City of Melrose

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Sidewalk, Driveway and Street Repairs/Improvements

The Engineering Division maintains a listing of all sidewalk, driveway and street defects and improvements. Said repairs are immediately inspected, made safe, and scheduled for permanent repairs either through capital improvement programs, or through projects funded within the yearly city budget and/or by city forces. Please contact the Engineering Division to report any such defects.

Existing Driveway Openings can be widened or new openings can be installed only upon approval from both the Engineering Division and the Inspectional Services Office. The entire cost for said improvements will be borne by the homeowner and must be constructed to City of Melrose's Standards.

Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 40A, is the governing legislation that controls land uses. Part of the law is a fundamental requirement that variances of dimensional regulations may only be granted to parcels that meet specific conditions.

During the process of application for a building permit, a review and determination by the Building Commissioner is performed for verification of zoning compliance of the lot and any existing structures and proposed new construction.

If the existing structure does not fully comply with the present zoning regulations then the legal definition of the property is titled non-conforming. As a non-conforming structure rights such as a change of use or altering the building lines may require a finding of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

When the proposed construction does not comply with the local zoning regulations, a building permit may not be issued.

The City of Melrose, having recognized that a major percentage of the structures in the City are pre-existing non-conforming, passed an ordinance that relieves some dimensional deficiencies.

FY2012 Water & Sewer Rates

$5.25 water residential
$6.45 water commercial
$9.35 sewer both residential and commercial
these rates are per 100 cubic feet.

How do I pay my water bill?

You can pay with cash, money order, or with a check made out to the City of Melrose.  Credit cards, debit cards and third party checks will not be accepted.

Does everyone in the City of Melrose get his or her water bills at the same time?

No.  Melrose bills quarterly.  The City is broken up into sections. Usually two sections of the City are billed at the same time.  There are four billings approximately three months apart. 

You can find out the amount you owe or find out whether your payment has been received by calling the Collector's Office at 781-979-4120

When is my water bill due?

The bill is due 30 days from the "Bill Date".  It must be received on or before that date or a $5.00 late fee will be added and interest will accrue.

Can I make monthly payments on my water bill?

You can make as many payments of any amount to your bill.  However, if there is a balance still due on the due date of that bill then interest will accrue on any unpaid balance.

Can I pay my water bill ahead if I am going on vacation?

Yes, but if there is not a bill in the system we cannot guarantee the amount that will be due.  You may choose to pay the amount of your last bill, however if the new bill is more than the prior bill demand and interest will be charged for the unpaid amount.  You may choose to make a larger payment and the difference will be credited to your account.

What happens if I do not pay my water bill?

Any bill due June 30th and unpaid by November 15th will go to lien on the real estate property tax on the next tax bill (3rd quarter).

Any questions on consumption or questions about correcting or changing a name or address on your bill should be directed to the Water Department at 781-979-4175.

Utility and Street Information and Records

The Engineering Division maintains and holds plans and records for all components of the municipal water, sewer and drain systems including house services. Additionally, the division maintains plans and record information pertaining to street layout, utility easements and rights of way, public takings, and boundary information all pertinent to survey and/or property line research. Zoning and Flood Maps are located in the Inspectional Services Office. Copies of all plans can be made available.