laid out by the Select Board pursuant to G. L. c. 41
and c. 82; as shown on a plan entitled “Final As-Built Road Utility Plan for Canton Reserve
(Stillwater Estates) in Canton, Massachusetts prepared for Toll Brothers, Inc., dated January 16,
2024; and revised on January 23, 2025 and prepared by ESE Consultants, 116 Flanders Road,
Suite 1200, Westborough, MA 01581” (hereinafter referred to as “Acceptance Plan”); to
authorize the Select Board to acquire by purchase, gift or eminent domain such land and
easements for the creation, maintenance and operation of a public way, including but not
limited to easements for access, grading, drainage, sloping, construction and utilities, in all or
any portions of such way and the parcels on such street, including, but not limited to the
parcels listed below; to see if the Town will vote to appropriate, borrow pursuant to any
applicable statute or transfer from available funds, a sum of money for such purposes; and
further to authorize the Select Board take any and all related actions necessary or appropriate
to carry out the purposes of this article; or to take any other action related thereto.
Property Address Town Assessor ID
5 Foundry Lane Map 89 - Lot 39
10 Foundry Lane Map 89 - Lot 40
15 Foundry Lane Map 89 - Lot 38
20 Foundry Lane Map 89 - Lot 41
24Source page 28
25 Foundry Lane Map 89 - Lot 37
30 Foundry Lane Map 89 - Lot 42
35 Foundry Lane Map 89 - Lot 36
40 Foundry Lane Map 89 - Lot 43
45 Foundry Lane Map 89 - Lot 35
50 Foundry Lane Map 89 - Lot 44
55 Foundry Lane Map 89 - Lot 34
60 Foundry Lane Map 90 - Lot 38
65 Foundry Lane Map 89 - Lot 33
70 Foundry Lane Map 101 - Lot 101
75 Foundry Lane Map 89 - Lot 32
80 Foundry Lane Map 101 - Lot 102
85 Foundry Lane Map 100 - Lot 183
90 Foundry Lane Map 101 - Lot 103
100 Foundry Lane Map 101 - Lot 104
Select Board
VOTE TO ACCEPT DALEBROOK COURT AS A TOWN WAY
ARTICLE 36 To see if the Town will vote to accept Dalebrook Court as a Town way, as
recommended by the Planning Board and laid out by the Select Board pursuant to G. L. c. 41
and c. 82; as shown on a plan entitled “Final As-Built Road Utility Plan for Canton Reserve
(Stillwater Estates) in Canton, Massachusetts prepared for Toll Brothers, Inc., dated January 16,
2024; and revised on January 23, 2025 and prepared by ESE Consultants, 116 Flanders Road,
Suite 1200, Westborough, MA 01581” (hereinafter referred to as “Acceptance Plan”); to
authorize the Select Board to acquire by purchase, gift or eminent domain such land and
easements for the creation, maintenance and operation of a public way, including but not
limited to easements for access, grading, drainage, sloping, construction and utilities, in all or
any portions of such way and the parcels on such street, including, but not limited to the
parcels listed below; to see if the Town will vote to appropriate, borrow pursuant to any
applicable statute or transfer from available funds, a sum of money for such purposes; and
further to authorize the Select Board to take any and all related actions necessary or
appropriate to carry out the purposes of this article; or to take any other action related thereto.
Property Address Town Assessor ID
5 Dalebrook Ct. Map 90 - Lot 42
10 Dalebrook Ct. Map 90 - Lot 39
15 Dalebrook Ct. Map 90 - Lot 41
20 Dalebrook Ct. Map 90 - Lot 40
Select Board
25Source page 29
VOTE TO ACCEPT STONEWOOD DRIVE AS A TOWN WAY
ARTICLE 37 To see if the Town will vote to accept Stonewood Drive as a Town way, as
recommend by the Planning Board and laid out by the Select Board pursuant to G. L. c. 41 and
c. 82; as shown on a plan entitled “Street Acceptance & As-Built Plan in Canton, Massachusetts,
Stonewood Drive, prepared for Stonewood Realty Trust, dated February 2, 2024, prepared by
Borderland Engineering, 61b Pleasant Street, Randolph, MA 02021” (hereinafter referred to as
“Acceptance Plan’); to authorize the Select Board to acquire by purchase, gift or eminent
domain such land and easements for the creation, maintenance and operation of a public way,
including but not limited to easements for access, grading, drainage, sloping, construction and
utilities, in all or any portions of such way and the parcels on such street, including, but not
limited to the parcels listed below; to see if the Town will vote to appropriate, borrow pursuant
to any applicable statue or transfer from available funds, a sum of money for such purposes;
and further to authorize the Select Board to take any and all related actions necessary to carry
out the purposes of this article; or take any other action related thereto.
Property Address Town Assessor ID
12 Stonewood Dr. Map 110 – Lot 31
16 Stonewood Dr. Map 110 – Lot 75
17 Stonewood Dr. Map 110 – Lot 32
20 Stonewood Dr. Map 110 – Lot 54
25 Stonewood Dr. Map 110 – Lot 58
30 Stonewood Dr. Map 110 – Lot 55
35 Stonewood Dr. Map 110 – Lot 57
40 Stonewood Dr. Map 110 – Lot 56
Select Board
VOTE TO ACCEPT ISABELLA CIRCLE AS A TOWN WAY
ARTICLE 38 To see if the Town will vote to accept Isabella Circle as a Town way, as recommend
by the Planning Board and laid out by the Select Board pursuant to G. L. c. 41 and c. 82; as
shown on a plan entitled “Street Acceptance & As-Built Plan in Canton, Massachusetts, Isabella
Circle, prepared for Stonewood Realty Trust, dated February 2, 2024, prepared by Borderland
Engineering, 61b Pleasant Street, Randolph, MA 02021” (hereinafter referred to as “Acceptance
Plan’); to authorize the Select Board to acquire by purchase, gift or eminent domain such land
and easements for the creation, maintenance and operation of a public way, including but not
limited to easements for access, grading, drainage, sloping, construction and utilities, in all or
any portions of such way and the parcels on such street, including, but not limited to the
parcels listed below; to see if the Town will vote to appropriate, borrow pursuant to any
applicable statue or transfer from available funds, a sum of money for such purposes; and
26Source page 30
further to authorize the Select Board to take any and all related actions necessary to carry ou
the purposes of this article; or take any other action related thereto.
Property Address Town Assessor ID
5 Isabella Cir. Map 110 – Lot 59
15 Isabella Cir. Map 110 – Lot 60
25 Isabella Cir. Map 110 – Lot 61
35 Isabella Cir. Map 110 – Lot 62
45 Isabella Cir. Map 110 – Lot 63
55 Isabella Cir. Map 110 – Lot 64
Select Board
VOTE TO ACCEPT HOLLY WAY AS A TOWN WAY
ARTICLE 39 To see if the Town will vote to accept Holly Way as a Town way, as recommend by
the Planning Board and laid out by the Select Board pursuant to G. L. c. 41 and c. 82; as shown
on a plan entitled “Street Acceptance & As-Built Plan in Canton, Massachusetts, Holly Way,
prepared for Stonewood Realty Trust, dated February 2, 2024, prepared by Borderland
Engineering, 61b Pleasant Street, Randolph, MA 02021” (hereinafter referred to as “Acceptance
Plan’); to authorize the Select Board to acquire by purchase, gift or eminent domain such land
and easements for the creation, maintenance and operation of a public way, including but not
limited to easements for access, grading, drainage, sloping, construction and utilities, in all or
any portions of such way and the parcels on such street, including, but not limited to the
parcels listed below; to see if the Town will vote to appropriate, borrow pursuant to any
applicable statue or transfer from available funds, a sum of money for such purposes; and
further to authorize the Select Board to take any and all related actions necessary to carry out
the purposes of this article; or take any other action related thereto.
Property Address Town Assessor ID
5 Holly Way Map 110 – Lot 65
10 Holly Way Map 110 – Lot 70
15 Holly Way Map 110 – Lot 66
20 Holly Way Map 110 – Lot 69
25 Holly Way Map 110 – Lot 67
35 Holly Way Map 110 – Lot 68
Select Board
RESCIND PRIOR VOTE TAKEN ON ARTICLE 38 OF 2006 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
27Source page 31
Article 40 To see if the Town will vote to rescind and revoke the action taken under Article 38 of
the 2006 Annual Town Meeting to accept the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws
Chapter 31, Section 58A, as inserted by Chapter 242 of the Acts of 2000, establishing that
applicants for original appointment(s) to the Police and Fire Departments must be under the
age of thirty-two (32) years on the date of appointment, and such that revocation be effective
on July 1, 2026 or take any further action related thereto.
Select Board
ACCEPT MGL CH. 31 § 61A AND 61B
Article 41 To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws
Chapter 31, Sections 61A and 61B as amended, for the purpose of establishing health and
fitness standards and a wellness program for Police and Fire personnel in order to allow the
Town to hire Police and Fire personnel without an age restriction pursuant to Massachusetts
General Laws Chapter 31, Section 58, or take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
ACCEPT MGL CH. 44 SECTION 53F ½ ENTERPRISE FUNDS
Article 42 To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws
Chapter 44 Section 53F ½ as amended, for the purpose of authorizing Town to operate within
enterprise funds to be maintained by the treasurer, or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board
AMEND ZONING BYLAW SECTION 8.1 ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
Article 43 To see if the Town will vote to amend Zoning Bylaw Section 8.1 as follows, with new
language underlined and in bold and deleted language in strikethrough.
8.1 ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
8.1.1 Purpose.
1. To provide for housing options that reduce maintenance costs and are more affordable
than traditional single-family dwellings;
2. To provide a mechanism for development of a range of housing types that are
responsive to the sociocultural, health care, and recreational needs of residents;
3. To use energy, water, and materials more efficiently by increasing the housing supply
through concentrated, small-scale development;
4. To establish residential development standards and procedures that will support these
objectives; and
5. To facilitate housing production, diversity, and affordability in the Town’s
neighborhoods.
8.1.2 Limitations on Use. One Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) shall be allowed as-of-right in all
zoning districts in which single-family homes are allowed as-of-right or by Special
Permit, subject to the following restrictions:
A. The ADU maintains a separate entrance, either directly from the outside or
through an entry hall or corridor shared with the principal dwelling sufficient to
28Source page 32
meet the requirements of the state building code for safe egress.
C B. The ADU is not larger in gross floor area than one half (1/2) the gross floor area of
the principal dwelling or 900 square feet, whichever is smaller;
B. The ADU is subject to dimensional setbacks as the primary residence, as provided
in Section 4.0 of this Zoning By-Law
D C. No ADU shall be constructed without issuance of a building permit by the
Building Commissioner; and
E D. No use of an accessory apartment shall be permitted prior to issuance of a
certificate of occupancy by the Building Commissioner. A certificate of occupancy shall
be issued after the Building Commissioner determines that the accessory apartment as
constructed is in conformity with the approved plans and with the provisions of this by-
law.
8.1.3 Additional Accessory Dwelling Units. The Board of Appeals may issue a Special Permit
for additional ADUs over and above the first ADU allowed as-of-right on a lot.
8.1.4 Exterior Appearance of a Dwelling with an ADU. The ADU shall be designed so that the
appearance of the structure remains that of a single family dwelling the principle
structure, subject further to the following requirements:
A. All stairways to second or third stories shall be enclosed within the exterior walls
of the dwelling;
B. Any new, additional entrance to an existing dwelling shall be located on the side
or in the rear of the dwelling; and
C. Where there are two (2) or more existing entrances on the front facade of a
dwelling, if modifications are made to any entrance, the result shall be that one
(1) appears to be the principal entrance and other entrances appear to be
secondary.
8.1.5 Dimensional Requirements. Accessory Dwelling Units shall be subject to all applicable
dimensional requirements in Section 4.0 of the Town of Canton Zoning By-Laws.8.1.6
Parking.
A. There shall be one (1) off-street parking space per ADU in addition to the parking
spaces that are required by the underlying zoning district for the Principle Use;
B. No additional parking spaces shall be required if the ADU is located within 0.5
miles from a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal, or bus
station;
C. A single driveway shall serve both the residential structure primary use and the
ADU, provided that a detached ADU may have a separate parking area.
8.1.7 Severability. If any provision of this Section 8.1 Accessory Dwelling Units is found to be
invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of Section 8.1 shall not be affected
but shall remain in full force. The invalidity of any provision of this Section shall not affect the
validity of the remainder of the Town of Canton’s Zoning By-Law, or to take any other action
29Source page 33
related thereto.
Select Board for the Planning Board
AMEND ZONING BYLAW SECTION 11.0 DEFINITIONS
Article 44 To see if the Town will vote to amend Zoning Bylaw Section 11.0 as follows, with new
language underlined and in bold and deleted language in strikethrough.
11.0 DEFINITIONS
Accessory Dwelling Unit: A secondary dwelling unit, but not a mobile home, located either
within or on the same lot as a principle dwelling. The accessory dwelling unit shall be
subordinate in size to the principal dwelling unit and separated from it in a manner that
maintains the appearance of the structure. Or to take any other action related thereto.
Select Board for the Planning Board
AMEND ZONING MAP OF CANTON BY REMOVING CCEOD A
Article 45 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Map of the Town of Canton,
Massachusetts by removing the “Canton Center Economic Opportunity District A” or to take
any other action related thereto.
Select Board for the Planning Board
AMEND ZONING MAP OF CANTON BY REMOVING CCEOD B
Article 46 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Map of the Town of Canton,
Massachusetts by removing the “Canton Center Economic Opportunity District B” or to take any
other action related thereto.
Select Board for the Planning Board
AMEND ZONING MAP OF CANTON BY REMOVING CCEOD C
Article 47 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Map of the Town of Canton,
Massachusetts by removing the “Canton Center Economic Opportunity District C” or to take any
other action related thereto.
Select Board for the Planning Board
APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO MEET EXPENSES FOR NEXT FISCAL YEAR (FY27)
Article 48 To see what sums of money the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from
Free Cash, transfer from any available funds or borrow pursuant to any applicable statute to meet
the expenses of the next fiscal year starting July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027 for the various
Town Boards, Committees, Departments and Agencies, or to take any other action related
thereto.
Select Board
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