Frequently Asked Questions

This Page Was Last Updated: 12/20/07

Select any one of the topics below to find answers to the questions most frequently asked of town hall employees. We also refer you to the Directories or our site search facility (above) to find out more information. In addition, many of the departments' home pages contain extensive information along with additional lists of frequently asked questions. If there is a question that you feel is frequently asked that does not appear here, please send a comment to the webmaster.

A

Abatements

How do I file for an abatement?

Obtain an abatement request form by calling 862-0500 x203, writing, or stopping by the Assessor's Office. The forms must be received by the office no later than thirty days from the date of making the third quarter bill. The Board of Assessors will review and respond to your abatement request within 90 days of your filing.

My neighbor says to file an abatement application even if my property valuation appears correct. Is he right?

No. The fact is that only about one in four taxpayers filing an abatement request receives an abatement. Only taxpayers who have demonstrated that a property data error exists or a significant unusual condition was not recognized when appraising the property are granted an abatement by the Board of Assessors.

If I file an abatement request, do I have to attend a hearing with the Board of Assessors?

No. If you wish to have a hearing, you may request one. A hearing is neither necessary nor desirable in most cases; if the facts warrant a change in value, we will change it, whether you meet with us or not.

Absentee Ballots

How do I get an absentee ballot?

To request an absentee ballot, registered voters must complete an absentee ballot application or submit a written request, including the address at which the voter is registered to vote and the address the ballot should be mailed to. This application must be given to the Town Clerk’s Office. If you have questions call the Town Clerk's Office at 862-0500 x270.

Alarms

Are there any town regulations regarding home security alarms?

Security alarms (burglar/holdup) may not be connected with the lines of the Police Department to transmit alarm activations. Any alarm which produces an audible signal shall emit a signal not to exceed ten minutes and shall not cycle more than twice during any activation. The third and subsequent false alarms responded to by police in a single calendar year are subject to a $50 service fee. If an alarm is accidentally activated, there is a procedure to cancel police response to avoid being credited with a false alarm response. Contact the Alarm Officer at the Police Station for further information.

All-night Services

Where can I find a 24-hour gas/diesel service station?

Locally, there are five: Bomar Sunoco, Route 128; Shell, Lexington Street, Waltham; Shell, Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington; Shell, Great Road, Bedford.

Are there any 24-hour pharmacies in Lexington?

No. The closest is the CVS in Porter Square, Cambridge.

Animals

Do dogs and cats have to be licensed?

Dogs must be licensed annually. The license year is from January 1 to December 31 (a late fee is charged after March 31). Current rabies certificate and proof of neutering/spaying are required. For further information and fees, call the Town Clerk's Office at 862-0500 x270. There are currently no license requirements for cats, but they must be vaccinated against rabies.

What can I do about a stray dog that is annoying people in my neighborhood?

Dogs must be leashed or under effective control by their owners.

What should I do to protect my family from rabies?

Have dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies. Do not feed pets or put garbage outside. Instruct your children to stay away from all wild animals and to report to you immediately if they see any animal behaving strangely.

Assessments

My property assessment seems high, but I'm not sure if I'm over assessed. What should I do?

The Assessor's Office makes valuation and sales reports available for public inspection. Feel free to conduct a review of your assessment. If you find that your valuation is significantly out of line with sales of similar homes, or valuations of neighboring properties, you may have just cause for filing an abatement request.

My valuation appears to be a little less than what I believe it is worth. How come?

The Assessor's Office attempts to be conservative in estimating the value of your property.

Does someone actually inspect my home before appraising it?

Cursory exterior inspections of all properties are conducted to track major property changes In 1994 the Assessor’s Office began a program of periodic inspections, with the goal being to perform a complete interior and exterior inspection of each property once every ten years. Of necessity, annual revaluations of Lexington's approximately 12,000 properties are conducted using computers and mass appraisal processes. Property values are based to a significant degree on sales dates.

I verified the assessor's property data for my property and found no errors, yet my valuation seems to be higher than what I believe it could be sold for. Is there anything I can do?

Probably not, unless there are grounds for filing an abatement request. Realize that the market for real estate can be highly erratic, and nearly identical houses in similar neighborhoods may sell for widely differing prices. Independent appraisals on a given property may vary significantly from each other and from actual sales prices. Our system of valuation attempts to average all types of sales including sales below, at, or above the theoretical 'fair' market value. Taxpayers' concerns should focus on whether the Assessor's Office has a reasonable and consistent approach to valuing properties.

Automobile Registration

How long can I drive in Massachusetts with out-of-state plates?

A legal resident of Massachusetts must be licensed, and have owned vehicles registered, in

Massachusetts. There is no grace period.

Where do I register my car?

Car registration is handled at any Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Office. Some insurance companies will handle this for you (you need insurance in order to register your vehicle). The nearest Registry offices are located at the Middlesex Mall on the Lexington-Burlington town line, and Route 128 in Reading. An Express Office is located at the Middlesex Mall in Burlington.

B

Ballfields

How do I make a ballfield reservation?

Ballfield reservations are made by phone or in person on Monday mornings at 9:00 a.m. Reservations are made on a weekly basis: one field per person per week is allowed. The individual reserving the field or picnic area must be a resident of Lexington, or the company must be based in Lexington with a majority of players residing in Lexington.

Band Concerts

When are the free band concerts at the bandstand?

Tuesday evenings in July and August at 7:15 p.m.

Bandstand

Can I use the bandstand for wedding photos or other private use?

Yes. Contact the Town Manager's Office at 862-0500 x276 regarding cost and to make reservations for use of the bandstand.

Bicycles

Do bicycles have to be registered or licensed in Lexington?

It is highly recommended because bicycle theft is a problem. A registration sticker attached to your bike will help deter theft. They are available at the Police Office for $2.00.

Bicycle Path

Bikeway?

Yes. Motorized vehicles (except wheelchairs and emergency vehicles) are prohibited on the

bikeway.

Block Parties

Can our neighbors close off a block on our street to have a block party?

Yes, if written permission is granted by the Town Manager.

Building Permits

Do I need a building permit to build a deck? To add a patio?

A building permit is required to construct a deck; however, a permit is not required for a patio or a walkway.

Burning

Can I burn brush in Lexington?

Open burning is strictly controlled according to state law. The open burning dates are from January 15 to April 30 each year. Persons desiring permission to burn must call the Fire Department on the day they desire a permit. There is no permit fee. Open burning rules prohibit the burning of leaves, grass, stumps, large limbs, and trash. Fires must be kept 75 feet away from buildings and not cause a smoke nuisance to neighbors. In addition, the fire must be attended and a hose made available. Burning must take place between 10:00 a.m. and

4:00 p.m. High winds or dry or poor atmospheric conditions may require the Fire Department to prohibit burning at certain periods.

Bus

Can I obtain information about MBTA service in Lexington from the Transportation Services Office?

Yes.

C

Cable TV

The Town grants non-exclusive franchise agreements for operating cable TV service within the town. Each franchise agreement is renegotiated periodically. During the term of each franchise agreement, the Town oversees cable operations under the franchise via the Communications Advisory Committee appointed by the Board of Selectmen. This same committee is responsible for negotiating new franchise agreements.

Where do I complain about cable TV service?

You should first call the Cable TV company which is your carrier.  RCN subscribers should call, 1-800- RINGRCN (1-800 746-4726).  Subscribers using Comcast (formerly ATT) should call 781- 862-6585. If they are not responsive, you may contact someone on the Communications Advisory Committee by leaving a message at the Selectman's office at 781-862-0500 x208.
 
Cary Hall

Can I reserve meeting rooms or the auditorium in Cary Hall?

Non-profit groups and organizations may reserve the Estabrook Room or the main auditorium in Cary Hall for meetings and performances. Fees depend on the residency status of the group and whether police and fire personnel will be required. Call the Town Manager’s Office at 862-0500 x276 for further information or to reserve a room.

Census

Can I prevent my date of birth from being made public?

No. Date of birth is public record under law except for those age 17 and under.

D

Day Care

Where can I obtain a list of day care providers?

A list of licensed day care providers may be obtained by contacting the state Office for

Children. The Preschool PTA annually publishes a booklet of Day Care Centers and

Nursery Schools.

Deed

How do I get a copy of my deed?

A copy of your deed may be obtained at the Assessor's Office (862-0500 x203), which has copies

of deeds dating back to 1965.

Driveways

Is a permit needed to resurface my driveway?

Yes. Call the Engineering Division at 862-0500 x231 to obtain a current list of Approved Paving Contractors. Once you have chosen a contractor, they are required to obtain a Street Occupancy Permit from the Engineering Division prior to beginning the work.

E

Employment

Where are notices of town job openings posted?

Notices of job openings are posted on bulletin boards in the Town Manager's Office, in the

hall by the Selectmen's Office, and in Room G-15 on the ground floor of the Town Office

Building.

Where do I go to get working papers for my teenager?

You should take your child to the High School office to obtain working papers.

Emergency Numbers

What emergency phone numbers should I post near my telephone?

See our Emergencies and Disaster Preparedness page

Excise Taxes

Can I appeal the amount of excise taxes I was billed for on my new car?

Yes, under unusual circumstances. When in doubt, pay your bill and contact the Tax

Collector's Office at 862-0500 x265 for more specific information.

Exits on Route 128

What are the Route 128 exit numbers in Lexington?

3lA Route 4 - 225 East (Lexington)

31B Route 4 - 225 West (Bedford)

30A Route 2A East (Lexington)

30B Route 2A West (Hanscom AFB)

29A Route 2 East (Lexington, Boston)

29B Route 2 West (Lincoln, Concord)

F

Fire Response

Why is a fire engine sent on ambulance calls?

The Lexington Fire Department has operated the emergency ambulance service since 1941, with all of our staff having some degree of emergency medical training.  During a medical emergency minutes in fact second count!  The response of the closest fire engine to your emergency brings trained firefighter/EMT's and paramedics to your home within four minutes or less.  Emergency life saving equipment such as oxygen, semi-automatic defibrillator, epinephrine, and other medical equipment are carried on the fire engine for use by these trained firefighters.  This is most often occurs in East Lexington, as the ambulance/rescue are stationed at Headquarters and are somewhat delayed due to distance they must travel.   Additional staff on a fire engine also provide supervision and in some cases it is necessary to have extra trained personnel to assist in moving stretchers through buildings, particularly when stairways or slippery conditions are encountered. This helps to reduce back injuries to personnel handling unwieldy stretchers and at times heavy patients. It is also necessary to have more than two people perform certain treatments such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation while moving a patient. At traffic accidents the fire engine personnel assist in keeping the area safe if there are fuel spills, and help in extricating the person from the wreckage. 

Why does a paramedic truck respond to some ambulance calls?

Paramedics are called in certain serious injuries or illnesses where their special skills and equipment may be needed. Paramedics are trained to a higher level than the Fire Department's Emergency Medical Technicians. The paramedics can administer drugs and IV's. They also can operate directly through instructions from the Emergency Room physician in charge. The paramedics currently are provided by Action Ambulance Company and are dispatched simultaneously from a location in Burlington.  The patient is billed by Action Ambulance for the paramedic services, and the town is reimbursed for services we provide.. This advanced level of patient care is often life saving and frequently lessens the pain and length of hospitalization for the person treated. 

Fireworks

Is it legal to have fireworks in Lexington?

Massachusetts law strictly prohibits all firecrackers, cherry bombs, M80's, poppers, and even sparklers. Penalties exist for those convicted of failure to comply with the law.

Food Pantry

Where is the Lexington Food Pantry?

Churches and synagogues in Lexington support the Lexington Food Pantry, which is housed at the Church of Our Redeemer on Meriam Street. The answering machine number at the Church is 861-5060.

G

Garage Sales

Do l need a permit to have a garage sale?

Yes. Contact the Selectmen's Office.

Golf

Where do I find information pertaining to the Pine Meadows Golf Course in town?

Questions or concerns about the Pine Meadows Golf Course should be directed to the Golf Pro at the course at 862-5516. You can also contact the Recreation Department at 862-0500 x262.

Government Offices -- other jurisdictions

Where is the Concord Court House?

The Concord Court House is located at 305 Walden Street in Concord. From Lexington take

Route 2 or Route 2A west.

H

Hang-up Calls

How do I discourage harassing or hang-up phone calls?

The telephone company publishes their procedures in the front of most phone books in the "Consumer Rights and Responsibilities" section. Please follow these guidelines before calling the Police Station.

Hayden Recreation Center

What is Hayden Recreation Center?

The Josiah Willard Hayden Recreation Center and the John P. Chase Ice Skating Facility are part of a privately endowed, nonprofit agency that offers programs similar to a "Y." Hayden is not a part of the town Recreation Department. Information on membership, classes and facilities can be obtained by calling 862-8480

Hazardous Materials

How do I dispose of hazardous materials?

Lexington maintains a permanent regional household hazardous waste facility at the Hartwell Avenue Recycling Facility. Residents are able to dispose of hazardous waste 10-12 times between April and November. This program is directed by the Health and Public Works Departments.

What can I do with hazardous waste if I am moving before October?

Paints with the covers removed, filled with speedy dry or cat litter will dry out quickly and then can be placed at curbside with regular rubbish. If you don’t have time to do that or you have sprays, insecticides, or other materials that are hazardous, we suggest that you ask a neighbor to hold them until the fall hazardous materials collection day. National Pesticide Office at 1-800-858-7378 or Safe Waste Management of Boston at 727-3260 for their assistance or advice. You can also call the of Boston at 727-3260 for their assistance or advice.

Historic Preservation

How can I find out if I live in a Historic District?

You may contact the Office of Community Development at 862-0500 x211.

What historic sites in Lexington are open to the public?

The Hancock-Clarke House, Buckman Tavern, and Munroe Tavern. These sites are usually open April through October. Contact the Lexington Historical Society at 862-1703 for hours.

Holiday Closings

Which holidays are mandatory for businesses to close? Can businesses open for part of the day on any holidays?

A listing of businesses that are open/closed on holidays is usually printed in the daily newspaper. Laws pertaining to Sundays and holidays are found in Chapter 136 of Massachusetts General Laws. They are complex and include many exemptions.

Housing

Where can 1 find out about housing assistance?

Call the Human Services Coordinator at 861-2742, any local housing development, or the

Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership at 859-0400 for openings.

L

Landfill

Is the landfill still open?

The landfill was closed to the disposal of refuse in 1980 when the town converted to the contracted curbside collection of solid waste. The former landfill on Hartwell Avenue is now used as a recycling facility where residents may dispose of their yard waste from mid-March through mid-December. Residential yard waste that is collected at curbside by the Town's refuse collection contractor is also deposited at the facility during that period. The yard waste is composted and used for projects such as ballfield restoration, snow plow damage repairs, and in the cemeteries. For more information see the DPW Publications page and the household hazardous waste facility page.

LEXPRESS

Where can I get a LEXPRESS schedule?

The map and schedule for the town's LEXPRESS mini-bus system is mailed to all residents and businesses around Labor Day each year. Copies are also available in the Town Office Building, Cary Library, and on the buses. You may call 861-1210 to have one mailed to you. Schedules are also available on the LEXPRESS web site.

Where can I get on the LEXPRESS bus?

You can flag a LEXPRESS bus anywhere along its route, and it will stop and pick you up.You can board a bus or transfer to a different bus at Depot Square in Lexington Center.Even-numbered routes (2,4,6) leave Depot Square on the hour; odd-numbered routes (1,3,5) leave on the half-hour.

What is the weekday schedule?

Service is from the 6:45 a.m. routes through the 6:00 p.m. routes.

When does LEXPRESS run on weekends and holidays?

Saturday service is from the 10:00 a.m. routes through the 5:30 p.m. routes, Labor Day through June only. LEXPRESS does not operate on Sundays or holidays.

When does LEXPRESS go to the Burlington Mall?

Route #5 goes to the Burlington Mall once an hour leaving Depot Square on the half hour, arriving at the entrance between Macy’s and Filene’s (near Pizzeria Regina and Johnny Rocket's) at approximately :45 past the hour.

When does LEXPRESS go into the Middlesex Mall or Caldor's?

Route #5 goes into Middlesex Mall (Caldor's main entrance) at approximately :40 past the hour.

Do I need exact change to ride the LEXPRESS bus?

Yes. The drivers cannot provide change. You may also use a pass or discounted tickets.

Where can I purchase a pass or book of tickets?

Passes or tickets may be purchased at the Transportation Services Office, Room 106

of the Town Office Building, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. weekdays. Tickets are

also available at Michelson's Shoes, Lexington Savings Bank and the Lexington High School.

Library

How can I get a Library card?

Residents of Lexington may obtain a library card at the main library or the East Lexington Branch Library. You must show identification that has your name and Lexington address on it. Children can obtain a library card when they are 5 years old. There is no charge for a library card.

Can I access the library catalog and other information from my home?

As a member of the Minuteman Library network residents have access to the library’s database and many other resources. Residents may dial into the Minuteman Network from home (508-820-4714 or 617-332-7130), or telenet via the Internet (MLN.LIB.MA.US, username LIBRARY) or access via the World Wide Web at http://www.mln/.lib.ma.us. 

Licenses

Where can I get a license to have a business in my house?

If you wish to operate a business from your home, first check with the Zoning Division of the Office of Community Development to see if the type of business is permitted in your zoning district. Then

you may obtain a d/b/a (doing business as) certificate from the Town Clerk's Office. (Note:

You may be liable for personal property taxes. Check with the Assessor's Office, 862-0500 x203).

M

Maps

Where can I get a map of the town?

A street map of Lexington is available for $2 in the Town Manager's Office.

Minuteman National Park

Where is Minuteman National Park?

Off Route 2A beyond Route 128.

Museum of Our National Heritage

Where is the Museum of Our National Heritage?

The entrance is on Route 2A (Marrett Road) just west of Massachusetts Avenue.

N

No School Announcements

When it snows, can I call the Police or Fire Department to find out if school is closed?

NO!! Please listen for "No School" announcements on the radio or television, or call the recorded message for Lexington schools at 862-7581. In addition, the town sounds the fire whistle at 7:05 a.m. to notify people that there is no school. Calling the town's emergency services ties up telephone lines that may be needed for vital emergencies.

Noise Complaints

Where can I complain about noisy neighbors?

Contact the Police at 862-1212.

Where can I complain about noisy aircraft?

The Massport Noise Complaint Line number is 781 869-8050. Call this number every time you are disturbed by a plane. Records are kept of each  complaint, noting time, location, and type of plane.
You can call in more than one event at a time, as long as you give exact date and time of each.

Notary Public

Is there a Notary Public in the Town Office Building?

Town employees with a Notary Public seal work in the Town Clerk's Office and other offices in the building. Town offices are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but lunch schedules vary for each individual. A $1.50 per notarization fee is charged.

Nursery Schools

Where can I get a list of nursery schools in town?

The state Office for Children or the Preschool PTA.

O

Override

Who can put a Proposition 2-1/2 override question on the ballot?

Only the Board of Selectmen.

P

Parks, Playgrounds

Where can I find information about parks and playgrounds near my house?

Contact the Recreation Department at 862-0500 x262. Also, check the Recreation facilities page lists of facilities:
Recreation\facilitytable.htm

Can I have a party in a town park?

It depends on the nature of the party. Contact the Recreation Department at 862-0500 x262.

Parking

Where do I get a parking permit?

Permits are available at the DPW Administrative Office in the Town Office Building

Permits are sold on a yearly basis for four lots: Meriam Street, Church of Our Redeemer,

Arts & Crafts Society, and the School Administration lot. The current price is $150-225 per

permit, depending on the lot, and starting on February 15 of each year.

Am I allowed to park on the street at night?

The Bylaws of Lexington prohibit overnight on-street or municipal off-street parking for a period of time longer than one hour between the hours of 2 am and 6 am. It is enforced by the Lexington Police Department from December 1 to April 1 each year. Vehicles must be parked 5 feet off the road and not obstructing sidewalks, fire hydrants or private driveways.

Parking Violations

I want to protest a parking ticket. What do I do?

The Parking Clerk conducts hearings on the first and third Fridays of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 noon in Room 111 of the Town Office Building. Please call the Traffic Office at the Police Station, 862-1235, to schedule a hearing or for further information. Citizens requesting a hearing may elect to appear in person or forward a signed statement in lieu of appearing to challenge the validity of a parking ticket.

Polling Places

How do I find out where I vote?

Call the Town Clerk's Office at 862-0500 x270.

Potholes

Should I report dangerous potholes to the town?

Yes. Call the Department of Public Works at 861-2757.

Is the town liable for damages to my car from hitting a pothole?

No.

Power Outages

To whom do I report a power outage?

Call NSTAR at 617-424-2200

R

Recycling

What do I have to recycle?

Mandatory curbside recycling is every week. The following RINSED items go into the bottom of the yellow recycling bins: Glass food and beverage jars, bottles and containers; tin food and beverage cans (aluminum foil and containers are not permitted); PET #1 plastic soda bottles; HDPE #2 plastic natural and pigmented narrow neck beverage, detergent and food containers; juice and milk cartons. The following go on top of the glass, metal, plastic containers and juice/milk cartons: Newspapers, including glossy inserts, in brown paper bags; magazines and catalogs may be either bundled with string or packed in brown grocery bags; telephone books placed in bin as is; recyclable office paper bagged in clear plastic bags or mixed in with newspaper; and corrugated cardboard boxes, flattened, bundled and tied with string.

Yard waste such as leaves, grass and hedge clippings, dead vegetable and flower plants, wood chips, brush and branches up to 1" in diameter is collected at curbside during specified weeks in the spring and fall. At other times, yard waste should be taken to the Hartwell Avenue Recycling Facility. You must bring proof of residence, e.g. a driver's license. White goods are picked up curbside every other Tuesday by appointment only Call BFI, the refuse collector, directly at 1-800-442-9006 to schedule an appointment for pickup.

Where is the Recycling Facility and when is it open?

The Recycling Facility is located across from Maguire Road about a mile down Hartwell Avenue from the Bedford Street intersection. The facility is open for YARD WASTE drop off ONLY from early April through mid-December on Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. and on Sunday 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is also open 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on the Saturday before Easter Sunday and all of the Saturdays in November.

Where do I get a recycling container?

If you don't have one you must bring a purchase & sales agreement or rental agreement, acknowledging that you are a new resident, to the DPW facility located at 201 Bedford Street to obtain a free container. The 201 Bedford Street facility is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Can I obtain a second container?

Additional containers are available for $6.00 at the Public Works Office at 201 Bedford

Street. You must bring proof of residency.

What do I do with my recycling bin when I move?

You must bring it to the Water Billing Clerk in the Tax Collector's Office with the final reading of your water meter. A $6 fee will be added to your final water bill if the bin is not returned. A request for a final water bill must be made to the Tax Collector's Office at least two business days before it is to be picked up or paid. The Tax Collector's Office is located on the first floor of the Town Office Building at 1625 Massachusetts Avenue and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Registry of Motor Vehicles

How do I get to the Registry of Motor Vehicles?

Information about Registry branch locations is available at the DMV website.

Restraining Order

How can I get a restraining order against someone who is harassing me?

Persons who are or were married to one another; are or were residing together in the same household; are or were related by blood or marriage; having a child in common regardless of whether they have ever lived together; are or have been in a substantive dating or engagement relationship may request an Abuse Prevention Order (Restraining Order) against the other when one or more of the following acts occurs: attempt to cause harm or causing physical harm; placing another in fear of imminent physical harm; causing another to engage involuntarily in sexual relations by force, threat, or duress. Contact the Police Department at 862-1212, or the Concord District Court at (508) 369-0500, for further information or assistance.

S

School Buses

How do I find out about school bus routes?

Call the School Administration Building at 861-2564.

Selective Service

Where do I register for the draft?

Selective Service registration for 18-year-old males is at the Lexington Post Office.

Senior Citizens Services

What are the different groups in the town which serve older people?

The Council on Aging located in the old Muzzey Junior High building and partially funded by the town offers various services and programs for senior citizens. Their telephone number is 861-0194. Minuteman Home Care, a regional agency, can be reached at 272-7177. Other organizations include the Recreational Clubs, and the Lexington Senior Club. For Transportation alternatives for senior citizen’s contact the Transportation Services Office at 861-1210

Setback Requirements

Can I put a shed at the edge of my property?

No. A shed must comply with zoning setback requirements. These requirements vary

depending on the size of the lot. Check with the Office of Community Development at 862-

0500 x211 for additional information.

Sewer

How do I arrange to connect to the town sewer?

Begin by applying for a permit through the Department of Public Works, 861-2752.

Sidewalks

How can I get a sidewalk on my street?

You must submit a petition to the Town Manager. Contact the Town Manager's Office at

862-0500 x276 for further information.

Signs

What can I do if I think a sign is blocking visibility on a street?

Make a report to the Department of Public Works at 861-2757.

Smoke Detectors

Am I required to have smoke detectors in my house?

Smoke detectors are required in all multi-family homes with three or more dwelling units and are also highly recommended for one and two family dwellings.

I am selling my house. What must I do to comply with the smoke detector law?

State law requires that the seller of any residential property receive a certificate of inspection from the Fire Department certifying that smoke detectors are installed and working properly. For normal homes the requirement is a battery or hard-wired smoke detector on each level of the home. Floors that exceed 1,200 square feet require additional detectors. The basement detector must be located at the foot of the cellar stairs. Persons needing advice about the proper location of smoke detectors may call the Fire Department's business number, 862-0272, to get further information. Requests for detector inspections should be made to the department after 8:00 a.m. on the day the inspection is wanted. Appointments are normally scheduled during the afternoon of that day. There is a $25.00 fee for the inspection. 

Snow Plowing

What can I do about damage to my mailbox or lawn from snowplows?

You may report it to the Public Works Department at 861-2757 and they will make repairs.

Solicitations

Can the town prohibit people from soliciting door-to-door?

The town may regulate, but in most cases may not prohibit soliciting. You should call the

Police Department if you have concerns about illegal or unsafe activities.

Street Lights

How do I report a burned out street light?

Call 877-FIX-LAMP (877-349-5267). If present, please indicate the number on the pole. The number is found on the part of the pole facing the street at about 8 feet from the ground. If no number is present, please indicate the closest address and/or street intersection to best describe the location of the outage. If you leave your name and phone number, a DPW representative may contact you if there are any questions. Bulbs and sensors are repaired fairly quickly by Lexington's Forestry staff. Fixture replacements or electrical problems are addressed by a licensed electrical contractor hired by the Town.

Storm Drain Connection

Do I need a permit to connect my sump pump or house gutters to the storm drain?

Yes. You will need to obtain a list of Licensed Drainlayers from the Engineering Division, 862-0500 x231. Once you choose a contractor from that list, they will be required to apply for a permit prior to beginning the word.

Swimming

Are people who do not live in Lexington allowed to use the Pool and/or the Res?

Yes! People who live in towns other than Lexington (i.e. Arlington, Bedford, Waltham, etc.) may purchase non-resident swim tags in the same way as Lexington residents, but there are a limited number of non-resident memberships. A non-resident without a membership may use the swimming facilities only as the guest of a Lexington resident.

If I am not going to use the pool on a regular basis, is there any way to avoid paying the cost of a season pass?

Yes! You may pay a daily fee at both the pool and the Res that allows you access to the facility for the day. Proof of residency, such as a driver's license, is required for entry.

Can I contact the pool or the Res by phone?

No. The phones at the pool and Res are for EMERGENCY USE ONLY. We do not give out these numbers.

T

Taxes

I thought Proposition 2-1/2 limited my tax increase to 2-1/2 percent, so why did my tax bill increase by more than that amount?

The total tax levy should increase no more than 2-1/2 percent, plus amounts for new growth and any overrides and debt exclusions. Higher increases in individual tax bills may result from tax burden shifts (your assessed valuation may have increased more than average), tax rate shifts (classification among residential, commercial, and personal property is voted by the Board of Selectmen), or additions or renovations which increase the valuation of your property.

Overassessed?

Not necessarily. Different residential properties experience different rates of appreciation at

different times.

Tennis Reservations

How do I make a tennis reservation?

Tennis reservations must be made in person at the tennis booth or pool office during the listed hours. Reservations are not necessary to use town tennis courts, but without a reservation one runs the risk of being "bumped" off the court. Dedicated players may choose to purchase a tennis I.D. card to reduce the cost of reservations.

Tours

Are guided tours of the historic sites in Lexington available?

Yes. Contact the Lexington Historical Society at 862-1703 for information.

Town Meeting

When does Town Meeting happen?

The Board of Selectmen vote to call the annual Town Meeting. The first day is set as the date of the Town election. Other Town Meeting business, as set forth in the Warrant which is mailed to all households, is acted on by elected Town Meeting Members at subsequent meetings, usually beginning the last Monday in March and continuing for several Monday and Wednesday evenings.

Who are my Town Meeting representatives?

The Town Clerk's Office maintains the list of current Town Meeting members. Voters in each precinct elect 21 Town Meeting members on a rotating schedule. There are additional at-large members.

Traffic

dangerous?

The Board of Selectmen has authority for traffic signs or signals. Citizens can call or write the

Selectmen's Office if they have concerns about dangerous conditions at an intersection.

Transportation

Where can I find out about transportation alternatives?

Call the Transportation Services Office at 861-1210.

Trash Pickup

What can I do if my trash isn't picked up?

If it was put out before 7:00 a.m., call the Public Works Department at 861-2757 or the contractor . Refer to your recycling brochure for the number.

Is there a limit to the amount of trash I can put out?

Each household is allowed six 32 gallon barrels or six 1.5 mil plastic bags, plus one bulky item, per week.

Is trash collected on holidays?

No. That day’s collection and all remaining collections for the week will be delayed by one day.

V

Voting

Where do I register to vote?

You may register to vote at any Town Clerk's Office or Board of Registrars in the Commonwealth. Your form will be forwarded to the city or town of your residency. There are registrars at all high schools. Mail-in registration cards are available at the Post Office and libraries.

What is the deadline for registering to vote in an election?

For all elections, voters must register 20 days before the date of the election.

W

Water

Is there a way to avoid paying sewer charges on water I use to water my lawn?

Yes, contact the Water and Sewer Division of the Department of Public Works at 861-2757 for further information.

Whom should I call if my plumber tells me the outside water pipes need to be upgraded or renewed?

Call the Engineering Division to obtain a list of Licensed Drainlayers in the Town. Once you have chosen a contractor from that list, they will be required to obtain a Water Renewal Permit from the Engineering Division prior to beginning the work.

Wood Stoves

Do I need a permit to install a wood stove in my house?

Yes. A building permit is required and can be obtained at the Office of Community Development.

Y

Yard Sales

Do I need a permit to have a yard sale?

Yes. You should obtain a permit from the Selectmen's Office. There is no fee for the permit.

Z

Zoning

How do I find out what zoning district I am in?

Contact the Office of Community Development at 862-0500 x211.

How do I obtain a copy of the Zoning By-Laws?

An original  hardcopy can be obtained at either the Planning Department or the Building Department in Town Hall. There is a $10.00 charge. There is also a copy on file at Cary Memorial Library. The Zoning By-Law is also available on-line, using the link to the Code of Lexington on the home page (Part II, Chapter 135).