DPW FAQs
- How do I get help with my water bill?
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If you have questions regarding how to make a water bill payment, check your payment history, or obtain a copy of your bill, please call the Treasurer's Office at 781-455-7500 ext. 502.
If you would like to schedule a water shutoff or meter reading, ask questions about water usage, or update your water billing address, please call DPW Admin at 781-455-7550 ext. 303.
- How do I report a dead animal?
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Please call DPW Admin at 781-455-7550 to report dead animals. Try to provide as much information as possible as to the type of animal and its approximate location (e.g. "on the middle Harris Ave berm near Stevens Road").
Unfortunately, the Town is not able to remove dead animals found on private property.
- When is the RTS open?
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The Recycling and Transfer Station (RTS)'s normal hours of operation are from 7:30am-4pm, Tuesday-Saturday. The facility is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
For the most up-to-date information on RTS hours or closures, please check the RTS page.
- What can I drop off at the RTS?
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All information about the types of trash, recyclables, and other waste that can be dropped off at the RTS facility can be found on the "What We Take" page on the RTS website.
- How do I request a service from Public Works?
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You can request DPW's help with potholes, blown street lights, and other public way/public space issues by creating a "New Request" on SeeClickFix.
- Do you have trash pick-up?
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The Town of Needham does not have a trash pick-up service. Needham is a trash and recyclables drop-off community. For specific information, please call the Recycling and Transfer Station at 781-455-7568 or visit the RTS page.
- Why is my water bill so high?
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The following may cause higher-than-usual water consumption:
- Outdoor use, such as watering lawns
- Running toilets
- Leaking faucets
- Other plumbing problems, such as leaks inside walls
If you have specific questions about your water usage, please call DPW Admin at 781-455-7550 ext. 303.
- May I speak with or schedule an appointment with the gas, plumbing, heating, electric, or building inspector?
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The Building Department would be able to help you with all building inspection matters. Their number is 781-455-7542.
- Can a homeowner obtain a street permit?
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Yes, if the homeowner obtains a $5,000 bond, holds a Needham Contractor Registration under their name, and provides a certificate of insurance, hoisting engineer license, plot plan, and dig safe number.
- Why do I need a $5000 bond?
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If public property is damaged and not repaired within 30 days of the Town being notified, the Town will make the repair and take money from the bond, which can damage the bond owner’s credit. It is meant as a deterrent to make sure permits are carried out responsibly and with accountability, as well as to quickly mitigate any damage caused.
- Why do I need an insurance certificate?
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If a person gets injured on public property, the insurance policy will cover any medical expenses, etc.
- What counts as "public property"?
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Roads, sidewalks, the ends of driveways (driveway aprons), grass berm (between the sidewalk and road), and 8 feet from a paved road.
- What is a Hoisting Engineer (HE) License? Why do I need one?
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Anyone who wishes to operate hoisting equipment must obtain a license from the state Office of Public Safety and Inspections. Hoisting equipment includes derricks, cableways, machinery used for discharging cargoes, and temporary elevator cars used on excavation work or used for hoisting building material.
Any person who excavates is required to have this license. The state requires them due to “Jackie’s Law,” which is designed to prevent the general public from falling into an unattended trench and suffering an injury or fatality.
- How wide can I make my driveway apron?
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The maximum width is 24 ft. with 2 ft. rounding on each side of the apron.
- Can I add a 2nd driveway opening (make a horseshoe driveway)?
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Yes, but both driveway aprons combined cannot exceed 24 ft. with 2 ft. rounding on each side of the apron.
- What is needed in order to make my existing driveway apron smaller so I can add 2nd driveway opening?
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Loam, seed, and additional curbing, if curb exists.
- How close to abutting properties may I install my driveway?
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Right up to the property lines. If you are unsure of the property lines, the Town recommends a survey.
- How large can I make driveway on private property?
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As large as you'd like! It's private property.
- Why do I need a street permit for a house addition?
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Any new home construction, addition, or demolition of a structure that requires the transportation of heavy vehicles and equipment (such as but not limited to: backhoes, front-end loaders, dump trucks, concrete deliveries, lumber deliveries, sheetrock and/or drywall deliveries) across curbs, grass berms, driveway aprons, sidewalks and/or borders of a public way with or without a sidewalk may result in damage that would cause the Town to expend funds to effect the repair. You don’t need a permit if you can prove that you’re using a “helicopter” to fly in heavy equipment (with a helicopter license or certificate) or are using a wheelbarrow to bring items onto the property.
- Why do I need a street permit for an in-ground swimming pool?
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Any use of heavy vehicles and equipment (such as but not limited to: backhoes, front-end loaders, dump trucks, concrete deliveries, lumber deliveries, sheetrock and/or drywall deliveries) across curbs, grass berms, driveway aprons, sidewalks and/or borders of a public way with or without a sidewalk may result in damage that would cause the Town to expend funds to effect the repair. You don’t need a permit if you can prove that you’re using a “helicopter” to fly in heavy equipment (with a helicopter license or certificate) or are using a wheelbarrow to bring items onto the property.
- Why do I need a street permit if excavating on private property?
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Any use of heavy vehicles and equipment (such as but not limited to: backhoes, front-end loaders, dump trucks, concrete deliveries, lumber deliveries, sheetrock and/or drywall deliveries) across curbs, grass berms, driveway aprons, sidewalks and/or borders of a public way with or without a sidewalk may result in damage that would cause the Town to expend funds to effect the repair. You don’t need a permit if you can prove that you’re using a “helicopter” to fly in heavy equipment (with a helicopter license or certificate) or are using a wheelbarrow to bring items onto the property.
- Do I need a permit to place a storage container onto my private property?
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Yes, you do.
- Do I need a permit to place a storage container on the street in front of my property?
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The Town does not allow storage containers in the street.
- How do I get property information?
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You can obtain a copy from the Town Engineering Department, however information is also available online.
- How do I get property information
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You can obtain a copy from the Engineering department, However information is available on line.
- Can I have a copy of the Assessor's Map for my property?
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Yes. If you come to the Engineering Division with the addess of the property we will scan a copy of the Assessor's Map for $1.00.
- Can I get a copy of my sewer connection?
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Yes, If you come to the Engineering Department with the address of the property, we will xerox it for you for a 1.00 charge.
- Can I have a copy of the water service lateral for my property?
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Yes, If you come to the engineering division with the address of the
- How do I change my house number?
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Write a letter to the Needham Public Works Department, Engineering Division, 470 Dedham Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 and request a house number change. Please indicate the house number you prefer. Remember the preferred number must be the same odd or even number type and must be close to your existing number.
- How many athletic fields are in Needham?
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There are 25 diamonds and 14 multi-purpose fields. The fields vary in size and not all can be used in the same season as the lay-outs cross over each other.
- Who maintains the athletic fields?
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The DPW Parks and Forestry Division provides maintenance to all public athletic fields, along with completing many other duties, including holding the responsibility for public trees.
- Why do participants pay a $5 Field Maintenance fee?
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Established in July, 2003 this fee provides a source of funding for needed maintenance tasks on all athletic fields. Maintenance is slowly shifting from “reactive” to “proactive” tasks, raising the safety level of most fields.
- What kinds of projects are done with the Field Maintenance fee?
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The projects vary from year to year, and are not done on all fields on a regular basis. Some examples are: Diamonds: renovation, edging, infield mix and conditioner, organic weed control, backstop repair. Multi-purpose Fields: aeration, sod for goal mouths, organic treatment, renovation, overseeding. Miscellaneous: irrigation and bubbler repairs, equipment repair and parts, soil testing, soil amendments, fence repairs, supplies.
- What are some of the successes funded by the Field Maintenance Fee?
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The compaction on heavily used multi-purpose fields has decreased, and along with improved soil chemistry, has allowed for stronger turf growth. Diamonds are all re-cut in the fall in preparation for the busy spring season.
- What do I do if I have a maintenance question?
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Please refer these to your league officials who will contact the Town, and notify other coaches/parents.
- Who schedules the athletic fields?
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The Park and Recreation Department schedules all athletic fields, including Memorial Park as of Spring 2006.
- Why do I pay a Field Administration Fee?
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Established in the early 1990’s, this fee is deposited into the Town’s General Fund in recognition of the amount of work that it takes to perform all the tasks related to administration of the fields. The fee is not available to be spent directly on field-related activities.
- Are there scheduling priorities?
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Yes. Needham High School sports are given first priority, as are school activities at their own site. Needham youth are the second priority, followed by Needham adults, and then all others.
- If I’m a coach and need additional practice field space, whom should I contact?
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The available field space was distributed, through permits, to all the leagues in bulk time slots, so only your league officials can provide individual time slots for your team. Park and Recreation will have minimal time slots available for Needham families & non-sport organizations.
- Why are there more weeds on the fields than in the past?
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In the 1980’s and 1990’s, it was a common practice throughout the United States to spray pesticides on weeds found on athletic fields. The removal of the weeds was to provide a safer facility for children, but the pesticides added a concern for long-term health. Needham gradually reduced its reliance on pesticides and began working within an Integrated Pest Management Policy that strives to find alternative methods to eliminating weeds and pests. This policy integrates with the new State requirements at schools and day cares.
- So, if you can’t spray the weeds, what can be done?
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The DPW has experimented with using an organic spray that has vinegar as a prime ingredient, but as it does not eliminate the root structure, the weeds return. In addition to continuing the research, here is what is being done: Diamonds: In the fall, each diamond has the weeds mechanically removed as the infield is regraded. Multi-Purpose: A strong turf does not allow for major weed growth, so efforts are underway to decrease compaction along with improved soil conditions, to make it possible to grow that strong turf.
- Should I be concerned about mosquitoes?
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Unfortunately, the answer is YES. Mosquitoes in Needham have been found to carry West Nile Virus, and on the South Shore and recently in Brookline, Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been found. Mosquito populations are primarily reduced at their earliest stages, but spraying can also be done for those grown to adulthood. The Health Department works closely with Norfolk County Mosquito Control to make the safest decisions for Needham.
- Are deer ticks a concern in Needham?
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There is an increase in the number of Needham residents diagnosed with Lyme disease. Check for deer ticks, especially if players have gone off the field for a lost ball.
- Are the droppings from Canada Geese a health problem?
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Though they create an unpleasant playing environment, there is no current evidence that any health risks are transferred from Canada Geese to humans. Canada Geese desire grass and a water source, available at some of the athletic fields. The only long-term solution is to keep the eggs from producing, which requires a federal permit. All other solutions tend to be temporary and not effective in the long-term, including sprays, dogs, swans, and artificial predators.
- Why are some fields closed when the rain has stopped and it is sunny out?
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Some of the fields were built on wetland areas and drain slower than others. For the safety of the players, fields remain closed until they are dry enough to allow for the proper footing. Performing your own patch to the areas can create a more dangerous situation for players! Caution: many fields have irrigation systems which attract lightning, and that shock can be transferred to people on the field.
- Why am I asked not to bring my dog to watch a game?
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There are several reasons. (1) The most well-behaved dog can be spooked, creating an unsafe situation for anyone in the area. (2) The dog’s urine is highly acidic, changing the soil conditions in those areas to one that is not conducive for growing turf. (3) The dog’s feces can carry unhealthy bacteria which can be transferred to humans who come in contact with it. (4) The Town’s by-laws do not permit the dog to be off of its leash. Please leave your dog at home!
- Why do some school sites not have trash barrels?
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Uncovered trash attracts animals and insects. With the number of children now diagnosed with life-threatening allergies to bee stings, it is a risk that many principals are not willing to take.
- Why are the trash cans full some days?
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The DPW Parks and Forestry Division takes two staff away from other duties, including mowing, in order to empty the more than 90 park barrels on Mondays and Fridays. Please do your best to place all trash in the proper receptacles. The increase of trash on the fields decreases the time for mowing and other maintenance tasks. If all trash receptacles are full, please remove your own trash from the park - help us keep the parks safe and clean!
- What is Needham’s Pay-Per-Throw program?
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Pay-Per-Throw is a program whereby residents using the Recycling and Transfer Station (RTS) pay for the disposal of their trash based on the amount of trash discarded. All solid waste, except for recyclables, yard waste and bulky waste (i.e., material that cannot fit into a trash bag), must be disposed of at the RTS in specially marked "Town of Needham" bags sold by local retailers on behalf of the Town. The program began on June 2, 1998.
- Do recyclables or yard waste go in the Pay-Per-Throw bags?
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No. Recyclable items and yard waste do not require a Pay-Per-Throw bag and should continue to be disposed of at the appropriate location at the RTS. Recycling containers are available at the Department of Public Works, 470 Dedham Ave. for a $5.00 fee. You are not required to use these containers to bring your recyclables to the RTS.
- Do retailers make a profit on the sale of the Pay-Per-Throw bags?
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No. The bags are sold as a community service. Further, there is no sales tax on the bags.
- How much do Pay-Per-Throw bags cost?
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The 30 gallon size is $15.00 for a package of 10 bags. The 15 gallon size is $7.50 for a package of 10 bags. The local retailers may, if they choose, sell the bags individually at $1.50 and $.75 respectively.
- What determines the price of the bags?
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Approximately $1.34 of the price of the 30 gallon bag is to help cover a portion of the Town’s costs of disposing of the solid waste. The bags themselves cost approximately $.16 each, for a total of $1.50 each.
- Can I reuse Pay-Per-Throw bags?
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No. The bag is basically a "proof of purchase" for the disposal of trash in accordance with the rules of the program. It has to be thrown away with the trash. Some people have asked if this is wasteful. The bags are made from a recycled material and can be burned at the waste-to-energy facility the Town uses. The total number of bags used per year is expected to constitute less that 1/2 of one percent of Needham’s solid waste tonnage.
- How do I dispose of items which will not fit into the Pay-Per –Throw bags?
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Small bulky items (e.g., small broken chair, broom, etc.) can be disposed of in the regular RTS trash containers at no additional charge. A large bulky item (e.g., couch, mattress, rug, entertainment center, etc.) can be disposed of at the Transfer Station. There will be an additional charge for large bulky items.
- How do I pay for the disposal of a large bulky item?
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The attendant at the RTS will enter your RTS sticker number into a computer and you will be issued an invoice in which you will have 30 days to remit your payment to Town Hall.
- How do I dispose of large volumes of bulky waste such as basement or garage clean-outs?
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Large volumes of bulky waste can be transported in your car, van or pick-up truck to the RTS. There will be an additional charge for this large volume. See the attendant in the Transfer Station building who will direct you to the scale where the material will be weighed. You will be issued an invoice based on the weight of the material. The current charge is $130 per ton.
- Will I still need to purchase an RTS sticker for my car?
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Yes. In the future, the cost of the RTS sticker will cover the Town’s cost of operating the recycling program.
- Whom should I call if I have additional questions?
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Additional questions can be answered by the Department of Public Works, Solid Waste & Recycling Division at (781) 455-7534 or (781) 455-7568.
- How can I get my water tested for lead?
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Lead testing must be codunducted by certified labs. For costs and procedures, please contact the water treatment facility for additional information.
- My water is discolored. What should I do?
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Discoloration is usually caused by water main flushing or large water demand during the summer season. Let your water run for 10 minutes. If it does not show signs of clearing, contact the Water Division.
- What is Needham's water pressure?
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Water pressure is relatively consistent throughout the water system at approximately 85 psi. Water pressure is regulated by the elevation of water in each of Needham's water storage tanks.
- What do I do if I have a sewer backup?
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Notify the DPW during normal business hours or Needham Police after business hours. Division crews will be dispatched to determine the location of the blockage. The Town of Needham is responsible for the sewer main located in the street and the property owner is responsibile for the service pipe that services the the property.