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This Page was Last Updated January 25, 2008

If you can't find what you're looking for in our Frequently Asked Questions below, you could try searching the site or, as always, feel free to contact us and we'll be happy to help.

 

   
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FAQ Contents - Jump to:

The Top 15 Issues: The most common inquiries we receive. 

Assessing Department Issues: Tax cards, exemptions, etc.

Fire Department Issues: Burn permits, inspections, etc.

Highway Department Issues: Signage, safety issues, etc.

Human Services Issues: Financial assistance, etc.

Planning Department Issues: Building permits, zoning, etc.

Police Department Issues: Services, self-defense, etc.

Recreation Issues: Athletic fields, etc.

Solid Waste/Recycling Issues: Hazardous waste, brush, etc.

Town Clerk Issues: Voter/Dog/Vehicle registration, etc.


 

THE TOP 15 ISSUES:

Where do we vote in Windham, and what hours are the polls open?

Voting takes place at Golden Brook School, and the polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Is municipal water and/or sewer available in Windham?

No. The majority of lots in town have private wells and septic systems, although there are some limited areas whose water needs are serviced by Pennichuck Waterworks.

Is there municipal trash pickup in Windham?

No. Residents may transport their trash to the Transfer/Recycling Station, or contract pickup with a private company.

Do the Selectmen have office hours and, if not, how do I contact them with my question or concern?

The members of the Board of Selectmen are not regularly in the office, however, any concerns can be handled by the Administrative staff and/or the Town Administrator. If listed in the local telephone directory, the Selectmen may be reached at their homes, if desired.

How will I know when the Town Offices are closed?

Most departments, with the exception of the Police and Fire, are closed on all federally observed holidays. The Transfer/Recycling Station, however, observes the traditional holiday. For example, Memorial Day is federally observed on a Monday, however, if the 30th were to fall on Wednesday, the Station would be closed on that Wednesday. Any unexpected closings will be posted, at a minimum, under "What's New In Windham".

When will I receive my tax bill?

Tax bills are mailed twice a year, generally in June and November, and are due 30 days from the date of notice.

What period of time does my tax bill cover?

Property taxes are assessed as of April 1 each year, and the tax bills represent an entire year billed in two (2) installments. 

How do I get a pass for the Town Beach? 

Passes are available to Windham residents at the beach. There is no charge, however proof of residency must be presented (i.e. tax bill, vehicle registration, etc.)

How long is the paved walking area at Griffin Park?

Walking around the "Figure 8", the length is a 10th or two over a mile. The perimeter is just under.

Who do I contact to rent the Town Hall meeting room?

Contact the Administrative Offices at (603) 432-7732.

Can I reserve the Town Common for my wedding?

As town-owned land,  the Common is public property and cannot be exclusively reserved for private functions. You are welcome to conduct your ceremony there if you'd like, but we cannot prevent other individuals from using the area simultaneously.

I want to have a yard sale. Do I need a permit? What types of activities do require a permit from the Town?

Yard sales do not require a permit. 

A permit is required to conduct a raffle, and can be obtained from the Administrative Offices. Ice cream truck and other vendors should contact the Chief of Police regarding any permitting requirements.

My Salem High student needs to do some community service. Can the Town help?

If work is available, the Town of Windham is usually able to help fill your student's service needs. Please contact Maintenance Supervisor, Al Barlow at (603) 234-4468 for more information.

I attended/graduated from Castle Junior College, which has since closed. Can the Town help me obtain my transcripts?

No, we can't. However, if you contact the Administration Office of the Sisters of Mercy at (603) 893-6550, they can assist you.

I need a passport. Can I get the paperwork from the Town?

No. Applications for new/renewal passports are available from the Windham Post Office.

 

 


ASSESSING DEPARTMENT

Where can I get my plot plan, tax map or property card?

Plot plans, when available, can be obtained at the Planning and Development Department. Copies of tax maps can be obtained from the Assessor's Office, and you may print a copy of your property card via a self-service terminal. 

How do I get an abutter list?

Abutter lists are required by the Planning & Development Department for certain projects in Windham. First, obtain a list of lots for which you need the owners' name from the Planning and Development Department, then that owner information may be obtained via the self-service terminal mentioned above.

How do I file for a property tax abatement?

You may not file for an abatement until after the final (December) tax bill has been received. Abatement applications will be available at the Assessor's Office, and must be filed by March 1 to be eligible for consideration.

What are the requirements for an elderly or veterans exemption?

There are a number of requirements which must be met in order to qualify for exemptions or credits. Please contact the Assessing Department at (603) 434-7530 for further information.

 


FIRE DEPARTMENT

Am I permitted to burn brush?

Generally, you can only burn brush when it is raining out or with sufficient snow cover, and during the hours of 9am to 5pm. A permit is required. Please contact the Fire Station during regular business hours at (603) 434-4907 for more information.  

Is trash burning permitted?

No.  As of January 1, 2003, the State of NH no longer allows distribution of incinerator permits.

What kind of permits can I/must I get at the Fire Station?

Click here for a list of permits that are available during regular business hours at the Fire Station.

Does the Fire Department have personal flotation devices available for public use?

Yes.  Residents can come to the Fire Station during regular business hours, present their driver's license, and borrow a device.

Is there a boating safety course available at the Fire Department?

No, but safety courses are offered by the NH Marine Patrol. Click here for more information.

Is there an OHRV safety course available at the Fire Department?

No, but click here for information regarding the safety courses offered by the NH Fish & Game Department.

 


HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

I'm new to Town, and need to speak to someone about an issue with my street's maintenance. Who do I contact?

First, please check here to verify that your road is not a private or State-owned roadway. If it is owned by the State, please contact Division 5. If it is not listed as a private road, contact the Highway Agent, Jack McCartney, at (603) 965-1211.

The street sign/stop sign/other sign for my road has disappeared. Who do I contact to get it replaced?

Contact the Highway Agent at the above number, or the Administrative Offices at (603) 432-7732.

Who do I contact to report a safety concern (ie: lowering speed limits/visibility issues) pertaining to a Town road?

Safety concerns and suggestions for improvement should be directed to the Highway Safety Committee here.

 


HUMAN SERVICES

Who can apply for welfare services?

Windham residents in financial need may be eligible for assistance and should contact Kathy Davis, Human Resource Coordinator at (603) 432-7732  for application information. All information is held strictly confidential.

What kind of assistance does the Town offer?

Assistance to qualified individuals varies, but may include food/fuel vouchers, rent/mortgage assistance, prescription assistance, and/or utility assistance.

Does the Town offer assistance with security deposits?

Yes. Qualified individuals my be eligible for assistance with security deposits when relocating.

Where can I apply for fuel assistance?

More information about the NH Fuel Assistance Program can be found here.

How do I get transportation assistance?

The Town of Windham has a 15-passenger van staffed by volunteer drivers, which provides transportation to and from doctor appointments, etc, to Windham's senior and disabled residents. The van also makes a weekly shopping trip to Wal-Mart each Wednesday. For more information, contact Kathy Davis at (603) 432-7732.

 


PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

How do I find out the zoning requirements of my property?

The full zoning requirements can be found here, or at the Planning and Development Department.

What are the minimum requirements for a buildable lot?

The minimum requirements are 50,000 square feet with 175 feet of frontage, which are soil and slope dependent. The exception to these requirements are our open space developments, which require only 30,000 square feet and 60 feet of frontage.

How do I contact the Health Officer?

The Health Officer can be reached at the Planning and Development Office at (603) 432-3806.  The Board of Selectmen serves as the Board of Health for the Town.

What construction to my property requires a permit?

There are a variety of building permits including electrical, plumbing, sewage, chimney and well, as well as permits for signs, fences, sheds, driveways, blasting, etc. Always check with the Planning and Development Department prior to any construction to determine what permits are required.

 


POLICE DEPARTMENT

Does the Police Department do fingerprinting for children?

Not generally. In keeping with the latest technology, the Department has moved to offering free DNA kits for child identification. Contact Chief Lewis  at (603) 434-5577 for further information. 

Does the Police Department offer any self-defense courses?

Yes. The Department periodically offers Rape Assault and Defense (RAD) training for women and children For more information, contact Sergeant Carl Wagner at (603) 434-5577.  

 


RECREATION

Who mows/maintains the athletic fields in Town?

Field maintenance is contracted out to various local contractors with oversight by the Town's Recreation and Maintenance Departments.

How do I reserve a field for a game/group function?

Contact the Recreation Coordinator, Cheryl Haas at 965-1208.

How do I find out about recreational activities/programs going on in Town?

Information about various recreational items can be found here and here.

 


SOLID WASTE/RECYCLING

Does the Town allow disposal of brush, stumps and logs?

No, these items are not acceptable at the Marblehead landfill/yard waste site.  Residents may use a commercial facility such as M&R Wood Recycling in Derry, (603)  425-0300, or obtain an open burn permit through the Fire Department

Does the Town allow disposal of household hazardous waste?

These items are not acceptable at the Transfer/Recycling Station, however, collection events are offered regionally several times each year. Please visit the Nashua Regional Planning Commission site for more information, or contact the  City of Nashua Public Works at (603) 589-3410 for more information. Pamphlets are also available at  the Windham Transfer/Recycling Station.

Does the Town allow disposal of demolition/construction debris?

Disposal of such debris is a non-limited free service for Windham residents only, and no scale weight or demo ticket is necessary.  All commercial contractors, however, must be weighed and pay for weight.

 


TOWN CLERK

How often do I need to register my dog?

Dog licenses, which are required by State statue, expire on April 30 of each year. To register or renew your dog license, You will need to bring proof of rabies vaccination. Fees are based on whether the dog is neutered/spayed or not. Senior owners are eligible for a reduced licensing fee.

Do I have to come to Windham Town Hall to register my car?

All motor vehicle registrations must be started at the Town Clerk's office, and most can be completed at the local level. Some registrations (i.e. veteran plates) must be completed with the State of NH. New residents can find more information here.

How soon before my wedding should I obtain a marriage certificate, and do we need a blood test?

New Hampshire does not require a blood test. You may take you license with you after completing the application, however there is a three (3) day waiting period after the issuance before it is valid. The license itself is good for 90 days.

I just had a baby. What do I need to do in order to obtain a birth certificate?

Congratulations! Your baby's original birth certificate will be issued by the Town where the birth occurred. If your child was born in NH, subsequent certified copies may be obtained at the Town Clerk's office.

How do I register to vote?

There are three ways to register to vote in Windham. 1) You may register at the Town Clerk's during regular business hours up to ten (10) days before the election. 2) You may register with the Supervisors of the Checklist during one of their posted sessions. 3) You may register at the polls the day of the election. The Supervisors generally require proof of residency and proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate/passport at the time of registration. Naturalized citizens must present their naturalization papers.

 


     
   

Windham Administrative Offices PO Box 120, 4 N. Lowell Road, Windham, NH 03087

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