Protecting Water Quality in Cobbetts Pond & Canobie Lake

One of Windham’s greatest natural assets are its beautiful lakes that residents and visitors enjoy for both recreational and practical purposes.  In order to protect and improve the water quality of the two largest bodies of water in town--Cobbetts Pond and Canobie Lake--an ordinance exists to regulate development within their watersheds.

Any development activity resulting in the change in the physical character of the land including subdivisions requires a permit from the town.  Lot line adjustments are exempt.

In order to determine if your property is in the Cobbetts Pond and Canobie Lake Watershed Protection District, and thus impacted by this ordinance, refer to the Cobbetts Pond and Canobie Lake Watershed Protection Maps.  These maps, along with a list of parcels located within of the District, can be found online at www.windhamnewhampshire.com or visit the Community Development Department.

Applications for proposed development within the District must be submitted to the Community Development Department prior to any work being done or building permits being issued.   Depending on the type of development proposed, a property owner will be required to submit a Minor Application, Major Application, or Site Plan and Subdivision Application.  Minor applications require only staff approval while the others require review and approval by the Planning Board.

Application forms, as well as the Cobbetts Pond Watershed Protection Ordinance, can be found online, at www.windhamnewhampshire.com  or at the Community Development Department.   

If you have any questions feel free to contact Elizabeth Wood, Community Planner or Nancy Prendergast, ZBA/Code Enforcement Officer at (603) 432-3806 or stop in M-F, 8am-4pm, and we would be happy to help you.