NEWS, UPDATES, & NOTICES
| FEBRUARY TOWN CALENDAR | |
| DATE | EVENT |
| 2 | Selectmen’s Meeting, 7 p.m., Town Hall |
| 2 | Conservation Commission Meeting, 7 p.m., Town Hall |
| 3 | Last Day For Voters to Petition Select Board to Include Article in Warrant |
| 4 | Budget Committee Meeting, 7 p.m., Town Hall |
| 4 | Selectmen attending Budget Committee Meeting, 7 p.m., Town Hall |
| 9 | Selectmen’s Meeting, 7 p.m. Town Hall |
| 12 | Public Hearing 2026 Town Budget, 7 p.m., Town Hall |
| 16 | President’s Day, State Holiday, Town Hall Closed |
| 16 | Selectmen’s Workshop in lieu of Standing Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Town Hall |
| 18 | Planning Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Town Hall |
| 23 | Selectmen’s Meeting, 7 p.m., Town Hall |
| 28 | Supervisors of the Checklist Session, 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Town Hall |
- All meetings are open to the public and subject to the provisions of NH RSA 91-A:2
Planning Board: Zoning Ordinance Review
Building on the work completed during the 2025 Master Plan process — including public meetings, workshops, and the town-wide survey — the Surry Planning Board is beginning a detailed review of Surry’s Zoning Ordinance. The review is intended to ensure the ordinance reflects community input, aligns with the Master Plan, and uses clear, modern, and enforceable language that complies with New Hampshire law.
The Planning Board meets once a month on the third Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at the Surry Town Hall. The public is encouraged to attend and observe as the Board works its way through the ordinance section by section.
The first sections under review are Article IV – Districts and Article V – Table of Use Regulations.
The Board now publishes meeting agendas on the Town website in advance of each meeting so residents can see what will be discussed. For those unable to attend in person, approved meeting minutes are posted on the Town website after each meeting. Links to agendas and meeting minutes can be found on the Town website under Land Boards – Planning & ZBA
The Planning Board has also created a dedicated email address to improve communication with residents. Questions or comments are welcome at planningboard@surry.nh.gov.
TOWN MEETINGS MATTER: Mark your Calendar
Town Meeting is one of the most important civic events in Surry each year. It is where registered voters come together and act as the Town’s legislative body to make key decisions about our community.
In Surry’s traditional Town Meeting, registered voters first cast ballots on Tuesday, March 10, between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall to elect town officials and vote on zoning changes. Then on Thursday, March 12, the Town will meet at 7:00 p.m. for the Surry School Board Annual Meeting, followed by the Annual Town Meeting at 7:30 p.m., where the results of the ballot votes are shared, and residents ask questions and take part in discussion before additional votes are taken on the Town budget, funding requests, and other miscellaneous warrant articles.
Town Meeting is a direct form of local self-government. It is one of the few places where citizens both vote and speak on the issues that affect local services, taxes, and the future of the community. Your participation helps ensure these decisions reflect the will of the people who live here.
Make it a priority and mark your calendar.
REGISTERING TO VOTE: What are My Options
If you have not already done so, you are encouraged to register so you may vote in the 2026 Town Election and Town Meeting.
You may register to vote in advance with the Town Clerk or at the Supervisors of the Checklist held before the election. If this is your first time registering, please remember to bring a photo ID, proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), and proof of residency. For more information, go to: Register to Vote | New Hampshire Secretary of State.
Town Clerk Hours
- Mondays: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Thursdays: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Supervisors of the Checklist Meeting
- February 28, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Town Hall.
- This will be the last opportunity to register to vote before Election Day.
Registering on Election Day – If you miss the advance registration period, you may still register in person at the polling place. Please remember to bring the required documentation.
- Election Day: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
- Location: Town Hall
- Voting Hours: 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Registering by Absentee
If you meet the State’s qualifications and are unable to register in person, you may be eligible to register by absentee (by mail). Information and instructions are available from the Secretary of State’s Office: https://www.sos.nh.gov/elections/register-vote
ABSENTEE BALLOT VOTING: What if I’m Unable to Vote in Person
If you are unable to vote in person on Town Meeting day, New Hampshire law allows you to vote by absentee ballot under certain circumstances.
To vote by absentee ballot, you must be a registered voter and complete an Absentee Ballot Application, returning it to the Town Clerk with the required proof of identity as noted on the form.
The following state resources provide eligibility requirements and step-by-step instructions:
General Information: Absentee Ballots
Absentee Ballot: Absentee Ballot Application – Local Election
Voters using this option are encouraged to apply early to allow time for processing and mailing.
PUBLIC HEARING UPDATE: Amendments to Zoning Ordinance
The Surry Planning Board held a public hearing on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, to receive public comment on proposed amendments to the Surry Zoning Ordinance and the Surry Steep Slopes Ordinance. At the conclusion of the hearing, a motion was made to proceed with placing the following amendments on the ballot at the March Town Meeting business session.
The amendments to be considered are:
- To amend the Surry Steep Slopes Ordinance by increasing all references to slopes “20 percent or greater” to read slopes “15 percent or greater.”
- To amend the Zoning Ordinance, Article VII, F. 5. to reduce the required minimum parking spaces from 2 to 1 for Accessory Dwelling Units.
- To amend the Zoning Ordinance, Article V, Table of Use Regulations, A. Residential Use 3. Multi-Unit Dwelling to permit Multi-Unit Dwellings in the Commercial/Industrial Zone.
- To amend the Zoning Ordinance, Article XV, Codes, A. to adopt the NH State Building Code in full.
- To amend the Zoning Ordinance, Article XV, Codes, B. to adopt the NH State Fire Code.
- To amend the Zoning Ordinance, Article IX, Administration, Enforcement and Penalty, D. to allow the building inspector to issue building permits and review design documents and to move the reference to permit fees from Article IX, B. to this article, and to increase the validity of building permits to up to 3 years.
- To amend the Zoning Ordinance, Article IX, Administration, Enforcement, and Penalty, B. to remove the issuance of building permits from the duties of the Selectmen.
Based on public comment the following proposed article were pulled from consideration.
- To amend the Zoning Ordinance, Article IV, Districts, B. District Boundaries, 4. by changing both sides of the Mine Ledge Road from Rural Residential to General Zone.
- To amend the Zoning Ordinance, Article VI, Land and Space Requirements Table to increase the minimum lot size in the general zone from 2 acres to 5 acres; to increase the minimum lot width from 200 feet to 400 feet; to increase the minimum lot depth from 300 feet to 400 feet and to increase the minimum lot frontage from 200 feet to 400 feet.
BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING: February 4, 2026
The Surry Budget Committee will meet at the Town Hall on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 7 p.m. to consider the proposed School budget and to provide a final review of the town budget in advance of the combined school-town budget public hearing.
All meetings are open to the public and subject to the provisions of NH RSA 91-A:2
SELECT BOARD MEETING: February 4, 2026
The Select Board will join the Surry Budget Committee on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 7 p.m. to provide input on the proposed School budget and the final review of the town budget in advance of the combined school-town budget public hearing.
All meetings are open to the public and subject to the provisions of NH RSA 91-A:2
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: Proposed 2026 Surry School and Town Budget
The Surry Budget Committee will present the proposed 2026 Town Budget and School Budget on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Surry Town Hall. You are invited to attend to ask questions and to provide comment.
All meetings are open to the public and subject to the provisions of NH RSA 91-A:2
SELECT BOARD’S MEETING CANCELLED: Workshop Scheduled
The Select Board’s standing meeting on Monday, February 19, 2026, is canceled following the NH Holiday Schedule honoring Martin Luther King Jr. In its place, the Select Board will hold a workshop, during which the Selectmen will discuss and prepare for the annual March Town Meeting.
All meetings are open to the public and subject to the provisions of NH RSA 91-A:2
SCHOOL BOARD: Clerk Needed
The Surry School Board is seeking a clerk to post and publish school board notices and perform election-related and annual meeting duties. This is a volunteer position with duties totaling up to 5 hours per month in January, February, and March. Training and ongoing support provided. Contact Caroll Lorthrop at clothrop52@gmail.com or Melina Garland for more information.
SCHOOL BOARD: School Census Update Request
The School Board is updating its census of children in preparation for the Annual School District Budget. Please notify clothrop52@gmail.com of any changes to where your children will be attending school in the 2026-2027 school year.
DECLARATIONS OF CANDIDACY FILING PERIOD: January 21 – January 30
Open Seats for March 2026 Town Elections
- Select Board | one seat | 3-year term
- Tax Collector | one seat | 3-year term
- Town Clerk | one seat | 3-year term
- Town Treasurer | one seat | 3-year term
- Town Auditor | one seat | 1-year term
- Trustees of the Trust Funds | one seat | 3-year term
- Cemetery Trustees | one seat | 3-year term
- Cemetery Trustees | one seat | 2-year term
- Planning Board | one seat | 3-year term
- Planning Board | one seat | 2-year term
- Supervisor of Checklist | one seat | 6-year term
- Budget Committee | one seat | 3-year term
- Fire Engineers| one seat | 3-year term
- School Board| two seats | 3-year term (newly added)
The Town Clerk will be available to accept declarations of candidacy at the Surry Town Hall on the following days.
- Thursday, January 22, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Monday, January 26, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Thursday, January 29, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Friday, January 30, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
All candidates filing on the last day must do so in person. RSA 669:19
DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY FORM – Rev 1.26
TOWN CLERK – Surry Town Hall – 352-3075, E-Mail: townclerk@surry.nh.gov
PUBLIC HEARING UPDATE: Proposed Permit Fee Schedule
The Surry Select Board held a public hearing on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, to receive public comment on a proposed update to the Town’s Permit Fee Schedule. At the conclusion of the hearing, a motion was made to proceed with placing the proposed Permit Fee Schedule before the voters at the March Town Meeting business session.
The proposed changes include:
- A residential construction fee of $0.20 per square foot
- A commercial construction fee of $0.30 per square foot
- A $60 minimum fee for all permit types
MUNICIPAL AGENT FEES 2026: Vehicle Registration & Title Fee Adjustments
Beginning January 1, 2026, municipal agent service fees in New Hampshire will increase. This adjustment affects vehicle registrations, title services, and related transactions. The updated fees are set by state law to help cover administrative costs and ensure continued service at your local town or city clerk’s office.
The new fees include $35 for new or duplicate titles and $40 for distinctive titles or VIN issuance. The fee increases will apply to residents who renew registrations or request title services in 2026.
The following link will take you to a complete listing of the 2026 Municipal Agent Fee Schedule Fee Updates – Effective Jan 2026.
BUILDING PERMITS & CODES: Why do They Matter?
Building permits ensure construction in Surry is safe, legal, and protective of property values.
When you apply for a permit, your project is reviewed under the New Hampshire State Building Codes, along with any locally adopted building codes and zoning ordinances, to confirm that it:
- Meets local zoning and setback requirements.
- Complies with current safety and health standards.
- Preserves structural integrity and energy efficiency.
- Protects your investment and your neighbors’ property.
Obtaining a permit is a required and essential step in helping ensure your project meets state and local standards before work begins. Working without a permit can lead to fines, stop-work orders, removal of unapproved work, or problems when selling your home.
A new page has been added to the Town’s website answering questions such as:
- When is a Permit Required?
- What is the State Building Code?
- How does Surry’s Zoning Ordinance Come into Play?
- How to Apply for a Building Permit?
- What does the Construction Phase Look Like?
Here is the link to the new page: Building Permits – Information & FAQs
All meetings are open to the public and subject to the provisions of NH RSA 91-A:2
MEETING MINUTES: Stay Informed
After approval, meeting minutes are posted on the town website for review.
NH’s OFFICIAL EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM: NH ALERTS
Given what unfortunately appears to be the all too common news about weather events impacting a community and the importance of rapid notification, we thought it was critical to ensure you are aware of NH’s official emergency notification system, NH Alerts.
NH Alerts is the State of New Hampshire’s official emergency and public notification system. This multi-channel platform enables public safety officials to quickly share critical information with the public using phone calls, text messages, emails, and app-based notifications. Whether it’s an emergency that requires immediate action or a community update, NH Alerts helps ensure that residents and visitors are informed and prepared. To learn more about the program, you can click on the following link NH ALERTS.
Create an account and register for NH Alerts athttps://stateofnewhampshire.genasys.com/portal.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Division of Emergency Services and Communications’ Database Unit at desc.database@desc.nh.gov.
An additional resource to be aware of is the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). The FEMA Mobile phone app allows you to receive real-time weather alterts, locate emergency shelters in your area, prepare for common hazards, and more. The following link will direct you to the FEMA page, where you can find more information and download the application. FEMA Mobile Products | FEMA.gov
NEWSLETTER REGISTRATION: Action Needed
To stay informed about important updates and events impacting the community, you will want to register for the Surry Newsletter. Your phone number is optional but helpful.
After signing up, you’ll receive town updates only when needed — usually once or twice a month.
Registration Form
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