Yes, you must file both a plumbing permit and a gas permit for a replacement gas water heater. 

Yes. This brochure has information on products that meet the requirements of the ordinance. You can also contact RecyclingWorks by calling the hotline at 888-254-5525 or email info@recyclingworksma.com or email Green Newton at zerowaste@greennewton.org for free assistance on recycling, sourcing compliant products, etc. You can also visit http://recyclesmartma.org for the Recyclopedia in which you can enter a name of an item to see if it is recyclable. For additional recycling questions you can also email Recycle Smart at recyclesmartma@mass.gov.

On Tuesday January 30th, Green Newton held a webinar regarding the new Sustainable Materials Ordinance. Click HERE to view the recording and attached are the two PowerPoint presentations that were shared during the webinar: AlanGordon-newton-packaging-ordinance-slides AbbeyMassaro-RecyclingWorks_slides

“Reusable” means food and beverage serviceware that is intended to be washed multiple times in a commercial dishwasher and to retain their form and function over multiple use and washing cycles.

“Compostable” means any product that is certified as such by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA), or OK Compost/TUV.

“Recyclable” refers to materials that are accepted by the City’s municipal collection program. This includes uncoated paper, aluminum, glass, and certain plastics. Black plastic and plastic-lined paper products are not recyclable. 

If you need assistance determining whether a particular product is recyclable, call RecyclingWork’s hotline at (888) 254-5525 or email Green Newton at zerowaste@greennewton.org.

“Accessories” means any food and beverage serviceware items that are not dishware and containers. This includes, but is not limited to, straws, forks, spoons, knives, chopsticks, stirrers, condiment packages, and napkins.

These items may not be prepackaged in sets and may only be provided upon request of the customer or at self-serve stations. Accessory items intended for takeout orders do not need to be reusable, compostable, or recyclable.

“Single use” means food and beverage serviceware that are designed to be used once and then discarded.

All containers, bowls, plates, trays, cartons, cups, lids, film wrap, and other items on or in which prepared foods and beverages are packaged or directly placed.

“Full service food establishment” means a food establishment where customers are seated at a table either by waitstaff or by themselves, and where orders are taken and served by waitstaff at the table.

Yes. The Food Code allows consumer-owned, personal take-out beverage containers to be refilled by food establishment employees or the consumer if the container is clean and refilling is a contamination-free process. It is up to the discretion of the establishment whether to accept reusable cups for refill and to accept or reject any container.

Yes. Customers may bring in their own clean containers for packaging leftovers. The container must be filled by the customer at their table.

“Foam polystyrene” means a nonbiodegradable petrochemical thermoplastic made from aerated forms of polystyrene. “Styrofoam” is a trademarked form of polystyrene and is commonly used as a generic term to refer to foam polystyrene. Foam polystyrene is generally used to make insulated cups, bowls, trays, clamshell containers, meat trays, foam packing materials, and egg cartons.

“Packing materials” means materials used to hold, cushion, or protect an item packed in a container for shipping, transport, or storage. This includes, but is not limited to, packing peanuts, shipping boxes, coolers, ice chests or other similar containers.

This ordinance aims to reduce the prevalence of single-use plastics in the City of Newton.

No. If the property is three times larger than your property, it would not be considered comparable to yours. For example, if your property is a 1,500 square foot home, assessed for $500,000 and up the street a 4,500 square foot home sold for $2,000,000, it would not be considered comparable to your property and this sale would not impact your assessment. Assessments are based on comparable sales. Even if a 1,500 square foot home sold next door for $2,000,000, one sale would not impact your assessment. However, for example, if a few sales of 1,500 square foot homes sold for $2,000,000, then the market value of a 1,500 square foot home in that neighborhood would be close to $2,000,000. You should expect a change in future assessments because of the apparent change in market value. In this example where there were multiple sales of 1,500 square foot homes for $2,000,000, it appears the market value of the 1,500 square foot home is no longer $500,000.

Chapter 60A, Section 1 of the Massachusetts General Laws provides excise tax exemptions for vehicles owned by certain disabled individuals and veterans, ex-prisoners of war and their surviving spouses and certain charitable organizations. Please contact the Assessors office at (617) 796-1160 for further details on eligibility.

YES. In Newton, demolition or partial demolition of any building or structure that is 50 years old or older requires the approval of the Preservation Planner and/or the Newton Historical Commission (NHC). If the building or structure is determined to be historically significant AND preferably preserved, a delay of demolition can be imposed.

A delay of 18-months can be imposed for properties listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. A delay of 12-months can be imposed for all other properties.

No, there are no exemptions.

No.

Yes. The definition in the ordinance states that a reusable bag is sewn with stitched handles.

No.

Yes these products are safe when applied in accordance with the product specimen label.  All herbicides are applied by a certified licensed professional. Newton has specifically defined IPM procedures for an application that are in addition to state and federal regulations. Each herbicide has been selected to target a specific set of pests.

It is legal to have marijuana anywhere in MA as long as it was purchased from a licensed store. Remember, it is only legal to have up to one ounce of marijuana with you at a time and it should be stored out of reach when driving. It is illegal to cross state lines with marijuana.

Yes, you choose the rate you would like to charge.

Yes, a number of situations are possible for granting a waiver of the delay. A waiver of delay may be granted if: a building or structure is saved by being moved to a new location; the applicant has demonstrated a reasonable and unsuccessful effort to locate a purchaser who would preserve the building or structure; the applicant has accepted specific conditions from the Commission regarding the demolition; or the applicant has presented plans for redevelopment of the site, including elevations, which the Commission reviewed and approved.

Waivers for partial demolition of buildings may be granted at any meeting assuming the filing for a waiver submitted by the deadline. Waivers for full demolition of buildings will not be entertained within the first four months of the demolition delay. Applicants are strongly encouraged to preserve, renovate and/or add additions to historic buildings rather than demolish them. When contemplating changes applicants are encouraged to consult the City of Newton Historic Preservation Design Guidelines available.

Yes, plumbing, gas, and electrical permits can be applied for online. Online applications can be submitted using the online portal powered by OpenGov/Viewpoint Cloud by following the following link: https://newtonma.viewpointcloud.com/

Requests for an extension may be granted if you can show sufficient reason for not filing on time. The latest date the filing deadline can be extended is 30 days after the tax bills are mailed for the fiscal year. Request for extensions must be in writing.

Contact the Assessors office at (617) 796-1160 for an application for abatement OR you can fill in and print out a Motor Vehicle Abatement Application Form. Follow the directions on the form and send it to the Assessors Office at 1000 Commonwealth Ave, Newton Centre, MA 02459 or e-mail to assessing@newtonma.gov.

NOTE: on unpaid excise tax bills, an owner risks incurring late fees and penalties if an abatement is not granted.

Yes, all pharmacies in Massachusetts have standing orders for Narcan. You can walk in and request Narcan without a prescription. Some insurance companies cover Narcan.

Yes. All property owners with existing accessory apartments are encouraged to legalize existing units and to comply with building and life safety codes

You can start additional parking sessions by clicking ‘New Session’ in the side menu.

No, but you can pay bills on the City’s website. It’s free when you pay by ACH transaction (checkbook). Credit card payments are subject to fees.

Yes, on the City’s website. Do not use your bank’s online bill-pay. Pay Real Estate tax, Personal Property (business) tax, Water and Excise bills on the City’s site via ACH for free. Credit card payments are subject to fees.

Warrant excise bills are accepted for payment via the deputy collector’s site and the link for Warrant Excise directs you there. The Deputy charges $0.50 for ACH payments, and credit card transactions are subject to 3.2% of the bill. Minimum of $3.00 per bill will be charged.

To pay on the City’s site, go to link “Online Bill Payment” at top left. Have your bill in front of you when making a payment.

Pay online at City of Newton website. Payment of original excise bills and pink demand bills ($5.00 fee added) are accepted on the City’s website for free via ACH transaction, and for a fee if you pay with credit card.

Payment of Warrant excise bills on our site links to the Deputy Tax Collectors web-site, kelleyryan.com. The fee for ACH transactions is $.50. The fee for credit card transactions is 3.2% or a minimum of $3.00 per bill. Have your bill number and license plate number handy. You can opt-out during the process if you decide the fee is too high.

Employers can restrict the consumption of marijuana in the workplace and may require drug testing for marijuana.

You cannot smoke adult use marijuana in a place where you are prohibited from smoking tobacco and you cannot consume adult use marijuana in a public place.

No. We are a competitive swim team and all members are expected to compete in all meets.  We have started the Jr. Bluefish program for non competitive swim team related training.

The Parks, Recreation & Culture Department is committed to providing more playable athletic fields. Part of our year one IPM plan is to only apply Q4 Plus for broadleaf weed control at New Cold Springs. We recognize the importance of being proactive to protect the surrounding ecosystem. Each year we contact the Planning Department to ensure compliance with all Conservation Commission regulations.

By operation of law we must charge and collect interest at the rate of 6% per annum on all outstanding water balances.

The City of Newton’s ordinances pertaining to snow and ice operations are intended to minimize safety hazards, reduce situations that impede operations associated with snow and ice control, and to provide for continued mobility for residents and visitors to traverse the City’s streets and sidewalks. Property owners are required by City ordinances to clear snow and ice from the walk and ADA curb cuts within 24 hours after a storm has ceased. Properties within identified business districts are required to clear snow and ice from the walk and ADA curb cuts within 12 hours. Depositing snow or ice on any public roadway or sidewalk is not permitted. View the City snow ordinances.

Ordinary maintenance or repair, which does not change the exterior design, material, or appearance of a building or structure, does not require review. Landscaping with plants, trees, or shrubs is also not reviewed. There are also alterations, which are exempt from review for which a Certificate of Non-Applicability is issued. Examples of the exemptions are: terraces, walks, and sidewalks so long as such a structure is substantially at grade level; storm doors and storm windows; screens; lightning protection; window boxes and window air conditioning units; lighting fixtures, except for free standing lighting fixtures; color of roof materials and paint; temporary structures and signs erected for a period of 90 days or less; residential identification signs which are not more than one foot square in area, provided that a second set of residential building numbers is affixed or inscribed on buildings in order to comply with section 26-7 of the city ordinance; and most antennae (see the city ordinance for specifics). A property owner should refer to the Ordinance or inquire at the Newton Department of Planning and Development for specific information.

Yes, and No.

No, if the bag is used to protect loose food (e.g., a bagel in a paper bag)

Yes, if multiple bags are placed into a larger checkout bag to carry out.

No. If there was a specific problem or circumstance about your property which warranted an abatement in the past, that information would remain on the property record until the issue was corrected. All subsequent assessments would be calculated based on the information that originally warranted the abatement. Many times people will file an abatement every year telling us they are located next to, for example, a gas station. We know the gas station is there every year and will take it into consideration when calculating new assessed values. You need not file every year.

No, you do not have to be a Newton resident. Non-Newton residents are welcome to participate, however for programs with limited space, Newton residents do get priority. Many of the volunteers at the center are from other towns. We encourage all to participate.

No, there is no need to call during specific office hours. You may call your individual inspector and leave a voicemail with the above information at any time. He will return your call during his office hours.

Yes. It is recommended that establishments that have a call-in ordering option develop a company policy regarding the bag fee for call-in orders. One suggestion is to ask the customer during the call if they will bring a bag(s) at the time of pick-up, if not, a bag will be provided at a cost of 10 cents.

No.

Yes. The training is only 20-30 minutes and covers critical information, such as the signs of an opioid overdose, what to do if you suspect an opioid overdose, and how to administer Narcan, and what to do afterwards to increase the likelihood of the person surviving.

The City has no preference regarding whether you provide shared parking services directly or use a third party shared parking company.

Yes, (2) separate permits are required, one from Wire Inspectors Office and one from Fire Prevention Bureau

No. Future-dated checks (a.k.a post-dated checks) are not accepted.

No. Bills are considered paid when received by the Treasurer. Postmark dates on envelopes are not accepted as the date of payment. All payments are to be received by the Treasury office by the due date. Payments are processed the day they are received. Late payments will incur interest/penalties.

If you believe your rights were violated, be sure to write down the details (example: include the who, what, when, where, why and how) and then take action. Obtain and fill out a Housing Discrimination Complaint Form and then file your complaint with the Newton Human Rights Commission by completing the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form and emailing it to hrc@newtonma.gov or mailing it to:

Newton Human Rights Commission Health & Human Services Department Newton City Hall 1000 Commonwealth Avenue Newton Centre, MA 02459

Or you may also call Newton’s Fair Housing Complaint Hotline at 617-796-1120. Please leave a message on the hotline and the call will be returned by the next business day. Be sure to leave your name and a number where you can be reached during business hours. If you are hearing impaired please call TDD/TTY 617-796-1089.

There is NO CHARGE for filing a complaint, and it is not necessary to hire an attorney. However, it is your right to have an attorney represent you at your own expense. Income eligible complainants may be able to access representation at area legal aid clinics.

Yes, parking is available in the parking concourse in front of City Hall, and at Newton Free Public Library @ Homer Street.

You can participate if your parking lot is:

• Zoned for business, mixed use, or manufacturing
• Existed by September, 2018.
• Not already permitted for use by another property (non-accessory parking agreement).
• Parking spaces for a residence cannot be used.

The City will also confirm eligibility of all applicants.

The City of Newton mails tax bills to the mailing address the property owner has on file with the Assessing Department. The City does not send tax bills to individual mortgage companies. If your mortgage company requires a paper bill, send them the one you received. They may also contact our office for a duplicate bill, the fee of which is $1.00. Mortgage companies and tax servicing companies receive an electronic file containing all of the tax accounts in the City (approximately 30,000 accounts). They then choose the accounts upon which they wish to pay. They return the marked file to the City and remit payment to Treasury. Upon verification that the amount on the file equals the amount remitted, the City posts the electronic file, updating the individual tax accounts with the payment amount.

No, we are giving Narcan Nasal Spray to Newton residents for free.

Yes.

DPW Snow Plan (PDF)

• You call and get an appointment to look at a house, but when you get there, you are told that the house was just sold.
• You are told that the apartment has been rented, but it is listed in the paper again.
• You are told a higher selling price than what was advertised, or than what you heard others being told.
• You are told that they cannot rent to families with children because the house has lead paint.
• You are given terms of rental or sale which are different than those given to other persons.
• You are directed to or away from certain neighborhoods based on race, national origin, religion, or disability.

Check with a building inspector. He or she can provide information about the City’s Accessory Apartment Ordinance (Section 6.7.1 of the Zoning Ordinance) and other regulations that may apply to your project, as well as other options that are available to you to help you achieve your goal.

All estimated bills are computer generated. The system takes four like periods and averages them all together. Like periods are the same time frame (i.e. quarterly billing cycles) in the last 4 years.

Newton's Community Preservation Program provides grants to develop affordable housing, preserve historic resources or conservation land, and to create and improve City parks. A 9-member volunteer Community Preservation Committee evaluates proposals and recommends funding to the City Council, who may then appropriate the requested funds.

To find out how to propose a project, or what past projects have been funded, explore our website.

For more information, contact program manager Mollie Hutchings at 617.796.1147 or mhutchings@newtonma.gov

Community Preservation Program, Planning & Development Dept.
Newton City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue
Newton, MA 02459
Phone: 617.796.1147

Verify your voter registration status here

See Resources and Links for a listing of the various housing options available in Newton or contact one of our Case Managers, Emily Kuhl at 617-796-1672 ekuhl@newtonma.gov, or Sandy Lopes 617-796-1663 slopes@newtonma.gov.

You can pick one up the form at the City Clerk's Office or download a complete Business Certificate Application package.

If a meter is broken, it slows down and then eventually stops. Industry experience indicates that a "positive displacement" meter runs sluggish and will stop registering use. It is impossible for a meter to speed up. It can only register when water passes through it.

Our team relies on parent volunteers to help run meets. Please make every effort to help out with as many meets as your schedule allows. Volunteering at meets is a great way to meet other parents on the team and see your kids swim up close. The coaches appreciate any assistance offered.

Login and select ‘Vehicles’ from the side menu. The app will save recent license plate numbers you’ve used before too!

Login and select ‘Payment’ from the side menu. Select ‘Add Card. Enter your new card information and check the ‘Save payment info’ if you wish to save this card for future use. To delete a card, select ‘Payment’ from the side menu and choose the card you wish to remove, then ‘Delete Card’.

A parking ticket appeal must be submitted within 21 days of receipt of ticket. To submit an appeal, go to the city website newtonma.gov > select Newton311 tab > select Parking tab > select Parking Appeal.

Candidates can apply on-line. Please see below.

Alternately candidates may send a completed application, statement of interest and resume to:

Coordinator of Boards and Commissions
Newton City Hall, Mayor's Office
1000 Commonwealth Avenue
Newton, MA 02459

or Email: commission@newtonma.gov

Applications are available via the City's online permitting portal as of May 2, 2022: https://newtonma.viewpointcloud.com/

The application forms are self-explanatory. If you have any questions please contact the Planning Department.

A person may request a scholarship by filling out the scholarship application form. A copy of your most recent tax returns, or other appropriate paperwork, must be included with this form. If you have not yet filed your tax returns, you can attach a copy of your previous years returns until your current returns are complete. A tax return, or other appropriate documentation, must be submitted in order to receive a scholarship.

To start, you will submit an application to the City of Newton. You will need to provide basic information such as location and number of spaces. You will also need to agree to the terms of the pilot. The City will review and send a letter of approval.

Your inspector’s name and telephone number are printed on the bottom right hand side of your permit. You may call him at any time and leave your name, phone number, permit number and type of inspection. Your inspector will call you back with the date and time of you inspection

Change of addresses for Excise Tax are done through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. When you change the address for your vehicle registration plates, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles will send that information to our office and our files will be changed.

You can find the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles change of address form here.

Instructions on how to change your address on line or by phone are at the top left hand side of the form.

The Assessing Department maintains the tax bill mailing address database. The Water department maintains the water bill mailing address database. Contact each respective department for their requirements. Treasury does not maintain mailing address databases. Do not send address changes with your payment.

To change your email address you can use the app or website. Login and select ‘Profile’ from the side menu and then update your email.

One of the major benefits of using Passport Parking is the ability to increase time on your meter remotely.

There are two ways to extend your parking time. 1) When on the “Active Session” screen that has the parking timer, click “Session Options”, then click “Extend”. You can then choose to add additional time. 2) When you have only a few minutes left, you will receive a notification (if you allow notifications from Passport) that your time is about to expire. The app will then ask you if you would like to extend your time. If you select "Yes", you will be redirected to the "Extend" page.

If you can’t extend your time it could be because you have already reached the maximum stay allowed set by the parking operator.

Permits numbers can be found here. Enter the street number and then enter the street name. Note: Do NOT enter Street Direction (E,W,N,S) or Street Suffix (St., Ave., Blvd., etc.). A list of potential matches will be displayed. Your permit numbers are also printed on your permit. Please retain your permit number as you must provide that number to the inspector in order to receive an inspection.

To fund a wallet, you must initiate your first parking session. You will have the option to load the wallet during the payment selection step. Please note: wallet availability and offers vary based on location.

A Certificate of Redemption is given if requested after providing a legible copy of the taking, proof of payment and a $25.00 fee. Please contact the Treasury Department @ treasury@newtonma.gov for assistance with takings, redemptions and releases.

When using the application, you will know your parking session has successfully started once you see the countdown timer on the screen.

Marijuana users who are dependent on the drug experience withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug. Withdrawal symptoms incude: irritability, mood and sleep difficulties, decreased appetite, cravings, and restlessness.

Marijuana users who are addicted cannot stop using the drug even when it's causing health and social problems in their life.

If you or a loved one is struggling with marijuana use, the resources below can help.

Newton Health and Human Services Department:
617-796-1420
(M-F, 8:30-5) Available for consults to find resources

MA Substance Use Helpline
800-327-5050 | helplinema.org
Referrals to public & private treatment programs

Interface Referral Service
888-244-6843
(M-F, 9-5) Consults and personalized referrals for outpatient treatment

Allies in Recovery
alliesinrecovery.net
Online learning platform for family members struggling with a loved one's addiction

Login to your account and click ‘Options’. Use the checkboxes to enable/disable the reminders.

You can view your bill and payment history via Citizens Self Service. A request for a duplicate bill will not change your address for future bills. Tax bill address changes must be submitted to the Assessing department. Water bill address changes to the Water/Sewer department. Contact the respective department for their formal requirements. Treasury does not maintain address databases. Do not send address changes with your payment.

Contact Treasury/Tax Collection treasury@newtonma.gov. A request for a duplicate bill will not change your address for future bills. Tax bill address changes must be submitted to the Assessing department. Water bill address changes to the Water/Sewer department. Contact the respective department for their formal requirements. Treasury does not maintain address databases. Do not send address changes with your payment.

If you are selling your house, the Business Office of the Utilities Division will prepare a final statement, which will indicate the costs associated with the consumption between the last time your meter was read and the meter reading which you call into the Business Office. To get this statement, you must read your meter, have the new owners name and cell phone number, an email address or fax number in which the statement can be sent, and call the Business Office at 617-796-1040. This interim statement will be emailed or faxed the next day after 12:00 noon.

An interim reading is calculated to determine what additional charge would apply due to water usage between the most recent bill and the reading date that either the broker or seller calls in. The City expects that buyers and sellers will take all necessary steps to make adjustments for this water usage at the time of closing.

We will not prepare an interim statement when there have been one or more estimated bills until the equipment is repaired and an actual read is obtained by our repair technician.

The Water/Sewer Billing Office puts notice on every bill which is bolded and appears in the middle of your bill, requesting the customer to call Utilities at 617-796-1640 and schedule an appointment to have this issue addressed. The Utilities Division will make every effort to schedule an appointment to have the issue resolved in a timely manner however due to schedule adherence the Utilities Division may be able to schedule your appointment until after the closing date. If this happens we suggest that money be put in escrow until the equipment is repaired and an actual read has been reported to the Water and Sewer Division of the Public Works Department.

Interim statements will not be provided for multi units who share a water meter, rentals of any kind such as apartments and business’s.

Monies calculated on an Interim Statement will not at any time be provided verbally over the phone.

Please see the Refund Policy available on our Treasury web-site page entitled ”Refund Requests for Credit Balances.” The policy explains what is needed to receive a Real Estate tax refund.

Please see the Refund Policy available on our Treasury web-site page entitled ”Refund Requests for credit Balances.” The policy explains what is needed to receive a Real Estate tax refund.

Please see the Refund Policy available on our Treasury web-site page entitled ”Refund Requests for credit Balances.” The policy explains what is needed to receive a real estate tax refund.

If you have a credit balance on your water account it will be used with the next billing. Should you require a refund, see our Refund Policy for instructions. If you have a collection or payment issue, contact the Treasury/Tax Collector’s office.

Citizen's Self Service. View Your Bills and Payment History Online.

Or:

A written request, a $5.00 fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope (with 2 stamps) should be forwarded to our office. Requests are processed in the order of receipt. If you visit our office to drop off your request, please have your written request, the $5.00 fee and your self addressed stamped envelope (2 stamps) with you when you arrive. We will mail you the researched information at our earliest convenience, normally within 5 business days. Cashiers are primarily responsible for accepting payments, so please be understanding and do not expect our cashiers to engage in researching your payment history for you while you wait.

You can pay online here.

You can pay by mail with check or money order, payable to City of Newton Parking, at P.O. Box 590363, Newton, MA 02459-0004

You or an authorized person may bring your ticket and payment to the Parking window at the Treasury Department, 1000 Commonwealth Ave., Newton, MA 02459-1449 between 8:30am-5:00pm M-F. Extended hours on Tues til 8pm.

If payment is not received after 21 days, your fine is increased as provided by law.

 Online registration is available at www.newtonmarec.com  

To register to vote, you must be: a citizen of the United States, a legal resident of the City of Newton, and 18 years old on or before election day.

You must be registered to vote 20 days prior to an election in order to vote in that election.

To register to vote, you may register online, by mail, or in person at the City Clerk's Office in City Hall.

You may also register to vote through the Registry of Motor Vehicles when changing your car registration or license information.

Registrarse para votar: Formulario de inscripcion de votante por correo official de Massachusetts haz clic aqui.

You can provide services directly (find and interact with parkers, accept payments, answer questions) or use a shared parking service. Shared parking service providers, like Spot and SpotHero, are dedicated exclusively to managing shared parking. Like AirBNB does for lodging, these apps create a marketplace for parking lot owners and parkers. They allow you to register your location, set dates and times spaces are available, accept payments, and provide customer service.  Parkers use the app to search and pay for parking.

You may report a defective meter at newtonma.gov > select Newton311 tab > select Parking tab

If you notice any evidence of rodent activity on your property, you can report the sighting at www.newtonma.gov/rodentreport and learn more about what to look for and tips on prevention. For professional advice and/or possible treatment options, you can contact a licensed pest control company.

To change your PIN you will login to the app or website and select the ‘Reset Pin’ button on the first page. It will then ask you for your current card information on your account for security reasons. If you don’t know your old card information please send an email to support@passportinc.com

• Reply to your Annual City Census or Confirmation Mailing Card prior to the voter registration deadline.
• Voting in any elections
• Signing any Nomination or Petition Papers

Download the PassportParking app from the App Store or Google Play. A web version is also available at m.ppprk.com. Please note: your wireless carrier’s message and data rates may apply.

To view your parking history you can use the app or website. Click ‘Parker History’ in the side menu and you’ll be able to view previous parking sessions and access receipts. The app only shows recent history. For a full parking history, visit m.ppprk.com.

Applications are first reviewed by staff and then if necessary at the Commissions’ monthly public meetings. Planning Department staff notifies the applicant and abutters by mail. The Commission must respond to all applications within 45 days of filing. Commission rulings may be appealed to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council within 20 days of a ruling.

To see driving directions, please visit our Directions page. We also provide transportation services to the Center for those who have no other way of getting here. Please visit our Transportation page for more information.

If you are a member of a protected class, it is illegal as a general rule for someone to:

• Refuse to rent to you or sell you housing
• Tell you housing is unavailable when in fact it is available
• Show you apartments or homes only in certain neighborhoods
• Set different terms, conditions, or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling
• Advertise housing to preferred groups of people only
• Refuse to provide you with information regarding mortgage loans, deny you a mortgage loan, or impose different terms or conditions on a mortgage loan
• Deny you property insurance
• Conduct property appraisals in a discriminatory manner
• Refuse to make reasonable accommodations for persons with a disability if the accommodation may be necessary to afford such a person a reasonable and equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling
• Harass, coerce, intimidate, or interfere with anyone exercising or assisting someone else with his/her fair housing rights
• This list covers most but not all of the discriminatory housing activities which are unlawful.

Rats are a natural part of the urban environment in Newton and the surrounding greater Boston area communities. Rats have been with us for a very long time and will thrive in places where they can find an abundance of food, water, and shelter. In general, where there are people, rats will often follow. We have heard from colleagues in many neighboring communities that they are experiencing an uptick in rat sightings this year. Newton is not unique in this trend.

If after Service goes to the property and obtains a read from the meter and investigates the estimated read, you may qualify for an abatement. If you do qualify for an abatement, an adjustment is made and you will receive a letter, via mail, in 7-14 days from the date that Service went to the property. It is the owner’s responsibility to pay the bill in full by the due date to avoid any interest charges

The Conservation Commission has regulatory authority over land within 100 feet of wetlands or within 200 feet of perennial streams.

Neonicotinoids shall not be used within Conservation Commission jurisdiction because of their adverse effects on pollinators.

Conservation Commission approval for the application of herbicides and pesticides must be sought in either of these cases:

1. Application outside of established grassy athletic field or grassy park areas.
2. Any of the following locations: Zervas School, Albemarle Fields, Mason Rice School, Newton Centre Playground and Countryside School.

Valuation figures are the manufacturers' list prices for vehicles in their year of manufacture. Present market value, price paid, or condition are not considered for excise tax purposes. The excise tax law (M.G.L. c.60A, s.1) establishes its own formula for valuation for state tax purposes whereby only the manufacturer's list price and the age of the motor vehicle are considered. Various percentages of the manufacturer's list price are applied. The percentages are as follows:

• In the year preceding the designated year of manufacture (brand new car released before model year) - 50%
• In the designated year of manufacture- 90%
• In the second year - 60%
• In the third year - 40%
• In the fourth year - 25%
• In the fifth and succeeding years -10%

Once the value of the vehicle is determined, an excise at the rate of $25.00 per thousand is assessed. Excise tax is assessed annually, on a calendar year basis, by the assessors of the city or town in which the vehicle is garaged.

If the motor vehicle is registered after January 31, it is taxed for the period extending from the first day of the month in which it is registered to the end of the calendar year. For example, if a vehicle is registered on April 30, it will be taxable as of April 1, for the nine months of the year (April through December) and the excise due, therefore, will be 9/12 of the full excise. In no event shall the excise be assessed for less than $5.00, nor shall an abatement or refund under Section 1 of Chapter 60A reduce an excise to less than $5.00.

Because marijuana contains THC, there are health risks associated with using marijuana regardless of how it is used. However, some risks may differ by the way it is used. Smoke from marijuana contains many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke. Smoking marijuana can lead to a greater risk of bronchitis, cough, and phlegm production.

Edibles take longer to produce an effect. People who are expecting quick results (as with smoking marijuana) may believe the initial dose wasn't enough to have an effect and consume additional doses. This can lead to people consuming very high doses and result in negative effects like anxiety, paranoia, and, in rare cases, an extreme psychotic reaction (e.g., delusions, hallucination, talking incoherently, and agitation). If you decide to try edibles, follow these tips:

1. Edibles can take up to 4 hours to take effect - start low and go slow. Start with one serving (or less) and wait several hours to see how it affects you before taking more.
2. Edibles can cause effects that last longer than expected. How they affect you depends on your age, your metabolism, the amount you eat, and medications or alcohol used at the same time.
3. Carefully read the product label, which will tell you serving size and amount of THC in each serving size (in Massachusetts, an individual serving size of any marijuana product cannot contain more than 5 mg of THC), cannabinoid profile, and directions for use.
4. Kids and pets (and unsuspecting adults) can mistake marijuana products for regular food or candy. Store your products safely and securely and out of reach of children and pets.

Two 4mg doses per person.

You can make as many spaces available as you want provided that you maintain enough spaces for your customers or employees. The number of spaces you make available likely will vary by time of day or day of the week based on your business’ pattern of employee/customer use. The most important thing: you must keep enough spaces available so that you do not displace your customers or employees.

Inquiries should be directed to the Preservation Planner in the Newton Planning Department. The Commission welcomes advance inquiries as to the applicability of the Historic District Ordinance. The Preservation Planner will also be able to offer feedback on proposed projects as to their historic appropriateness. Please review the design guidelines for historic properties in Newton as well as information on each of Newton's historic districts.

The cost in the City of Newton is $35.00

A Municipal Lien Certificate (MLC) lists the outstanding tax and water bill liabilities on a property at a particular point in time. Please forward a check and a self addressed stamped envelope to the Treasury Department, Attn: MLC Request.

Costs vary:

• $50.00 Single, two, three family residences and condominiums
• $50.00 Tax exempt (Ch 121A)
• $200.00 Residences of four or more units.
• $300.00 Commercial, mixed use, industrial

The process usually takes 15 to 45 days to complete. The Newton Historical Commission meets regularly on the fourth Thursday of each month (with exceptions due to holidays) and meeting agendas are posted two weeks in advance. Provided that the applicant has submitted the necessary information before the 5:00pm deadline three weeks before the next scheduled meeting, the Commission will likely make a decision at the next meeting.

Every four years. If the business is discontinued, the Clerk's office must be notified. There is a $10.00 discontinuance fee.

Download a Withdrawal Form here.

During the summer months when the bathing beach is open, the City of Newton complies with Massachusetts 105 CMR 445.000 and tests the water weekly. Samples are taken on Wednesdays and results are expected on Fridays.

The Parks, Recreation and Culture Department is responsible for hundreds of locations and hundreds of acres. These locations vary and include athletic fields, cemeteries, city buildings, parks, playgrounds, schools and traffic islands. At the majority of our locations, weeds are either removed by hand-pulling or by using tools. We do not use Roundup to control weeds. We use herbicides at four to five athletic fields per year only when they have exceeded our IPM pest threshold. Regular monitoring of athletic fields will determine and document pest thresholds.  An assessment will be performed to determine if a second herbicide application is necessary.  The expectation is that the reduction in weeds combined with increased turfgrass management will improve turf quality enough that future applications are not required for several years.  Continued turfgrass management should result in healthy turf that will greatly reduce the ability for weeds to germinate.

Events are posted 30 minutes prior to start of meet. Each swimmer will swim in two individual events and possibly one relay.

Newton has specific IPM procedures for the use of all pesticides.  Our plan involves applying herbicides when school is not in session (late June – late August). Notices will be mailed in advance to all abutters who live adjacent to these parks, in addition to the signs posted at each site.  The treated fields will be closed for 48 hours following the application to ensure the safety of all people and pets.  If weed populations continue to exceed IPM thresholds, the City may apply a second broadcast herbicide treatment or spot spray herbicide treatment.  Our IPM webpage and new site notifications will alert residents to a second treatment.  The City will only send out the initial notification letter and will only host one zoom meeting.

The Newton Health Department will enforce the law.

The assessment is an estimate of market value. The selling price of a property is not related to the age of the owner. The assessment cannot be lowered or raised based on the age of the owner. The assessments are a reflection of the real estate market. Young owners do not sell their properties for any lower or higher prices than the market will allow. If property owners throughout the city sell their homes for less, the assessments will decrease. If property owners sell their homes for more, the assessments will increase.

The assessment is an estimate of market value. The selling price of a property is not related to the age of the owner. The assessment cannot be lowered or raised based on the age of the owner. The assessments are a reflection of the real estate market. Elderly owners do not sell their properties for any lower or higher prices than the market will allow. If property owners throughout the city sell their homes for less, the assessments will decrease. If property owners sell their homes for more, the assessments will increase.

You must fill out a Permit Cancellation Form. Once we receive that form we will note the permit and close it out.

The Newton City Council complied with a directive from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to issue a supplemental tax bill to property owners whose property had construction resulting in an increase in building value (assessment) of more than 50%. This provision is triggered by the issuance of an occupancy permit and an increase in building value of more than 50%. The assessors analyze all properties with occupancy permits to determine if the construction added more than 50% to the fair market value of the building value. If the construction added more than 50% to the fair market value of the building value, then a supplemental tax bill is issued. The supplemental tax is based on the difference between the original market value of the building and the new market value of the building, multiplied by the tax rate and prorated from the date of the occupancy permit to the end of the fiscal year. In certain instances, a property owner could receive a supplemental tax bill for the prior fiscal year as well as the current fiscal year, depending on the date of the occupancy permit.

If you notice any evidence of rodent activity on your property, you can report the sighting at www.newtonma.gov/rodentreport and learn more about what to look for and tips on prevention. For professional advice and/or possible treatment options, you can contact a licensed pest control company.

If you recently purchased a newly developed condominium (one unit of a two- family or three-family, or new construction for example), you should realize that the tax collector’s office may not have your unit listed as a condo, and that your property may still be assessed as a master parcel. If so, you are sharing a tax bill with your neighbors until the Assessing department splits the parcel giving you your own parcel ID. Contact Assessing to determine when your unit will be separately assessed.

Credit balances are generally not refunded during the middle of the fiscal year because all bills have not yet been issued or paid. A double payment or overpayment will be credited towards the next quarter tax due. If there is an overpayment on the May installment (4th quarter), or a credit balance exists after the May 1 tax installment is paid, please read and follow the instructions of our Refund Policy on our website. In most cases a refund will automatically be refunded to the record owner at the end of the fiscal year. Credits do not automatically move forward from one Fiscal Year to another.

After the pink Real Estate Demand bill is issued and not paid, this letter is mailed to the taxpayers as a courtesy. Failure to pay will lead to a Notice of Tax Taking advertisement in the Newton Tab, and a public notice posting in City Hall and the Main Library. By operation of law the City must advertise and post notices. The fee for the advertisement is added to the outstanding tax bill. If not paid, a lien is placed on the property and the fees associated with recording the lien are added to the bill. In addition to the pink Demand bill, the courtesy mailing, the newspaper advertisement, and the posting in public places, all subsequent real estate tax bills have a dialog box that serves to give notice to property owners of any Prior Year Tax Outstanding amounts or Tax Title amounts outstanding. For more information, see Mass. General Law, Chapter 60, sec. 37, 53, 54, 55 and 60 and the FAQs on Tax Title and Certificates of Redemption.

The Collector collects what the Assessor assesses. By law we must send a tax bill. If you believe you were billed in error, please contact the Assessing Department assessing@newtonma.gov (617) 796-1160.

Pink Real Estate Demand notices are the initial step towards Tax Title Foreclosure. Taxes have not been paid. If you received a Demand notice, you should not ignore this bill. Please see FAQ: What if my payment was not credited to my account?

By operation of law, tax bills are mailed to the address of the property owner listed in the Assessor’s database. Compare the information your mortgage company provided to you on your statement regarding City Tax Paid (the actual amounts not the projections) with the amount the City is billing. Mortgage companies typically take funds from your escrow account a month before the tax due date and credit funds to the City on the due date. If the amount the mortgage company took from your escrow account is not the amount the City has billed you for taxes, contact your mortgage company and inform them of their mistake. If you want to know if your mortgage company paid your taxes, look to your mortgage statement before the due date, look to the next quarter tax bill for any outstanding or delinquent tax amounts, or contact the Collector’s office two weeks after the due date (to allow time for all payments to be posted).

Pay the bill. Read the back of the bill. Contact the Assessing Department. If a tax abatement is granted by the Assessing Department, you will receive a refund of any tax overpaid. You will be responsible for paying fees and interest charges that accrue on unpaid bills even if the Assessing Department grants an abatement of a portion of the tax.

A tax bill is generated for every parcel in the City. Please note that mortgage companies typically take tax payment funds from your escrow account a month before the tax due date in order to pay your taxes on time. Look at your mortgage statements a month before the tax due date and compare it with the amount the city has billed you. Mortgage companies and tax servicing companies receive an electronic file from the City, they choose the accounts they wish to pay upon and return the marked file to the city with their remittance. The city posts the file, updating the real estate tax accounts as paid. We do not bill mortgage companies. For more information see the FAQ: Someone else paid my real estate taxes, what should I do?

The first step in comparing properties is to examine the factual components of each property. Many times properties that appear larger are in fact much smaller than people think. Quality characteristics should also be examined when making comparisons. For example, a property with a newer kitchen would sell for more than a property with a much older, unimproved kitchen with all other factors being comparable. Ultimately, the assessors have to determine if the assessment represents market value on the subject property and also if the assessed value on the neighbors’ property represents market value. If a neighboring property is too low in relation to surrounding properties, the assessors cannot compound their low assessment by also lowering surrounding properties. The resolution may be that the assessors have to raise the neighboring property’s assessed value to make it more in line with the surrounding properties. The most important criterion the assessors examine in an abatement request is the market value of the property of the person filing the abatement and the market value of any property that the person filing the abatement mentions on the application. For example, if there were 5 identical houses on a street and 4 were assessed for $500,000 and one was assessed for $100,000, and there were three sales on the street at $500,000 each, then the assessors could not lower the 4 properties to $100,000. Based upon the sales, the market value would be very close to $500,000. The correct action for the assessors would be to raise the property assessed for $100,000 to $500,000.

Pay the bill. Read the back of the bill. Contact the Assessing Department. If a tax abatement is granted by the Assessing Department, you will receive a refund of any tax overpaid. You will be responsible for paying fees and interest charges that accrue on unpaid bills even if the Assessing Department grants an abatement of a portion of the tax.

This will be determined on a case by case basis. Please call to discuss with a member of our Social Services Division (617-796-1420).

No.

Having an "inactive" status does not mean you have be deleted from the voting list.

It is illegal and dangerous to drive while under the influence of marijuana. Marijuana negatively affects the skills you need to drive safely and can double the risk of a motor vehicle crash.

A fatal overdose is unlikely. However, using high concentrations of THC can lead to poisoning, injuries, and accidents. The symptoms of using too much marijuana are similar to the typical effects of using marijuana, but more severe. These symptoms may include: extreme confusion, anxiety, paranoia, panic, fast heart rate, delusions or hallucinations, increased blood pressure and severe nausea/vomiting. If someone has used marijuana and is having trouble breathing, has pale skin, or is unresponsive, call 911.

Marijuana can be addictive, especially for those who start using it in their teens. About 1 in 10 marijuana users will become addicted; this increases to about 1 in 6 for those who begin using before the age of 18.

Yes, your visit will be with a social worker or case manager who will keep all information confidential. No insurance information will be collected.

Yes, the 10 cents or more fee that establishments must charge is subject to MA sales tax.

Yes, $1.00/bill. Pay duplicate bill fee(s) with a separate check.

The fee is dependent on the type of permitting process necessary for the accessory apartment, and are as follows:

Accessory Apartment Application - building permit fee

Special Permit Application - $250.00 + $20 for required public notice sign + building permit fee (following special permit approval)

No, cyanobacteria are microorganisms similar to algae, not fecal matter. https://www.mass.gov/guides/cyanobacterial-harmful-algal-blooms-cyanohabs-water

• Laws and Regulations – Comply with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations
• Confidentially – Respect borrowers’ privacy rights by complying with federal and state privacy laws.
• Equitable Treatment – Maintain a work environment that encourages compliance with these fair lending and consumer best lending practices and facilitates the fair and equitable treatment of consumers.
• Professionalism – Endeavor to employ a workforce of talented, qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds in compliance with applicable laws.
• Procedures and Training – Establish internal compliance, fair lending, servicing, quality, audit and disciplinary procedures. Provide training to employees.
• Compliance – Establish internal procedures to promote compliance with these best practices and applicable law; take appropriate steps to rectify problems.
• Report Violations – Encourage every employee to report violations to senior management.
• Internal Review – On a periodic basis review random samples of loan files to determine compliance.
• Customer Contact Employee Evaluation – Evaluate the behaviors of “customer contact employees” through appropriate measurement tools.

No. The valuation change will not be indicative of the tax change. There are two components that help determine the tax rate. The first is the budgetary requirements of the Mayor and the City Council to run the city. The second is the overall value of the property within the city. For example, if the budget increases 5%, then the tax increase throughout the city would be approximately 5%, regardless of what happened to the overall assessed values. For example, if the budget increased 5% and all the assessments in the city went up 20%, the average tax increase would still be 5%. The tax rate, which is calculated simply by dividing the budget by the value of property, would decrease approximately 15%. In another example, if the budget increased 5% and all the assessments went down 20%, the average tax increase would still be 5%. The tax rate, which is calculated simply by dividing the budget by the value of property, would increase approximately 25%.

Proposition 2 ½ limits the amount of taxes a community can raise from property tax. The assessment is an estimate of market value. Since the real estate market changes are based upon the buyers’ and sellers’ needs, there is no limit to the amount an assessment can increase or decrease. Assessment changes are always based on the real estate market. For example, if a property sells for $500,000 in calendar year 2022, there is no limit or minimum price it would sell for in calendar year 2023 or beyond. It could sell for $600,000, $700,000, $1,000,000 or $400,000. The sale price would be based on the real estate market at that time. The assessments do not predict market value. The assessments reflect (or report) market value.

Typically, the home is the single largest investment most people make. The assessment reflects the market value of this asset. People often associate rising assessments with rising taxes. However, this is not the case. Rising budgets cause rising taxes. If the budget increases, typically taxes increase. If the budget decreases, typically taxes decrease. The assessed value represents the market value of the property. If all the assessments went down 25% and the budget increased, taxes would still increase. The budget is the driving force behind rising taxes. If the assessed value of a property increases, this generally increases the property owner’s equity in the property. Although many property owners are not selling their homes, an increased asset value is usually received as welcome news. Most people understand tax increases are not caused by assessment increases. They understand that increased spending causes rising tax bills. The majority of property owners are glad to hear their home is increasing in value, even if they are not currently selling their property.

If you received a bill and there is a statement of Prior Years Tax Outstanding, this means there are taxes and/or utility bills past due on the property from a prior year, or that there is a Tax Title on the property (Tax Title means lien). Contact our office for an exact pay-off amount as interest continues to accrue daily. Mail your payment on a separate check to the Tax Collector’s office indicating what you are paying Tax Title, 41A tax deferral, past due tax, etc. For betterments, contact the Assessing dept. for payoff information and then forward check and appropriate paperwork to Treasury. The PO box (our bank’s lockbox service) is for current bills only. Lockbox only processes current bills with a remit slip/collector’s portion of bill.

Important: Do not send Prior Year Tax, Tax Title, Beterment, or 41a Deferral payoffs to the PO Box with your current year tax payment!

If your mortgage company pays your taxes, forward them a copy of the bill to put them on notice of the outstanding taxes or lien. Please also refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on both Tax Title and Certificates of Redemption.

The “Affidavit” is a State form that the Department of Industrial Accidents requires you to file with the permitting authority. We require sole proprietors to fill this form out at the beginning of every year, all others when their workers’ compensation policy comes up for renewal.

You must pay your outstanding ticket balance in full. Personal checks are not an accepted payment method for marked tickets. Please see FAQ "How do I pay a parking ticket?" for more information.

Once you have paid in full, you must contact the parking payment clerk at 617-796-1337. You may be eligible for an electronic release. If you are ineligible for an electronic release, you can obtain a paper release form by visiting the Parking window at the Treasury Department, 1000 Commonwealth Ave., Newton, MA 02459-1449.

A tax bill is generated for every parcel in the City. Please note that mortgage companies typically take tax payment funds from your escrow account a month before the tax due date in order to pay your taxes on time. Look at your mortgage statements a month before the tax due date and compare it with the amount the city has billed you. Mortgage companies and tax servicing companies receive an electronic file from the City, they choose the accounts they wish to pay upon and return the marked file to the city with their remittance. The city posts the file, updating the real estate tax accounts as paid. We do not bill mortgage companies. For more information see the FAQ: Someone else paid my real estate taxes, what should I do?

As stated in Question 7, you do not have to allow the assessors into your home. We only request the inspection so we can be as fair and accurate as possible. Accurate assessments are based on accurate information. By allowing the assessors to view the interior and exterior of your property, your assessed value is based on accurate information. If a person does not allow the assessors to view the interior and exterior of a property, estimates are made about the condition of the interior of the property, the kitchen and bath qualities, and whether there is finished attic space and finished basement space. If the estimates are overstated, property owners may contact the assessor’s office to arrange an interior and exterior inspection of their property.

You do not have to allow the assessors into your home. We only request the inspection in order to be as fair and accurate as possible. However, if an assessor is denied entrance, property owners give up their ability to challenge the assessed value. It is impossible to question an assessment if a property owner refuses to allow the assessors a view of the entire property. In instances where the assessors do not get into a property, estimates are made about the condition of the interior of the property, the kitchen and bath qualities, and whether there is finished attic space and finished basement space.

Assessments reflect what has occurred in the real estate market. In Newton, single-family properties in the past 5-10 years have sold for more than similarly sized two-family properties in the same neighborhood. Most buyers in Newton do not want to be landlords. The typical buyer in Newton prefers a single-family and the sales prices over the past 5-10 years bear out this fact. A single-family property cannot be compared to a two-family any more than it can be compared to a condominium. Comparisons should be made between similar uses of properties. The difference in selling prices between a single-family and a two-family property has closed significantly in the last 5 calendar years, with the sale price of two-family dwellings increasing at a much faster rate than the single-family property. Two-family properties have become more popular with new homebuyers because of the ability of a tenant to contribute to the owner’s mortgage obligation. The two-family property is also priced slightly less than a comparable single-family property.

Market value changes occur in many forms. Buyers have different requirements and these requirements sometimes change from year to year. Also, sometimes renovations have been performed on a property that would cause a change in assessed value different from a similar property that did not have renovations. A recent inspection by the assessor’s office also may have contributed to a change in assessed value. Perhaps the property had not been inspected in several years and the property information has now been updated to more accurately reflect the condition of the property. Historical trends are just historical information. Properties change over time, as do market values. Just because a property was assessed less than a neighboring property in 1973 does not mean the property will always be assessed less than the neighboring property. Renovations, additions, disrepair, fire and other factors can also change historical relationships.

Assessments reflect the property condition and market value of the property on January 1 of the prior year. If, for example, your neighbors took out a building permit in December, and the construction work was not started until after January 1, the change in the market value of the property would not be reflected in the assessment until the following fiscal year. Sometimes, when there is a large construction project, it can take several years for the entire project’s market value to be reflected in the assessment. Each year the assessors would determine how much the market value of your neighbor’s home increased, based on how far along the construction was on January 1.

You're looking at the best resource to find that information. Look around this web site, use its links, and explore the wonderful world of Newton's senior services and programs.

Proposition 2 ½ limits the City of Newton, and all other Massachusetts communities, the amount of citywide taxes that can be raised. Proposition 2 ½ limits a community to raising citywide taxes by 2.5% from the previous year’s levy limit. Allowing for new growth can then increase this levy limit. New growth consists of property tax increases caused by new construction, renovations, or land use changes. Proposition 2 ½ does not limit any individual property tax increase or decrease. For example, in Fiscal Year 2024, the Mayor and the City Council approved a budget that included a tax levy of $420,868,485 (before Debt Exclusion). The levy limit for Fiscal Year 2023 was $404,500,255 (before Debt Exclusion payment). So, the maximum amount of taxes that can be budgeted by the Mayor and the City Council for Fiscal Year 2024 is $404,500,255 X 102.5% = $414,612,761 plus certified new growth plus a voter approved debt exclusion payment of $3,222,266. (The 102.5% number is increasing the previous year’s limit by 2.5%). The new growth, which was certified by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, is $6,255,724. Therefore, the maximum amount of taxes which can be levied for Fiscal Year 2024 is $414,612,761 + $6,255,724 + $3,222,266 = $424,090,751. This figure (minus the debt exclusion) is the levy limit, which will be used to determine next year’s maximum tax levy. A community may increase the property tax levy less than 2.5%, but that is a determination made by the budgetary requirements of the city as determined by the Mayor and the City Council. A community may not increase the tax levy greater than 2.5% without approval of the voters. The Mayor and the City Council increased the tax levy limit by $16,365,137 from last year’s levy limit of $407,725,614 (including Debt Exclusion). This is what causes a tax increase, not an increase or decrease in assessed values.

Contact the Water Department at (617) 796-1040. The Treasurer/Collector does not read meters, determine the water/sewer bills, or adjust water bills. Unpaid bills are subject to 6% interest per Mass General Law and City of Newton ordinance. The Treasury office merely collects what that the Water Department bills. We do not adjust bills.

All of the shared parking activities are private transactions. The City will not be a party in the relationship between a property owner and a third-party service provider (e.g. app service) nor will the City be a party to the relationships between lot owners and parkers. The City of Newton assumes no liability for properties sharing their parking through this program.

No! It is the least cost effective method for your city and it generates a paper check. When you pay your bills using your bank’s online bill payment service, the Collector’s portion of the bill (the remit slip in your possession) is not enclosed with the paper check that is generated by your transaction. Upon receipt of the check, typically a week or more after you initiate the payment, we must then manually determine where to apply your check. This wastes City resources. Posting errors occur when “account” field does not contain the current “bill” number. Paying on the City’s site eliminates this manual posting process, the paper, and the errors as the City receives the information via electronic format. When you enclose the remit slip with your check and return both in the envelope provided with the bill, City dollars are also maximized as payments are processed by our bank’s lock-box service.

The designated City sidewalk routes are divided into six separate routes distributed within the City snow zones. City staff performs snow and ice control on 80 plus miles of designated city sidewalk routes including 1,400 plus curb cuts contained within those routes. Private contractors may be used to supplement City forces. The City’s goal is to have the city maintained sidewalk routes cleared within 24 hours after the storm has ceased. Click here for maps and a list of City maintained sidewalk routes.

To ensure pedestrians safe travel throughout the City, the City of Newton requires all property owners or occupants of a building to maintain all paved and concrete sidewalks abutting their property or business in a non-slippery condition free of ice and snow within 24 hours after snow has ceased to fall or ice has formed.  By working together, the City, residents, and business can ensure that our streets and sidewalks are safe for everyone. Snow clearance on sidewalks is critical to maintaining safe walking conditions. If walkways, crosswalks, islands, and curb ramps are icy and/or not shoveled, travel is difficult and dangerous for pedestrians. Children, older people, and people with disabilities are most affected.

The City is also asking everyone to please check on their neighbors to see if they need help with clearing, especially older neighbors and people with health concerns.

Residents and business owners can be issued fines for failing to clear their sidewalk.

Residential properties:

1st Offense per 365 period - written warning

2nd and subsequent offenses per 365-day period - $50

Fines for commercial, institutional, or residential properties with more than four residential dwelling units:

1st Offense - $100

2nd Offense - $200

3rd and subsequent offenses in a calendar year - $300

Fines can be issued each day until the violation is addressed.

Please know that the Commissioner of Public Works may extend the 24- hour compliance timeframe when weather conditions necessitate.  

Annual exemptions from the sidewalk clearing requirement are available for citizens who upon written petition demonstrate hardship due to a combination of health and financial duress, or religious circumstances please contact the Department of Senior Services at 617-796-1660 or click here. 

For the snow clearing ordinances click here.

Sidewalk Snow Shoveling Exemption Request Form (PDF)

For the City's recommended use of de-icers to treat sidewalks, please see the Winter Snow and Ice Control Brochure.

Crews have a difficult time reaching trash barrels and recycling carts behind snow banks. Please clear an area at the curb, or place containers next to or in front of snow banks. During extreme winter events solid waste and recycling collection is cancelled only as a last resort. If existing conditions warrant, scheduled collections may be delayed or cancelled.

Do:

• Place carts and barrels beside or next to snow banks rather than behind them
• Shovel or clear a space to place the carts or barrels

Don’t:

• Leave carts or barrels behind or on snow banks
• Place or deposit snow or ice next to carts or barrels

If your real estate tax account shows a payment that you or your mortgage company or closing attorney did not make, you should make your tax payment as required so there is a credit available for the City to refund the mistaken payor. If any payment(s) posted to your account was/were in fact erroneous, it is conceivable that you may be contacted in the future for reimbursement by the payor(s) who made the payment(s) in error, or by the City of Newton. If you have an escrow account with your mortgage company, be aware that it may be affected by any payment errors made by third party payors. Mortgage companies and banks sometimes make payment errors. We do not bill them, they electronically choose the accounts upon which they wish to pay.

Snow routes for arterial streets, collector routes, and residential local-through routes are evaluated and assigned annually. Maps containing arterial, collector and residential local-through routes identify the priority of each street within the City. The snow route priorities are based on traffic patterns, traffic speeds, traffic volumes, transportation nodes, schools or other public institutions, village squares, and the steepness of the roadways. New annexations, street additions and changes in traffic patterns are considered when revisions are made. The Department of Public works factors in “hot spots” (areas prone to snow drifting, ice formulations, etc.) and other problem locations during the route assessment process.

Each snow route is plowed in a specific sequence and made passable as quickly and efficiently as possible. Once the storm is over, the routes are widened out by pushing the snow back to the curb line and clearing intersections. The City has a curb to curb, clear wet pavement snow plowing policy. Dangerous hills, curves, and bridges are maintained and treated as necessary throughout winter events. The City’s goal is to have all streets cleared within eight hours after the storm has ceased.

In small quantities, weeds pose few issues on an athletic field.  Unfortunately, weeds are prolific seed producers and they are also “engineered” to thrive in a wider range of conditions than turfgrass.  Many weed species produce over 100,000 seeds per year.  As weeds spread through an athletic field a vicious cycle is created. The more the weeds spread, the more seeds are produced and the harder it becomes for the turfgrass to compete and be healthy.  Weed cover degrades the quality of play.

The assessors do not raise or lower taxes. The assessors reflect (or report) market value. The tax increase or decrease is determined by the budgetary requirements of the Mayor and the City Council to run the city. Rising or falling assessed values do not mean rising or falling tax bills. The increase or decrease in taxes seen by the property owner is a direct result of the increase or decrease in the budget. The budget increase or decrease determines the tax increase or decrease. Individual property owners may see an increase in their assessments due to renovations, additions or improvements that would cause an increase in their tax liability. There may also be some shifting of tax liability among classes of property (residential, commercial, industrial, personal) based upon the overall increase or decrease in value of the particular class. The primary reason for a tax increase or decrease is based on the budget requirements of the Mayor and the City Council to fund city operations.

The term “CPA Charge” refers to The Community Preservation Act surcharge approved by the voters of the City of Newton beginning in Fiscal Year 2002. This surcharge is 1% of the total property tax due for the parcel. This surcharge, approved by a majority of City of Newton voters, is for the acquisition and preservation of open space, recreational land, affordable housing, and historic properties. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts will match the amount collected by the City of Newton up to but not to exceed 100% of the total surcharge money collected. There is a committee set up to review requests for use of the Community Preservation Act money collected. The Committee name is the Community Preservation Committee. This committee then makes recommendations to the Newton City Council. The Newton City Council has the final say as to how the Community Preservation Act funds are distributed and utilized. For more information on the Community Preservation Act, please visit Newton’s Community Preservation Program website (www.newtonma.gov/cpa).

City of Newton Parking

If you are manually/literally writing out a check, it should be made payable to the “City of Newton.” Put your bill number on the face of your check. Mail your check with the lower section of the Collector’s copy of the bill in the envelope provided.

Please DO NOT use your bank’s online bill-pay to pay your bills. The most cost effective and green method (no paper check is generated) is via the City’s website.

Animal waste, such as from dogs or birds, can get into the water and negatively affect water quality at beaches. The bacteria in dog and bird waste can elevate bacterial levels which can lead to beach postings. Properly cleaning up after your pet can lessen the likelihood of your pet's waste contaminating the beach water. Similarly, refraining from feeding birds at beaches should help reduce potential bacterial contamination.

Opioids are often prescribed following surgery or injury to treat moderate to severe pain. They may also be used to manage chronic pain. Anyone who takes prescription opioids can become addicted to them, even when taken as prescribed. From 1999 to 2013, the amount of prescription opioids dispensed in the US nearly quadrupled, but there has not been an overall change in the amount of pain Americans report. In 2013, providers wrote almost 250 million opioid prescriptions; more than enough for every American adult to have their own bottle of pills.

Opioids are often prescribed following surgery or injury to treat moderate to severe pain. They may also be used to manage chronic pain. Anyone who takes prescription opioids can become addicted to them, even when taken as prescribed. From 1999 to 2013, the amount of prescription opioids dispensed in the US nearly quadrupled, but there has not been an overall change in the amount of pain Americans report. In 2013, providers wrote almost 250 million opioid prescriptions; more than enough for every American adult to have their own bottle of pills.

By senior year of high school, 68% of students have drank alcohol, 47% have used marijuana, 17% have smoked cigarettes, and 3% have used oxycontin to get high. (Data from the 2016-2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey administered to students in Newton Public Schools. Full results.) The use of alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine increases a young person's risk of using and becoming addicted to other substances, such as opioids, by altering brain chemistry and increasing their social interactions with other people who use addictive substances. Delaying the start of drug use greatly reduces the risk of becoming addicted.

1. Be Consistent: Develop and use a standard process with all applicants. Provide accurate and complete information about available units to all people who inquire.
2. Avoid Assumptions: Assess each individual applicant based on the requirements you have developed and not based on their race, national origin, family status, source of income, disability, age, etc.
3. Document Your Search: Keep your selection criteria and rental policy in writing and make sure to document your reason for refusing an applicant.
4. Don’t Be Helpful at Your Own Expense: Although you may mean well, don’t tell a prospective tenant that it would be safer for her children to live on the first floor or ask a disabled person if they can manage the stairs. Allow each person to decide for him or herself where they want to live.
5. Fair Housing is Ongoing: Practicing fair housing does not end when you find a tenant. Make sure all rental policies and services are applied equally to all tenants. Participate in a fair housing training to ensure that you stay up to date on your fair housing responsibilities.

Printed on everyone's bill are the words "Elderly O and Elderly W". If you are over 65, own the property as a primary residence, and have an income of less than $60,000 annually, and have been approved for either of these discounts by the Assessor's office, the amount discounted will appear next to these words. It is a 30% discount off your water bill.

You have the right to choose the best tenant for your unit. You can select tenants using the following criteria as long as you apply the criteria equally to all applicants:

• Credit check (if a tenant has a rental subsidy a credit check may not be as important a criterion)
• References from previous landlords
• Sufficient funds to cover the cost of rent
• Criminal record check

Partial demolition can include the removal of 50% or more of the roof structure, the removal or enveloping of 50% or more of a single exterior wall, or the removal of architectural elements which define or contribute to the historic character of the building or structure.

When contemplating changes applicants are encouraged to consult the City of Newton Historic Preservation Design Guidelines available.

Bacteria may be present in the water due to a variety of sources. Rain is often a contributing factor to beach water pollution. As rainwater washes over land, it can carry bacteria to the beach. Sewage entering the water can also contribute to high bacteria levels.

If you challenge discriminatory housing practices and your claim is informally settled, or you receive a favorable decision by a court or administrative enforcement agency, you could receive:

• the housing you wanted
• compensation for costs such as temporary housing or moving expenses
• compensation for any emotional damages suffered as a result of the discrimination
• an order prohibiting future discrimination or requiring the owner/agent to rent to other qualified homeseekers who are members of a protected class
• your lawyer’s fees paid (some attorneys will take cases with the understanding that they will only be paid if you win the case)
• the satisfaction of knowing that you challenged discrimination and that other people may not go through the pain and frustration you experienced.

We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please keep your eye on the calendar for special events held outside our normal operating hours.

If a state or federal court or anti-discrimination agency finds that unlawful discrimination has taken place, a tenant may be awarded damages, including the following:

• Actual Damages - Out-of-pocket costs that the tenant had to pay as a result of the discrimination. This can also include compensation for non-economic injuries like emotional distress and humiliation.
• Civil Penalties - These range from $16,000 for the first violation, to higher amounts up to $65,000 for subsequent violations. If the U.S. Department of Justice sues, the civil penalty can reach $110,000.
• Punitive Damages - These awards have no limit and have sometimes been in the millions.
• Affirmative Relief - This is an order prohibiting a specific act, or requiring a change in action in the future. For example, the landlord may be required to advertise in publications that people of color read.
• Attorney’s Fees - Fair housing laws allow the injured party to receive reasonable attorney fees from the party violating his or her rights.

• The Fair Housing Act: Prohibits discrimination in housing (including mortgage lending) on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status
• 42 U.S.C. § 3605(a) It is unlawful for any person or other entity whose business includes engaging in residential real estate-related transactions to discriminate against any person in making available such a transaction, or in the terms or conditions of such transaction, because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
• Equal Credit Opportunity Act: Prohibits creditors from discriminating against credit applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or because an applicant receives income from a public assistance program
• Truth in Lending Act Requires clear disclosure of key terms of the lending arrangement
• Additional federal laws: RESPA - Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act & HOPEA – Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act

Real Estate and Personal Property outstanding balances are subject to 14% interest and Water 6% according to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59, sections 57 and 57C. The Tax Title interest rate is 16% under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 60, section 62. Excise interest rate is 12% under MGL 60A, section 2.

• MA Truth In Lending Act – 4 year right to rescission if misrepresentations
• M.G.L. c.183 §28C – Refinancing must be in the borrowers interest – burden on lender
• M.G.L. c. 183C §1 Predatory Home Loan Practices Act – prohibits high cost loans
• Chapter 206 of the Acts of 2007 – An Act Protecting and Preserving Homeownership - Requires 90 day right to cure before foreclosure initiated
• M.G.L. c.93A – Consumer Protection Act
• Attorney General Regulations – Prohibit Foreclosure Rescue Scams; Prohibit Deceptive Mortgage Practices

The median assessed values for Fiscal Year 2024 are as follows:

Single Family                          $1,366,950

Two-Family                             $1,121,700

Three-Family                          $1,267,700

Condominium                           $734,300

Apartments (4+ Units)          $1,797,500

The bill due August 1st covers July 1st through September 30th. (Preliminary Tax bill)

The bill due November 1st covers October 1st through December 31st. (Preliminary Tax bill)

The bill due February 1st covers January 1st through March 31st. (Real Estate Tax bill)

The bill due May 1st covers April 1st through June 30th. (Real Estate Tax bill)

The Assessors office must receive abatement applications within 3 years after the excise is due OR within one year after the excise is paid.

Example: Assume that an excise tax bill is due on February 25, 2008. The abatement deadline would be February 25, 2011, OR one year after the payment of the bill, whichever is later.

Under what circumstances might motor vehicle excise abatement be warranted?

Abatement applications can be filed if:

• the owner believes the assessment is incorrect, or
• if the vehicle was traded, or
• if the vehicle was stolen, or
• if the vehicle was sold during the year in which it is being taxed and the registration was properly cancelled, or
• if the owner moved from the City of Newton to another city or town, before January 1
  if the owner moved to another state and registered the vehicle and cancelled the registration in Massachusetts, or
• if the registration is cancelled, it is most important to return the plate(s) to the Registry of Motor Vehicles and to obtain a return plate receipt.

When an abatement is granted, excise bills are prorated by the month, thus the owner is responsible for the excise accrued through the month in which the car was last registered to him/her.

A certificate must be issued before a building permit can be obtained for work in an historic district. All of the certificates are valid for one year. This means that the owner of the property has one year, from the date a certificate is issued, to obtain a building permit. Upon written request, certificate may be extended.

Types of Certificates include:

1. A Certificate of Non-Applicability is issued for work done in kind (work which matches existing conditions exactly), alterations not visible from any public way, or alterations that are excluded from review. These certificates are generally issued by the Commission staff.
2. A Certificate of Appropriateness is issued for alterations visible from a public way, which the Commission deems appropriate to the character of the property in question and the district.
3. A Certificate of Hardship is issued for work, which is not deemed appropriate but for which failure to approve an application would entail a substantial hardship, financial or otherwise to the applicant. In order to be eligible for a Certificate of Hardship the proposed work should not be a significant detriment to the district. A Certificate of Hardship will also be issued if the Commission exceeds 45 days from the filing of an application and fails to rule on it.

Pick up animal feces: rats eat dog and cat feces so be sure to pick up after your animals

Birdseed: Keep birdseed under control and in the feeder as much as possible. Rats are drawn to birdseed on the ground.

Tree fruit: Pick up fallen tree fruit.

Trash: Rats will climb into open cans and root through trash on the ground. Tie up trash bags and store them in covered containers until they can be disposed of properly.Replace any garbage containers that have holes. You can request a new garbage container online or call 311 to talk to Newton Customer Service.

Grills: Keep grills and grilling areas clean and clear of food waste.

Compost piles: Compost piles that are not properly contained provide food to rats. Make sure your compost is maintained and securely covered.

Yard waste and building materials: Make sure your yard is maintained and that yard waste is properly disposed of in yard bags. Stack building materials, lumber and firewood at least 12 inches above the ground.

Cover openings: Don't give rats a place to live. Cover openings that are greater that 1/2 inch in diameter with concrete, sheet metal or wire mesh.

Summer swim meets typically run about 90 minutes long. Swimmers should bring two towels and clothing to keep warm between events.

You will meet with someone from the Social Services Division who will teach you the signs of opioid overdose, what to do if you suspect an opioid overdose, and how to administer Narcan Nasal Spray. You will leave with two doses of Narcan Nasal Spray and information on harm reduction and treatment options, including support for family and friends.

Contact the Newton Human Rights Commission and File a Complaint. Your claim will be reviewed and investigated, and if appropriate, the Commission will try to resolve it by working directly with both sides.

All you have to do to "join" is drop in and sign in. See Our Programs for a listing of programs and specifics about fees and/or donations. Please contact Ilana Levine, Program Coordinator, at 617-796-1670 or ilevine@newtonma.gov for more information.

The assessors look at a property the same way a potential buyer looks at a property. The assessors consider the factors that a potential buyer considers. Examples of important factors are the following: location, interior condition, house size, kitchen quality, and bath quality. The assessors examine many qualities and conditions and then look for comparable properties that have sold in the neighborhood. Since no two houses are identical, adjustments are made for differing characteristics to determine the assessment. Thus the assessment is an estimate of market value.

• The most scientific explanation and plausible cause is related to the shorter and warmer winters we have had in recent years. Rats are typically less active during the colder parts of the year and are less likely to breed. With a warmer winter, they can breed more and have more offspring that will eventually increase the size of the population we see during the summer and fall.
• Additional reasons for increased in rat sightings may include:
  • Construction - excavation disrupting their below ground habitat
  • Lack of natural predators such as coyotes, foxes, and birds of prey, due to ever expanding development and decreasing green spaces.

A building or structure triggered for review is historically significant if it meets one or more of the following:

• Is located in a local historic district and not visible from a public way, park or body of water;
• is listed on the National and/or State Register of Historic Places, either individually or as part of a district;
• is importantly associated with historic person(s) or event(s) or with the architectural, cultural, political, economic, or social history of the City
• is historically or architecturally important for its period, style, method of construction, or association with a particular architect or builder, either by itself or in the context of a group of buildings or structures

A historically significant building or structure is considered to be preferably preserved if its demolition would be detrimental to the historical or architectural heritage of the City. The Newton Historical Commission determines the status of the property at a public hearing based on the degree of historic value and significance of the building or structure, the architectural value and significance of the building or structure, the general design, arrangement, texture and materials of the features and the relation to those features to similar buildings and structures in the nearby area, and the extent of historic fabric remaining in the building or structure.

If a building or structure is determined to be preferably preserved, a delay of demolition is imposed.

The City is piloting this program to determine if shared parking works for property owners, the public and neighboring properties. Throughout the three-year pilot period the City may adjust rules or regulations as knowledge is gained. Modifications to the Shared Parking Pilot Program will be announced on the program website and sent via email to all participating property owners at least 30 days prior to a rule change going into effect.

Each year, the City of Newton sends an Annual City Census form to all residential households. Registered voters who do not respond before June 1st, of each year, will become inactive. It is important to note this does not mean you have been deleted.

**If your status is "inactive" when you arrive at your polling location to vote, a Valid ID is required.**

The assessment is an estimate of market value. The definition of market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open, competitive market, without any undue influences. The assessment represents the estimate of market value as of January 1, 2023 for Fiscal Year 2024. This estimate of market value is determined by examining sales of properties from late calendar year 2021, calendar year 2022, and early calendar year 2023 sales. Although the majority of properties are not for sale, Massachusetts General Laws requires an assessment, or an estimate of market value, on every property. Sales of similar or comparable properties within a neighborhood are the best indicator of market value.

A reusable bag is must be sewn with stitched handles and designed for multiple uses. It must be made of natural fibers or durable, non-toxic plastic (not polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride) that is at least 4 mils thick.

In 2017, there were 9 opioid overdose-related deaths in Newton. View a town-by-town listing of opioid-related overdose data

The Department of Public Works has the primary responsibility for execution of the snow and ice control plan and is responsible for more than 320 miles of roadways, 80 plus miles of sidewalks, approximately 43 City owned buildings (including 21 school sites), 15 city-owned public parking lots, streets and sidewalks over 22 bridges, areas adjacent to 70 plus school bus stops, 35 plus MBTA bus stops, 10 T-Stops, and 3 Commuter rail stops. The City encompasses 18.3 square miles and is comprised of 13 distinct villages, eight separate wards, and has a population of 87,000 plus. Bordering communities include: Brookline, Brighton, Watertown, Waltham, Weston, Wellesley, Needham and West Roxbury. Newton also has east–west and north-south highway infrastructure with Routes 9, 90 and 128/95 running through the city.

You will be contacted directly to discuss next steps.

In appropriate situations, your complaint may be referred to the Fair Housing Center of Boston for immediate action or to a service agency. Otherwise, your complaint will be investigated by the Newton Human Rights Commission and an attempt will be made to resolve it informally. At any point in the process, and particularly if an applicable filing deadline is approaching, you may choose to file a housing discrimination complaint directly in court or with either of these two government agencies which have formal enforcement powers:

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) MCAD handles all discrimination complaints that fall under state law as well as violations of the federal Fair Housing Act. Complaints of housing discrimination must be filed with MCAD within 300 days of the most recent violation. For more information contact:

MCAD One Ashburton Place
Sixth Floor, Room 601
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-994-6000
TTY: 617-994-6196
Website: mass.gov/mcad

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HUD is the federal agency, which receives and investigates housing discrimination complaints that violate federal law. Complaints must be filed with HUD within one year of the most recent violation. For more information contact:

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Thomas P. O’Neill, Jr.
Federal Building 10 Causeway Street, Room 321
Boston, MA 02222-1092
Tel: 617-565-5308 or 800-827-5005
Fax 617-565-7313
TTY 617-565-5453
Email: Complaints_office_01@hud.gov
Website: hud.gov

According to a Supreme Judicial Court ruling in April, 1996 and subsequent Registry of Motor Vehicle regulations, cities and towns must issue a final notice to the taxpayer stating that they plan to ask the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to prohibit renewal of his/her registration until the excise bill is settled. If the notice goes unanswered, such a request will be made. The Registrar may then prevent renewal of the vehicle registration along with the owner’s driver’s license until receiving notice that the bill has been paid.

If a taxpayer finds him/herself in this situation and has been refused renewal of a registration or license, he/she may remedy the matter by making full payment on the bill, including all fees and penalties, which will include a $20.00 release fee. Once the bill has been paid, the municipality will give the motorist a receipt to keep and will notify the Registry of Motor Vehicles electronically. At this point you can reregister the vehicle. The City of Newton notifies the Registry of Motor vehicles via our Deputy Tax Collector, who sends electronic releases every 15-30 minutes. Although the Registrar is notified electronically that the matter has been resolved, sometimes there is a delay which is why it is so important to retain one’s receipt.

Vehicle owners should be aware of the fact that the excise tax law (M.G.L. c. 60A) gives tax collectors six years from the date a bill is issued to collect an excise tax bill. However, under Registry regulations, tax collectors have two years from the date of issuance of an excise bill to notify the Registry of nonpayment. The Registry will then electronically mark the driver’s record for non-renewal until the excise is paid. If the tax record does indicate a history of nonpayment, the tax collectors can also mark the driver’s record and institute proceedings to collect for as many years back (in other words, beyond six) as necessary.

For more information or clarification, visit the MA Department of Revenue’s website

If an excise is not paid within 30 days from the issue date, the local tax collector will send a demand, with a fee for $5.00. In addition, interest will accrue on the overdue bill at an annual rate of 12% from the day after the due date.

If the demand is not answered within 14 days, the collector may issue a warrant to the deputy tax collector or an appointed agent, which carries another $10.00 fee. The deputy tax collector (or agent) issues a warrant notice at a cost of $12.00. If there is still no response, a final warrant, a service warrant, will be delivered or exhibited to the taxpayer at his/her residence or workplace, at a fee of $17.00. All interest and penalties should be clearly stated on the bill.

Also, under a new law passed in 2002 amending M.G.L. Chapter 90, section 3 1/2, improper registration of a motor vehicle or misrepresentation of the place of garaging may subject the owner to substantial fines (between $200 - $1000 for each offense on each vehicle owned for each taxable year). Criteria has been established to determine residency for taxes (such as sales/use, excise, and even registration) on motor vehicles. Evidence to contest apparent violations of the law must be submitted in an abatement application following receipt of the tax bill, or in the district court following prosecution (for up to three years of owed tax) by state or local law enforcement authorities. The new law may be enforced by the Department of Revenue, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, local board of assessors, and state and local police.

If the bill remains unpaid and outstanding more than thirty (30) days after its issue date, it will continue to accrue interest and other charges and fees for which you will be responsible. Your driver's license and/or vehicle registration will also be submitted to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles for non-renewal action. For more information please visit the Frequently Asked Questions of the Office of the Treasurer/Collector.

Incomplete permits will be put on hold and you cannot call for an inspection. We will notify you of an incomplete permit. Those permits will only be kept for a limited time without a response from you. Your application will then be returned to you without a permit. You will then need to refile your application and be subject to a double fee if work was started without a permit.

If a cash register cannot be programmed to add “checkout bag charge,” or if a paper receipt is used, the words “checkout bag charge - ten (10) cents” must be handwritten.

Failure to receive your property tax bill does not excuse you from payment of taxes, or from the interest and fees that accrue on the outstanding balance(s). A tax bill is generated and mailed for every parcel in the City. It is the responsibility of the property owner to pay taxes regardless of receipt of a bill. Contact the Treasury Department to have a duplicate bill mailed to you. By operation of law, the name of the record owner as of January 1 of the previous fiscal year must be on the tax bill. New property owners can have their name added to the bill (shows as “c/o” on the bill) by contacting the Assessing Department assessing@newtonma.gov (617) 796-1160.

Payment of the motor vehicle excise is due 30 days from the date the excise bill is issued (not mailed, as is popularly believed). According to Chapter 60A, section 2 of the Massachusetts General Laws, “Failure to receive notice shall not affect the validity of the excise”. A person who does not receive a bill is still liable for the excise plus any interest charges accrued. Therefore, it is important to keep the Registry, local assessors, and the post office informed of a current name and address so that excise bills can be delivered promptly. All owners of motor vehicles must pay an excise tax; therefore, it is the responsibility of the owner to contact the local assessor if he/she has not received a bill.

You have a three minute grace period after paying for your space when you can cancel the payment to correct a wrong-space entry.

Go to "Menu" --> "Help" --> "Fix It". You will be asked to

Pay the bill. Read the back of the bill. Contact the Assessing Department. If a tax abatement is granted by the Assessing Department, you will receive a refund of any tax overpaid. You will be responsible for paying fees and interest charges that accrue on unpaid bills even if the Assessing Department grants an abatement of a portion of the tax.

If an excise bill is received for a vehicle or trailer that has been sold, the seller must:

1. Return the plate(s) to the Registry of Motor Vehicles and obtain a return plate receipt.
2. File an application with the Assessors office for abatement together with the following:
   • return plate receipt AND
   • the bill of sale OR transfer letter

Contact the Assessors office at (617) 796-1160 for an application for abatement OR you can fill in and print out a Motor Vehicle Abatement Application Form. Follow the directions on the form and send it to the Assessors office at 1000 Commonwealth Ave, Newton Centre, Ma 02459 or e-mail to assessing@newtonma.gov.

The Assessors office can then adjust the bill to reflect the ownership for only part of the year, and grant the proper abatement. The bill is prorated back to the last day of the month in which the vehicle was owned and the excise bill on the new vehicle will be prorated as of the date the new vehicle was registered. In no event shall the excise abatement be for less than $5.00, nor shall an abatement or refund under Section 1 of Chapter 60A reduce an excise tax to less than $5.00.

NOTE: It is important to remember that the bill for a vehicle you no longer own should not be ignored. On unpaid excise tax bills, an owner risks incurring late fees and penalties if an abatement is not granted.

If an excise bill is received for a vehicle which was traded and which was not owned in the calendar year stated on the bill, you should:

1. Pay the bill and file an application for abatement with the Assessors office.
2. If the license plates were transferred to the new vehicle provide a copy of the New Registration Form AND the Purchase Agreement citing the vehicle as Trade-in.

1. If the license plates were returned to the Massachusetts RMV provide a copy of the Plate Return Receipt AND the Purchase Agreement citing the vehicle as Trade-in.
2. Provide a copy of your completed application for abatement along with all supporting documentation to the Assessors office.

Contact the Assessors office at (617) 796-1160 for an application for abatement OR you can fill in and print out a Motor Vehicle Abatement Application Form. Follow the directions on the form and send it to the Assessors office at 1000 Commonwealth Ave, Newton Centre, Ma 02459 or e-mail to assessing@newtonma.gov.

The Assessors office can then adjust the bill to reflect the ownership for only part of the year, and grant the proper abatement. The bill is prorated back to the last day of the month in which the vehicle was owned and the excise bill on the new vehicle will be prorated as of the date the new vehicle was registered. In no event shall the excise abatement be for less than $5.00, nor shall an abatement or refund under Section 1 of Chapter 60A reduce an excise tax to less than $5.00.

NOTE: It is important to remember that the bill for a vehicle you no longer own should not be ignored. On unpaid excise tax bills, an owner risks incurring late fees and penalties if an abatement is not granted.

You may file a formal appeal with the Middlesex Superior Court.

If a motor vehicle owner moves out of Massachusetts and has not paid an excise tax for the current year, he/she should:

1. File an application with the Assessors office for abatement together with the following:
   • Registration form from the new State or Country, AND
   • Plate Return Receipt from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles

Contact the Assessors office at (617) 796-1160 for an application for abatement OR you can fill in and print out a Motor Vehicle Abatement Application Form. Follow the directions on the form and send it to the Assessors office at 1000 Commonwealth Ave, Newton Centre, Ma 02459 or e-mail to assessing@newtonma.gov.

The Assessors office can then adjust the bill to reflect only the part of the year the vehicle was registered in the state, and grant the proper abatement. The bill is prorated back to the last day of the month in which the vehicle was registered in the state of Massachusetts. In no event shall the excise abatement be for less than $5.00, nor shall an abatement or refund under Section 1 of Chapter 60A reduce an excise tax to less than $5.00.

NOTE: It is important to remember that the bill for a vehicle that is no longer registered in the state of Massachusetts should not be ignored. On unpaid excise tax bills, an owner risks incurring late fees and penalties if an abatement is not granted.

If you move within Massachusetts and have not paid an excise tax for the current year, you should:

1. Pay the motor vehicle excise to the city or town in which the vehicle was registered on January 1.

The excise for any particular year is due to the municipality in which the vehicle was registered on January 1 of that year. In the case of any person who moves during any particular registration year, the excise will be due to the city or town where the vehicle was registered on January 1 of that calendar year.

If the vehicle is stolen and not recovered within 30 days, the owner will be entitled to an abatement if he/she provide the Assessors office with a copy of the following documentation:

• Insurance Company Settlement Letter AND
• C-19 form (Affidavit of Lost or Stolen Plates) from the Registry of Motor Vehicles OR New Registration if plate transferred

Falsely reporting the theft of a motor vehicle or trailer will result in severe penalties and a person may be charged up to three times the excise due on the vehicle for an entire year.

Contact the Assessors office at (617) 796-1160 for an application for abatement OR you can fill in and print out a Motor Vehicle Abatement Application Form. Follow the directions on the form and send it to the Assessors office at 1000 Commonwealth Ave, Newton Centre, Ma 02459 or e-mail to assessing@newtonma.gov.

The Assessors office can then adjust the bill to reflect the ownership for only part of the year, and grant the proper abatement. The bill is prorated back to the last day of the month in which the vehicle was owned and the excise bill on the new vehicle will be prorated as of the date the new vehicle was registered. In no event shall the excise abatement be for less than $5.00, nor shall an abatement or refund under Section 1 of Chapter 60A reduce an excise tax to less than $5.00.

NOTE: It is important to remember that the bill for a vehicle you no longer own should not be ignored. On unpaid excise tax bills, an owner risks incurring late fees and penalties if an abatement is not granted.

If the vehicle is totaled the owner may be entitled to an abatement if he/she provides the Assessors office with a copy of the following documentation:

• Insurance Company documentation stating the vehicle is a total loss and showing the date of loss AND
• Plate Return Receipt from the Registry of Motor Vehicles OR New Registration if plate was transferred AND
• A completed application for a motor vehicle excise tax abatement.

Contact the Assessors office at (617) 796-1160 for an application for abatement OR you can fill in and print out a Motor Vehicle Abatement Application Form. Follow the directions on the form and send it to the Assessors office at 1000 Commonwealth Ave, Newton Centre, Ma 02459 or e-mail to assessing@newtonma.gov.

The Assessors office can then adjust the bill to reflect the ownership for only part of the year, and grant the proper abatement. The bill is prorated back to the last day of the month in which the vehicle was owned and the excise bill on the new vehicle will be prorated as of the date the new vehicle was registered. In no event shall the excise abatement be for less than $5.00, nor shall an abatement or refund under Section 1 of Chapter 60A reduce an excise tax to less than $5.00.

NOTE: It is important to remember that the bill for a vehicle you no longer own should not be ignored. On unpaid excise tax bills, an owner risks incurring late fees and penalties if an abatement is not granted.

If your check bounces, you will be responsible for a $25.00 fee in addition to the amount of the check that is returned, plus any accrued interest/fees.

If your check bounces, you will be responsible for a $25.00 fee in addition to the amount of the check that is returned, plus any accrued interest/fees.

If your check bounces, you will be responsible for a $25.00 fee in addition to the amount of the check that is returned, plus any accrued interest/fees.

We encourage parents to arrange car pools. However, limited transportation is provided.

If you paid with your bank’s online banking and your payment is not credited to your account within two weeks, a written request for research must be accompanied by a copy of the canceled check, both front and back. Your online transaction with your bank produces a paper check without the remit portion of the tax bill. The paper check is posted manually to the “bill number” you provided in the “Account” field. Fax, mail or e-mail us the copy. Fax: (617) 796-1343, 1000 Commonwealth Ave. 02459, or treasury@newtonma.gov In the future, do not use your bank’s online banking to pay City bills. Pay on City’s site instead.

If you paid by check, a copy of the cancelled check must be provided along with a letter of request that we research your misapplied payment. Fax, mail or e-mail us the cancelled check copy.

If you paid by cash, the original receipt (copies not accepted) from your cash transaction must be provided along with a letter of request that we research your misapplied payment. It is best not to mail the original receipt so it does not get lost in the mail.

If you paid via the City’s website, please provide a copy of the email receipt issued as a result of the online transaction. Occasionally a customer will enter the incorrect bill number and pay someone else’s bill.

If charges have been incurred they will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

We strive to keep our boards and commissions up-to-date and fully filled. When a particular board or commission is filled or has pending appointments, we will try to let the applicant know as soon as possible that this is the case. (If the online application system indicates that the desired board or commission does not have a current vacancy, we encourage applicants to still submit an application because terms are continuously in flux and unexpected resignations might need to be filled. We keep a file of all applicants even for fully staffed boards and commissions.)

The applicant should come in to the Clerk's office and file a change of address form from. The cost is $10.00.

You can find a PDF version of the form on our website.

If it is a complete change of ownership, a new business certificate must be filed, with a fee of $35.00.

To read the full text of the Massachusetts Law Chapter 110 Section 5 which requires the filing of Business Certificates please visit the states' General Laws website.

A completed application includes:

• an application be submitted via the City's online permitting portal: https://newtonma.viewpointcloud.com/ as of May 2, 2022
• proof of ownership
• color photographs of the property and the building / structure to be demolished
• color photographs of surrounding buildings
• a site plan or Assessor’s map, available on the City website HERE
• reasons for demolition

Recommended and applicable additional information listed on the application may also be helpful in making a determination. It is the applicant's responsibility to submit this information on time.

A supplemental tax bill is issued to property owners that had construction resulting in an increase in market value (assessment) of more than 50% on the parcel. Contact Assessing department or see Assessing’s FAQs for more information.

An abatement is a reduction in a Real Estate valuation based on a correction to the assessed valuation. Contact Assessing for abatement information.

An accessory apartment, sometimes called an in-law apartment, is a separate living unit located on a residential lot. An accessory apartment includes one or more rooms used to provide living, sleeping, cooking, eating and sanitation, located within a single- or two-family dwelling or in a detached structure on the same property. Accessory apartments are by definition subordinate in size and location to the primary unit.

An elderly exemption is a reduction in a Real Estate tax due based on certain age and income requirements set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Contact Assessing for elderly exemption information.

A bill will be estimated if a read is not pulled into the file at the time of billing. There could be some disconnect between the meter and the MTU (meter transmission unit). That is why we requested on all estimated bills (orange in color) to call Service at 617-796-1640 between the hours of 7 am to 3 pm, Monday - Friday to schedule an appointment with a technician to investigate your meter and MTU.

There are two types of Historic Districts National Register Districts and Local Historic Districts. There are over 30 National Register Districts in Newton. Listing in the National Register is primarily an honorary federal designation based on a property's historic significance. National Register listing also provides some potential tax incentives and protection from federal and state-regulated projects. Properties can be in National Register Districts, Local Historic Districts, or both.

Local Historic Districts require review of exterior alterations for their appropriateness to the building and/or district. Even small repairs and replacements such as windows and siding require review of the Preservation Planner and/or the District Commission. At present, there are four local historic districts in Newton: Newton Upper Falls, Chestnut Hill, Newtonville, and Auburndale. Local Historic Districts are created through community interest and a 2/3 vote of the City Council. Applications for project review are available at the Inspectional Services Department counter or online. The deadline for submission is 5:00 p.m. 15 days before the next meeting.

The Newton Parks and Recreation Department works closely with the Newton Public Schools to provide inclusive summer programs. The Newton School Department is responsible for all summer placements. Please check with your school facilitator or special education team about this process.

The Meter Transmission Unit (MTU) is the grey fixture on the outside of your home, which is wired to your meter. The MTU transmits the reads from your home to a main receiver so that the MCM software can provide the reads for billing.

CBD (cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid derived from hemp. Unlike THC, current research suggests it is non-addictive and non-psychoactive (does not make you high). Some research suggests CBD is effective in treating seizures. There has only been limited research on the efficacy of CBD for treating all other health conditions. Non-prescription CBD products are currently unregulated and not approved by the FDA.

The Community Preservation Act surcharge, approved by the voters of the City of Newton beginning in Fiscal Year 2002. This surcharge is 1% of the total property tax due for the parcel and is used for the acquisition and preservation of open space, recreational land, affordable housing, and historic properties. See Assessing FAQs for more detailed information.

These are indicator bacteria – bacteria that indicate the presence of fecal contamination. E. coli stands for Escherichia coli, a species of fecal coliform bacteria that is specific to fecal material from humans and other warm-blooded animals. E. coli is a single species in the fecal coliform group. Indicator bacteria testing is recommended for freshwater recreational swimming areas.

Chapter 60A of Massachusetts General Law imposes an excise for the privilege of registering a motor vehicle in Massachusetts. If you have a Massachusetts license plate on your car (or in your possession) you must pay Excise tax, a yearly tax, based on the value of the car on which the plate was registered. All bills must be reconciled within 30 days by either payment in full, or abatement in full. The largest Excise tax billing commitment is usually billed in February and due in March. However, you could receive an Excise bill at any time during the year, depending on when you registered your car and when the Registry of Motor Vehicles generates a bill. If you believe you were double billed in one calendar year, look to the year of the bill and the bill number as they may be different.

See the Massachusetts Department of Revenue web-site for more Excise tax information (Google search “Massachusetts Excise Tax”). Be sure to receive a return plate receipt from the Registry should you ever surrender your license plate to the RMV or your insurance company. You are billed Excise tax as long as the license plate is in your possession (not in the possession of the Registry of Motor Vehicles). If you move to another city or state, or if the vehicle is sold, traded, totaled, stolen, contact the Assessing department for abatement information. Assessing’s abatement form is on the back of the bill.

Excise tax information originates with the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The address that the license plate was registered to on January 1 determines where the tax bill for that year will be mailed. If you move January 2nd, the bill will still go to the January 1 address. Failure to receive a bill does not excuse you from the tax or fees that accrue on outstanding tax bills. Change your forwarding address with the US Postal Service so that you receive your Excise bills. Contact the Treasurer/Collector’s office if you do not receive a bill. For questions about making payment, contact the Collector’s office. For all other questions, i.e. valuation, other tax questions, contact the Assessing department.

These laws apply to banks and mortgage companies as well. When you are looking for a mortgage, it is essential to compare loan offers from different banks and mortgage companies. Be wary of mortgage brokers who tell you there are no other options or who advertise "No credit? Bad credit? No problem!" Don’t let yourself feel pressured into a mortgage that is not right for you. Here are some ways to avoid problems:

• Educate yourself. Take a First Time Homebuyer course and understand the industry terminology.
• Be a smart consumer. Shop around and compare mortgage products.
• Get your finances in order. Know how much you can afford.
• Talk to someone you trust who isn’t going to make any money from the deal.
• Never agree to a loan if you don't have the income to cover all of your monthly debts, including the mortgage!
• Get copies of all documents before closing, and read them carefully. If you do not understand them, seek help in reviewing them.
• Get a second opinion. Contact a community organization to obtain financial counseling before you sign any documents, or seek advice from an attorney.

Integrated Pest Management is a problem-solving approach to landscape and building management designed to prevent and control undesirable bacteria, fungi, insects, rodents and weeds.  IPM relies on the use of site-specific information about environmental conditions and the dynamics of human characteristics and activities, and pest biology and behavior to prevent, resist and control pests that interfere with the purpose and use of a specific site.  When a pest has exceeded a pre-determined threshold at a particular site, all appropriate pest control strategies are employed, including modifying the habitat, modifying maintenance practices, modifying user behavior, and, if all else fails, using pesticides as a last resort, and only within specific guidelines for least-toxic selection and use.  [From Newton’s Integrated Pest Management Policy that can be found https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument?id=48965].  For more information please refer to the City of Newton IPM Policy and IPM Procedures.

Chapter 60A of Massachusetts General Laws imposes an excise on the privilege of registering a motor vehicle or a trailer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The excise is levied annually in lieu of a tangible personal property tax. Non-registered vehicles, however, remain subject to taxation as personal property.

The excise is levied by the city or town where the vehicle is principally garaged and the revenues become part of the local community treasury.

Narcan is the brand name of the generic naloxone, and it’s described as an opiate antidote. Narcan or naloxone is administered to people in order to reverse the effects of an overdose of heroin or other opioid painkillers.

A completed business certification application. If the complete application is to be returned to the city clerk by mail, the applicant's signature must be notarized prior to submission.

Personal property is “tangible” property. That means the property physically exists. Personal property is assets, goods and material objects used in the conduct of a business and is assessed separately from real estate.

The assessment date is January 1 of each year. Any business that existed on that date is subject to personal property tax and will be billed for the entire fiscal year. This applies to businesses that have closed or relocated after the assessment date. Personal property tax is not prorated per Massachusetts General Law.

Preliminary tax bills are estimated bills. The estimate is based on the actual net tax bill of the previous fiscal year. The preliminary tax is due in two installments (August and November). Formula: Actual for previous FY x 2.5% = X. (Actual + X) divided by 4.

Real estate tax is the actual tax for the Fiscal Year. In December, the Assessing Department assesses the tax for the year and the amounts paid on the Preliminary bills are subtracted from the tax. The RE tax is due in two installments (February and May).

The checkout bag fee is required to be a separate line item on the receipt listed as “Checkout Bag Charge.”

These acronyms stand for Sewer Lien, Water Lien, Sewer Lien Interest, and Water Lien Interest. When water bills are not paid in full and on time, past due charges are moved from the water account billing system and put to the real estate billing system. Mortgage lenders are notified these liens via the electronic billing file they receive. The interest rate on real estate bills is 14% whereas the interest charged on past due water is 6%. For more information, see FAQ: What are the interest rates for past due bills?

Synthetic marijuana, commonly called Spice, K2, or Herbal Incense consists of plant material containing illegal synthetic cannabinoids (not made from the marijuana plant). Synthetic marijuana is not the same as marijuana and it is dangerous and unpredictable. A range of chemicals are in different products, so it is hard to know what the effects will be. Although they act on the same parts of the brain as THC, synthetic marijuana's powerful chemicals can trigger stronger, more severe reactions such as mental breaks (psychoses) and even death. Other side effects reported from the use of synthetic marijuana are: Increased heart rate, breathing problems, kidney damage, vomiting, and violent or suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Learn more.

When Real Estate taxes are not paid on time and in full, a lien is placed on the property by operation of law. The City of Newton perfects this lien by commencing Tax Title procedures. Thereafter, an Instrument of Taking is filed at the Registry of Deeds (or Registry District). Now a matter of public record, the City’s interest in those unpaid tax dollars, interest fees and costs constitute a recorded lien on the property. This lien is a cloud on the title. This means that when the property is re-financed or sold, the City’s lien must be paid to have good title to the property. Usually, the lien amount (with 16% interest) is paid by the Settlement Agent/Closing Attorney. Upon payment of the Tax Title lien in full, a certificate of Redemption is issued by the City. This document must be filed at the Registry of Deeds (or Registry District) to remove the cloud on the title. The Certificate of Redemption removes the lien and clears the title to the property. See Mass. General Law, Chapter 60, Section 53 for more information.

The Health & Human Services Department works with other City departments, residents, and business owners to promote better understandings of rat behavior and how to minimize their presence and impact on the community. Our Environmental Health Specialists provide educational information to the public and businesses and construction sites to promote and ensure best practices of pest management and control. The Public Buildings Department pretreats for rodents on city projects and monitors for rodent presence throughout projects, taking appropriate pest control steps as needed. The Inspectional Services Department requires pest control plans for special permit applications.

The verification code is a 3 digit code that verifies you have entered in the correct cell phone number or email when signing up. The PIN number is a four digit number of your choice that you will login with.

An abatement is a reduction in a real estate valuation based on a correction to the assessed valuation. The assessed value has nothing to do with the age of the owner, the income of the owner or any other financial information about the owner. The assessment represents an estimate of market value. An elderly exemption is a reduction in a real estate tax due based on certain age and income requirements set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. An individual who files for an abatement of real estate valuation because of age and/or income has filed the wrong form. Instead, that individual should file for an elderly exemption. The only factor the assessors examine on an abatement application is the market value of the property. Age and/or income do not factor into assessment determination. (Please refer to Questions 5 and 6).

The Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston is a private advocacy organization for victims of housing discrimination. It can assist you with filing a complaint in court or with MCAD or HUD, and may act as an advocate on your behalf. The address and contact information for the Fair Housing Center is:

Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston
59 Temple Place #1105
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617-399-0491 (TTY users, please call the MA Relay Service at 1-800-439-2370)
Website: bostonfairhousing.org

This is the second step after receiving a denial of the appeal.

See FAQ “How do I appeal a parking ticket?” for the first step. If denied, you can submit a hearing request on the city website. To submit a hearing request, go to the city website newtonma.gov > select Newton311 tab > select Parking tab > select Parking Ticket Hearing. You will be assigned a date and time to appear, at which time you must present new information not previously provided in the original written appeal. The Appeal Officer will render a decision in writing within 14 days.

This Massachusetts law protects people from prosecution for possession of controlled substances if the evidence is discovered while they are seeking medical attention for themselves or someone else for a drug-related overdose. More information.

The Massachusetts lead law, in conjunction with fair housing laws, makes it illegal for a property owner or real estate agent to refuse to sell a home to a family with children because of the presence of lead paint. It is the seller’s responsibility to inform you of the dangers of lead paint, the lead law, and all information they have about the presence of lead paint in the property (e.g. copies of all lead inspection reports). Once you own a home, it is your responsibility to de-lead if you have children under the age of six living there. Refusing to rent to families with children is against the law! It is the landlord’s obligation to de-lead their rental properties.

There are funds available to help owners de-lead. For more information, contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at (617) 624-5757, (800) 532-9571, or visit their website. For information on the City of Newton’s hazard abatement assistance, contact Malcolm Lucas, Housing Planner, at mlucas@newtonma.gov.

The A next to the meter reading means that his is an automative reading trasnsmitted to City Hall, C is Customer Read, V is a visual read by a City Technician, E is an estimate and M is a manual adjusted read, Occasionally, the meter reading equipment does not transmit a valid read and Billing Office estimates a bill. However, if you have more than two estimates in a row, you should contact the Service Department at 617-796-1640 Mon-Fri 7 Am-3PM to make an appointment to have your rtm and meter connection checked.

The Human Rights Commission is authorized under City of Newton Ordinance Article 4 sections 12-50 - 12-59. The Human Rights Commission considers claims of discrimination relating to housing that occur in Newton and that are filed within 300 days of the occurrence of the alleged unlawful practice. The Commission does not represent or advocate for any party in court or before an administrative agency, nor does it have actual enforcement powers. It is a neutral governmental body which receives and investigates discrimination complaints, attempts to resolve them informally, and if necessary proposes remedial actions following a fact-finding hearing.

City of Newton Parking
P.O. Box 590363
Newton, MA 02459-0004

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Law c. 59, sec 64, if no Form of List was filed for the fiscal year, the assessor cannot grant abatement for overvaluation of personal property for the year. A Form of List is not considered filed unless it is complete.

If the Form of List is not filed on time, the assessor can only grant abatement if the taxpayer shows a reasonable excuse for late filing or if the tax assessed is more than 150% of the amount that would have been assessed if the Form of List was filed on time. In this case, only the amount over the 150% of the correct value can be abated.

Fiscal Year begins July 1 and ends June 30th.

• Submit the necessary documents and a complete application for demolition review that describes the proposed demolition to the Preservation Planner. Applications are available online as of May 2, 2022 via https://newtonma.viewpointcloud.com/
• Within 15 business days of receipt of a completed application, the Newton Historical Commission and/or the Preservation Planner will determine whether the building is historically significant.
• If the alteration, addition or demolition is approved, the applicant will be notified. Otherwise, for full demolition the Newton Historical Commission will hold a public hearing within 45 days of the determination of historical significance. For partial demolition, the Newton Historical Commission will hold a public hearing within 45 days of receipt of all the required documents. At the public hearing, the Newton Historical Commission will review the application and determine whether the building or structure is preferably preserved. This decision will be sent to the Commissioner of the Inspectional Services Department and applicant.

• Step  1 – Development Review.  The Development Review Team (DRT) consists of City staff from several departments.  It meets weekly with prospective applicants to evaluate new proposals.  Most people find this an efficient way to learn about issues they may want to address early on to ensure a successful project.  After the DRT meeting, you'll be given a checklist for the next step if you need a special permit.
• Step 2 – Zoning Review.   The Chief Zoning Code Official (CZCO) will review the proposal for compliance with the City’s zoning regulations and will prepare a written report.   Provided that all necessary information is provided by the applicant to describe the project, the CZCO will complete this review within 45 days.  When the review is done, you’ll be given a special permit application.
• Step 3 – Special Permit Application.  This  application includes a checklist outlining the information needed, which is similar to that for a zoning review. You will need to submit 15 copies, since plans will be reviewed by several members of City staff and the 8 members of the Land Use Committee of the City Council. You can obtain this checklist and application from any Land Use Planner.  A planner must review the submittal for completeness before it’s turned in to the City Clerk.
• Step 4 – Public Hearing.  The Land Use Committee will hold a public hearing to learn about your proposal.  You’ll have a chance to present the project, answer their questions, and hear what other interested parties have to say.  Neighbors will be notified of the hearing and your personal contact with them in advance is strongly advised; their feedback can inform design decisions and foster support for the proposal. Ward Councilors also should be contacted prior to the public hearing.  By law, a hearing must be held within 65 days of filing, but it’s usually much sooner.
• Step 5 – Working Session.  Soon after the public hearing, the Land Use Committee will hold a working session to discuss the merits of  the proposal and make recommendations to the full Board.  The public is not invited to speak at this meeting and applicants may participate only if invited by the Committee Chair.
• Step 6 – City Council.  The Land Use Committee Chair will report the Committee’s recommendations to the Council at its next meeting (usually within 2 weeks) and the Council will vote on the proposal; 16 (out of 24) affirmative votes are needed.  The Council can approve, deny, or send a proposal back to Committee for further consideration.  Building permits can be issued if the decision is not appealed by a party of interest (as defined in MGL Chapter 40A) within 20 days of filing of the Council’s decision.

The intent of delaying demolition is to provide time to seek alternative preservation solutions for historically significant buildings or structures. Applicants with properties found to be preferably preserved are encouraged to pursue alternatives to demolition during the delay period. Possible alternatives include altering and reusing the building or structure through a renovation or addition project or moving it to another location. Such projects are often granted a waiver of the remainder of the demolition delay by the Newton Historical Commission.

The Board of Assessors uses the information provided on the Form of List to determine the taxable or exempt status of your personal property as well as its fair market value. The assessors may also require you to provide in writing further information about the property and to permit them to inspect the property.

Forms of List are confidential and not open to public inspection.

Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the US. In 2015, nearly half of all opioid overdose deaths involved a prescription opioid. Since 1999, the number of opioid-related overdose deaths has quadrupled. In Massachusetts, 4 people a day die from opioid overdose. Almost 2 million Americans abused or were dependent on prescription opioids in 2014. Most people who abuse prescription opioids get them for free from a friend or relative. Learn more about the scope of the problem in the US here and learn more about the scope of the problem in Massachusetts here.

Depending on the position, the full application will be reviewed by the Mayor or her/his designee, the President of the City Council or the Chair of the School Committee. All first time appointments require an interview with City Hall staff members. If the candidate is selected for appointment, the recommendation will go to the appropriate committee of the City Council for review and the candidate may be invited to meet the committee. The appointment will then go to the full City Council for final review and approval.

The City Council sets the tax rate by December.

Please visit the Tax Rate web page

The zone and parking spot numbers are required to start your parking session and identifies where you are parked. You can find both numbers located on the decal on the parking meter.

People canceling a program on or before the cancellation deadline will be given a refund of the program cost minus the $30.00 non refundable deposit per week. There will be no refunds issued for programs after the cancellation deadline unless we can fill the space.

The ordinance requires that an application be submitted for all proposed exterior changes. In the event that Commission review is not required, a Certificate of Non-Applicability will be issued. Among the types of alterations that will be reviewed for appropriateness to the property and the historic district are:

• Exterior remodeling, additions, and demolition of any structure
• Replacing siding and roof material as well as doors and windows
• Chimneys and brickwork
• Site features such as fences, walls, driveways, and gates
• Signs and signposts

Housing discrimination can take many forms, including these examples:

• Steering – If you are African American being directed to neighborhoods with only African Americans, or if you are Latino to neighborhoods with only Latinos etc.
• Different prices for different people – For example, the price told to a family with children, or someone who is Asian, or someone with a disability, is different than the price told to a family without those characteristics.
• Different terms and conditions for different people – For example, Latino buyers are required to bring a mortgage pre-approved letter before looking at properties, but non-Latino buyers are shown properties without being pre-approved.
• Outright denial of housing or services – For example “I can’t sell you this house because it has lead paint and you have children” or “I think you would be much more comfortable working with my colleague who is Asian”.

Remember: If you buy a multi-family house and become a landlord, you are responsible for upholding the fair housing laws!

Applications for a renewal or new service for Water and Sewer lines can be obtained at the Engineering Department at City Hall. You file an application for an "estimated" amount of the cost of doing the replacement or new service. With applications for new service, please provide a plot plan and have the Engineering Department approve the location address and provide the Parcel I.D. (the Section, Block & Lot). The application will not be processed without Engineering approval. The application then goes to the Service Department to be estimated and is sent back to the billing office to be processed. You will then receive an "estimate", which must be paid in advance to be placed on the list to schedule the work. For Water Services, you must hire a private contractor for excavation of the trench.

Discolored or rusty water may occur as a result of a few different events. If a fire hydrant has been opened for routine testing ("flushing,"usually performed in the month of October), or if City street sweepers have opened the hydrant to fill their trucks, residents nearby may experience dirty or discolored water. In addition, if a main water or sewer line develops a leak, or construction is ongoing near you, you may also experience dirty or discolored water as a result of the main water line being shut down, then brought back online, stirring up sediment in the course of this process.

We recommend that you do not run your hot water immediately, since this will draw the dirty water into your hot water tank. To clear the water, we suggest you run the cold water for a time (10 minutes at most, at one time), ideally later in the day when other surrounding residents will also be doing the same - running the cold water to eliminate the dirty water from the system - since the more homeowners run their cold water, the faster it will flush through the piping and clear up for everyone.

If you notice dirty water in the course of washing clothes, do not put the clothes in the dryer, as this will set stains from the discolored water. The Water/Sewer Business Office has a supply of a rust and stain remover called Iron Out, which you may obtain for free by picking up a bottle at Customer Service Dept in City Hall's main rotunda while supplies last. Please call ahead to confirm that this is still available: (617) 796-1000.

The Parks, Recreation and Culture Department is only treating each athletic field and its surrounding area. The athletic field is the area where athletes play. We are not treating the open space grass areas or mulch beds.  At Cabot Park the area to be treated is approximately 13% of the entire site.  At Forte Park the area to be treated is approximately 33% of the entire site.  At New Cold Springs Park the area to be treated is approximately 19% of the entire site.  At Warren House Park the area to be treated is approximately 54% of the entire site.  At Weeks Park the area to be treated is approximately 33% of the entire site.

Assessments represent 100% of market value as required by Massachusetts General Laws. The assessments for Fiscal Year 2024 represent the estimate of market value as of January 1, 2023.

The following summarizes personal property that must be listed on a Form of List:

(The type of business determines which assets will be taxed locally).

Individuals (Sole Proprietorship & Partnerships)

1. Business furniture and furnishings, i.e. desks, tables, chairs, file cabinets, accessories, etc.
2. Business machinery and equipment, i.e. computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers, compressors, power tools, landscaping equipment, ovens, food processing equipment and machinery, examination tables, x-ray equipment, etc.
3. Business inventory, the dollar amount of “stock in trade” that the business carries on January 1. This inventory amount is usually included on the federal income tax form.

Business Corporations

To be considered a corporation the business must be included in the Massachusetts Domestic and Foreign Corporations Book compiled by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

Business corporations are taxable on poles, underground conduits, wires and pipes.

They are also taxable on all machinery used in the conduct of business except:

1. Machines that are stock in trade. Example: Inventory for sale or lease such as copy machines from a copy machine distributor would be considered exempt.
2. Machines used directly in the dry cleaning or laundering process. Example: A dry cleaning machine owned by a dry cleaner would not be taxable because it is directly involved in the cleaning process.
3. Refrigeration and air conditioning equipment used by an incorporated business would not be taxable.
4. Machinery used directly in the purchasing, selling, accounting or administrative function of the business. Example: Vending machines or point of sale equipment is not taxable. A computer used by a bookkeeper or accounting department of a corporation for payroll would be exempt, however a computer used to do a client’s taxes would be taxable.

Note: Machinery used to provide a service or produce a product for sale or to generate income is taxable. Example: A computer and printer used by a real estate company to generate and distribute information to a prospective client would be taxable.

Manufacturing Corporations/Public Utilities

Businesses that are classified by the Department of Revenue as “Manufacturing Corporations” and are listed as such in the Massachusetts Domestic and Foreign Corporation Book are not subject to personal property taxes. Link to Massachusetts Domestic and Foreign Corporations Book

The Department of Revenue determines values on poles, underground conduits, wires and pipes for certain landline telecommunications carriers and for gas pipelines.

Appealing Personal Property Tax

Property owners who feel that their personal property is overvalued or exempt may file for abatement. Please note that if no Form of List was filed for the fiscal year, the assessor cannot grant abatement for overvaluation of personal property for the year. A Form of List is not considered filed unless it is complete.

Abatement applications for personal property may be obtained only after the Third Quarter tax bill has been mailed, typically at the end of December. This application must be filed with the Board of Assessors by the due date of the Third Quarter tax bill (typically February 1). Information regarding appeals is also mailed with the Third Quarter bill.

Abatement filings and abatement amounts are public records. However, individual abatement applications are not public records.

The Assessing Department may require owners or lessees of personal property to provide certain information in writing as may be reasonable to determine actual fair cash valuation of the property. Failure to comply with the request within thirty days will bar any appeal of the tax assessed, unless the owners or lessees were unable to comply for reasons beyond their control. Any false statement that is knowingly made will also bar the taxpayers from any statutory appeal.

Requests for extension to file the Form of List must be made in writing and approved by the Newton Board of Assessors. Requests must be made 3 business days prior to deadline for submitting your return. No electronic requests for extension will be accepted.

Take a look at Our Programs and we are pretty sure something there will catch your eye. We are always interested in expanding our programing; please contact Ilana Levine, Program Coordinator, 617-796-1670 or ilevine@newtonma.gov with any suggestions.

Application materials vary depending upon the scope of the proposed project. Smaller projects often require less documentation than larger projects. For example: if replacing a window, the application should have a photograph of the building indicating the window proposed to be removed, details on the window proposed to be removed (ie: condition and material), and details on the proposed replacement window such as its design and material.

For additions or site changes documentation may include the following according to scope and complexity of the proposal:

1. photographs of existing site conditions
2. site plan showing adjacent properties (1"= 20' scale)
3. building elevations (1/4"=1' or 1/8=1'), do not submit plans larger than 11” X 17”
4. proposed materials information and/or samples
5. historical information on the property (old photos, etc.)

For New Construction it is important to convey the size, height and massing of a proposed building and how the new construction will relate to the land and adjacent topography and structures. Please review the design guidelines. In addition to the items listed above, applications for new construction should include:

1. photographs - 4 view from cardinal points looking to the site or subject and to relevant adjacent streetscapes and individual structures.
2. drawings/elevations of proposed building construction, do not submit plans larger than 11” X 17”.
3. site sections and topographic information

Applicants are encouraged to review their application with preservation staff of the Planning Department prior to filing.

All swimmers are required to wear competitive swim suits, caps and goggles that fit. Team suits are available, but are not mandatory.

Please visit our Transportation page for a listing of services that can get you around the city and beyond.

Typically, larger properties sell for more than smaller properties with all other factors being equal. If an addition is put on a home, the house becomes larger and generally the market value of the property increases. The assessors would then have to see what similarly sized properties were selling for in the neighborhood. Historical sales have indicated that larger homes sell for more than smaller homes with all other factors being equal. Since the assessed value is an estimate of market value, it is highly likely that the assessed value of your property will increase once the addition is put on the property.

• Keep a distance of 100’ behind all plow vehicles.
• Place the snow and ice from the driveway apron “downstream” side (Left side of the apron as you are standing at the street looking up the driveway) when shoveling or plowing a driveway. This reduces the amount of snow the plows will catch and deposit back onto the apron during street plowing.
• Park in City owned parking lots overnight from November 15 through April 15. Permits are required and may be obtained through the Newton Police Department. (Insert Link)
• Clear sidewalks abutting your property within 30 hours after a storm has ceased. Residents who are physically or financially unable to clear their sidewalks may qualify for the snow exemption program. Please call or visit the Department of Senior Services at 617-796-1660 or on Skype at 617-796-1660

Our lunch menu can be found on our Let's Eat page.

Tax bills and water bills are mailed one month before the due date. Real Estate, personal property and water bills are mailed quarterly (4 bills per year). Contact the Water department with billing frequency and related questions. Excise is billed once a year, the majority of which are mailed in February. See Excise FAQs for more information.

The City of Newton is on a quarterly tax system and taxes are due 4 times per year. Tax due dates are the first business day of August, November, February and May. If the first falls on a weekend or holiday, taxes are due the following business day.

For stores 3,500 square feet or larger, the ordinance is effective on January 8, 2020.

For stores smaller than 3,500 square feet, the ordinance is effective on July 8, 2020.

Payment of the motor vehicle excise is due within 30 days from the date the excise bill is issued (not mailed).

NOTE: A person who does not receive a bill is still liable for the excise plus any interest charges accrued. Therefore, it is important to keep the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles and the United States Postal Service informed of a current name and address so that excise bills can be delivered promptly. Vehicle owners who do not receive an excise tax bill should contact the Office of the Treasurer/Collector at (617) 796-1330.

The Form of List is to be filed with the local Board of Assessors each year before March 1 to determine its fair market value. If property has no permanent location (e.g. construction equipment), it must be listed with the assessors in the city or town where you are domiciled (legal place of residence).

All City ordinances are available here. Ordinances are updated frequently.

Local sports stores such as Modell's, The Barn, Sports Authority and City Sports offer a decent selection of competitive swim equipment. There are also a number of on-line stores that offer competitive swim gear.

In Massachusetts, marijuana can be purchased at any state-licensed dispensary. Buying marijuana anywhere else is illegal.

There are drug kiosks at the Newton Police Station (1321 Washington St) and the West Lobby of Newton-Wellesley Hospital (2014 Washington St). Solid medication only, no liquids or needles. Sharps should be placed in a puncture-proof container and taken to the Resource Recovery Center at 115 Rumford Ave. Liquids should be mixed with inedible materials, such as kitty litter, and thrown away.

Home care services may be obtained from private agencies or through Springwell, the local Aging Services Access Point/ Home Care Corporation (617-926-4100). Springwell has income and "tasks of daily living" criteria which must be met. The Newton Dept. of Senior Services maintains a list of private agencies. If you are not sure, please call senior services (617-796-1660) and speak with a social worker who can help you access the best options.

Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston
The Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston works to eliminate housing discrimination and promote open communities throughout the region. They serve Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Suffolk counties. They are located at 59 Temple Place, #1105, Boston, MA 02111. For more information, go to the Fair Housing Center website, call (617) 399-0491, or email info@bostonfairhousing.org. TTY users, please call the MA Relay Service at 1-800-439-2370.

Boston Regional Office of FHEO U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Thomas P. O’Neill, Jr.
Federal Building
10 Causeway Street, Room 321
Boston, MA 02222-1092
617-994-8300
800-827-5005
617-565-7313 Fax
TTY 617-565-5453
Complaints_office_01@hud.gov

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD)
One Ashburton Place
Sixth Floor, Room 601
Boston, MA 02108
617-994-6000
TTY: 617-994-6196

Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General
Civil Rights Division
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108
617-727-2474
TTY: (617) 727-4765

Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance (MAHA)
197A Centre Street
Dorchester, MA 02124
617-822-9100
617-265-7503 Fax
info@mahahome.org

Metropolitan Housing Boston (Restricted to Metro Housing clients only.)
Barbara R. Chandler
Fair Housing Manager
125 Lincoln Street
Boston, MA 02111
617-425-6681
617-532-7577 Fax
Barbara.Chandler@mbhp.org

The above information was adapted from these resources you may find helpful if you would like more information.

https://matracking.ehs.state.ma.us/Environmental-Data/recreational-water/recreational-water-faq.html#MyPopup

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/marine-and-freshwater-beaches

https://www.mass.gov/doc/beach-testing-guidelines-for-boards-of-health-and-beach-operators/download

The City of Newton Health and Human Services Department is providing free Narcan training and Narcan Nasal Spray to Newton residents. Call 617-796-1420 to make an appointment (Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm). Learn more about the program.

In addition, many pharmacies in MA have a standing order so you can get a Narcan rescue kit without a prescription from your provider. Learn more about naloxone standing orders and see a list of pharmacies in MA with naloxone standing orders.

Payments with a remit slip (Collector/bottom portion of bill):

City of Newton
P.O. Box 9137
Newton, MA 02460-9137
You must include the collector’s portion of the bill so that you account is credited correctly by our bank’s lockbox payment service.

Payments without a remit slip (Collector/bottom portion of bill) should be mailed to our office:

City of Newton Treasury
1000 Commonwealth Ave.
Newton, MA 02459.

*Put your bill number, property address, parcel id, and type of bill you are paying on the face of your check. Do not include address changes with your payment. Address changes must be submitted to Assessing Department and/or Water Department. Contact them for their requirements.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles prepares data for excise bills according to the information on the motor vehicle registration and sends it to city or town assessors. Cities and towns then prepare bills based on excise data sent by the Registry in conformity with Department of Revenue requirements.

In the basement of your house or in a utility closet at the water main shut off. In some cases, the meters are in an outdoor manhole. It is a brass colored pipe meter with an odometer type read.

The menu button is the icon with the three white lines in the left-hand corner of the screen.

On the menu you will find:

The Treasurer & Collector’s office is located in Newton City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Ave., (First floor (@ Commonwealth Ave. side of building), 02459. Newton City Hall is located across from the Newton Free Public Library, and is flanked by Walnut St., Homer St., and Commonwealth Ave.

All correspondence should be mailed to:

City of Newton
Treasurer/Collector’s Office
1000 Commonwealth Avenue (1st Fl.)
Newton, MA 02459

Do not include address changes with Treasury correspondence. Mail address changes to the Assessing department and/or Water department. Contact each department for their specific requirements.

Any resident of the City of Newton can apply for consideration. Some boards or commissions may require certain types of expertise from candidates, but most do not have any specific educational or vocational requirements.

Local tax collectors are responsible for collecting the motor vehicle and trailer excise. Generally, tax collectors and deputy tax collectors do not accept partial payment of an Excise bill. Taxpayers should be prepared to pay the full amount due. There are no special considerations for financial hardship.

The Center is funded by an array of public funds and private contributions. We receive city, state, and federal funds, as well as contributions of all sizes from individuals, corporations and foundations. The Senior Citizen Fund of Newton is a private, not-for-profit organization which generously raises and distributes private funds to support the Newton Senior Center and transportation for seniors. If you would like more information please contact Jayne Colino, Director, at 617-796-1671 or jcolino@newtonma.gov.

Any person, partnership, or corporation conducting business within the City of Newton under a name other than their own or corporate name.

All proprietors, partnerships, associations, trusts and corporations must file a Form of List declaring items as personal property as of January 1 each calendar year. This is a state requirement.

Attendance by the applicant or the applicant's agent is recommended but not required. In discussing the property, the Commission may have questions or suggestions for the applicant, which could impact the final decision.

Any Newton resident who is concerned about the opioid epidemic can participate. We encourage participation by people who suffer from opioid use disorder, those who know someone with opioid use disorder, and employees of businesses whose patrons may overdose (e.g., restaurants, gas stations, libraries, etc.).

We joke that "we don't check IDs." We develop programs to meet the needs and address the interests of the older adult population of Newton. Some people who attend the Center are younger than 55; all are welcome!

The assessed value represents the estimate of market value of the property. The real estate market changes constantly. The assessments change based upon these changes in the real estate market. The assessments do not automatically go up or down every year. The assessed values in the early 1990’s went down because the buyers were paying less for properties than they were in previous years. In Newton, the assessed values went down from Fiscal Year 1992 to Fiscal Year 1993 because the sales prices went down during this period. The assessed values then remained relatively constant from Fiscal Year 1993 to Fiscal Year 1994 because the purchase prices remained constant in this period. The assessments have increased recently because of the increase in the real estate market. The assessed values decreased from Fiscal Year 2007 to Fiscal Year 2008 due to a small decrease in sale prices. The changes in the assessment reflect the real estate sales from the appropriate time period. For Fiscal Year 2024, it is the market value as of January 1, 2023. This Fiscal Year 2024 assessment is determined by examining sales of properties from late calendar year 2021, calendar year 2022, and early calendar year 2023.

The assessed value represents the estimate of market value of the property. The real estate market changes constantly. The assessment for Fiscal Year 2024 represents the estimate of market value as of January 1, 2023. This estimate of market value is determined by examining sales of properties from late calendar year 2021, calendar year 2022, and early calendar year 2023. Although there may not have been any physical changes to the property, buyers may be paying more or less for properties than they were in previous years. The assessment changes reflect the changes in the purchase prices of similar homes in the neighborhood. The assessments do not predict market value. The assessments reflect (or report) market value. The real estate market can change dramatically from year to year. It is not limited to 1, 5, 10 or 25-year intervals. The buyers and sellers determine the market value of properties. The assessments reflect what the buyers and sellers are doing as of the assessment date.

Market value changes occur in many forms. Buyers have different requirements and these requirements sometimes change from year to year. Also, sometimes renovations have been performed on a property that would cause a change in assessed value different from a similar property that did not undergo renovations. A recent inspection by the assessor’s office also may have contributed to a change in assessed value. Perhaps the property had not been inspected in several years and the property information has now been updated to more accurately reflect the condition of the property.

Plastic bags harm the environment and cannot be recycled curbside. The ordinance is intended to reduce litter and to encourage customers to bring their own re-usable shopping bags. Over 120 communities in Massachusetts have now passed laws to reduce the use of plastic bags.

Rats are quite intelligent and interesting creatures. However, they have a bad reputation throughout history for their spread of disease. Rats can potentially act as a vector for diseases such as E. coli, salmonella, hantavirus, and leptospirosis. Luckily, the odds of a human contracting these diseases from a rat is very low, as humans now do not have repeated, direct contact with rodents. The risk for disease from rats becomes even smaller if people take proper precautions to keep their properties rodent-harborage free. As always, people should use gloves when handling any material a rodent may have come in contact with, and should wash their hands promptly upon returning inside.

Just as a potential buyer wants to see the interior and exterior of the property before determining a purchase price, the assessors want to see the interior and exterior of the property to make an accurate determination about the market value of the property. The interior information of a property is essential in determining the estimate of market value. Without the actual information, estimates of the interior information have to be made.

The meters are coin-operated machines and only change from red/expired when coins are inserted. Although the meter reads red/expired, Parking Control Officers will see the payment on their devices.

Actual readings are obtained each day via an automated meter reading (AMR) system. If the meter transmission unit (MTU) is not functioning, you will receive an estimated bill based on previous usage. If your property is equipped with the AMR system and you receive an estimated bill, please call the Service at 617-796-1640 between 7 am to 3 pm, Monday – Friday to schedule a technician to investigate your meter and MTU.

You may have used more water than you realized, especially if it is during the summer months. In addition, your last bill might have been estimated, or there may be a leak in your home. One way to verify if the bill is correct is to read the water meter. If the reading is equal to or appropriately greater than the read to which you were billed, then the water was used. If the read is less than the billed read, please call the Billing Office at 617-796-1040 Mon-Fri 8:30-5:00, with the actual read from your meter. This would have been the result of a bad electronic reading.

Your sewer charge is calculated based on the water consumption at your property. Sewer rates are higher than water rates due to the cost incurred by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) in the treatment of sewerage prior to discharging into the Boston

Narcan is a key tool for saving people's lives. It's critical that people who are struggling with addiction have people around them who are equipped to revive them. While 911 should always be called in an overdose, time is critical and immediate access to Narcan can make all the difference.

Although Narcan is available at pharmacies, some people are unable to obtain it that way, because of expense, fear of stigma, fear of insurance repercussions, and many are not aware they can get it there. This program is an effort to break down those barriers, making it more widely available and coupling it with access to additional recovery resources for those who want to learn about them.

Legally, the assessors must retain the owner of record as of January 1, 2023 for Fiscal Year 2024. If you purchased the property after January 1, 2023, by law we will carry both your name and the legal owner as of January 1, 2023. For Fiscal Year 2025, the legal owner as of January 1, 2024 will be maintained. This is when the prior owner would be removed, and your name would be the only name appearing on the ownership record.

Conditions on athletic fields have deteriorated greatly due in large part to weed infestation. The Parks, Recreation & Culture Department is working to address as many of the causes of poor quality of turfgrass as possible and herbicides is our last resort as part of our IPM program to improve the playability of athletic fields in Newton.

Because if discriminatory housing/lending practices are challenged, you could be subject to the following remedies:

• Monetary damages
• Injunctive Relief
• Civil Penalties
• Punitive Damages
• Lawyer’s fees

People from all walks of life, ethnic backgrounds, income levels, educational backgrounds participate in a huge variety of general life experiences at the Center. We do require that those who attend the Center and its programs do so independently. Some people spend the whole day at the Center, some drop in for specific programs and others use it in whatever combination fits their schedule. If you need additional assistance, Center staff can guide you to other programs.

No, the tax identification number comes from the IRS at the Federal Level. You must apply to the IRS for this number. For more information please visit their website.

Construction, in particular excavation, can lead to an increase in rat sightings. Increasing prevention strategies on your property (making it unappealing to rodents) and/or working with a pest control company will help remediate rodent activity during extensive demolition or excavation projects. The City’s Inspectional Services Department requires pest control plans for special permit applications.

From December 1st through March 31st, it shall be unlawful for any vehicle, other than one acting in an emergency, to be parked on any street, way, highway, road, parkway, or private way dedicated or open to the use of the public for a period of time longer than one hour between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Violators are subject to a $25.00 fine.

Snow Emergency Regulations

Upon the declaration of a Snow Emergency by the Chief of Police in the City of Newton, no person shall stand or park or allow, permit or suffer any vehicle registered in his name or under his control to stand or park on any of the ways or parts thereof within the city in such a manner as to impede the removal or plowing of snow or ice. Violators are subject to a $20.00 fine and the vehicle will be towed.

All stickers or permits issued under the Municipal Lot Parking Program for overnight parking in municipal parking lots shall be automatically suspended upon the declaration of a snow emergency in the City of Newton and all vehicles must be removed from the municipal parking lot. Violators are subject to a $20.00 fine and the vehicle will be towed.

For additional information please visit the Newton Police Department web pages.

Residents may Park in City owned parking lots overnight from December 1 through March 31st. Permits are required and may be obtained through the Newton Police Department.