| DPW Frequently Asked Questions
Please click on the division name to see answers to questions in that area.
Engineering
Environmental Services (trash, recycling, composting, hazardous waste)
Highways, Equipment & Drains
Public Grounds (streetlights, parks, trees, cemeteries)
Transportation/Lexpress
Water/Sewer
Engineering Division:
Can the Town determine my Lot Lines?
The Town Engineering department can determine the right of way (the property line along your frontage). The Town cannot determine the line between adjacent properties. A registered land surveyor must be hired to determine Lot Lines on private property. Registered land surveyors can be found in the yellow pages.
Do you have maps of the Town in GIS format?
Yes, the following maps are available on line:
Assessors' Maps
Sewer System Map of Lexington
Flood Map of Lexington
2009 Lexington Street Map
How do I get a traffic sign on my street?
Traffic concerns that require immediate attention should be called into the police dispatch center at (781) 862-1212 and an officer will be dispatched as needed.
To request a traffic sign or other traffic modification please complete a Traffic Safety Request Form * and submit it via Email or U.S. Mail to the Traffic Safety Committee (TSAC) care of officer Lieutenant Michael O'Connell.
Email: moconnell@lexingtonma.gov
U.S. Mail:
Traffic Safety
Attn: Lt. Michael O'Connell
Lexington Police Department
1575 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington, MA 02420.
How can I get my utility wires placed underground?
You must contact each of your utility companies and make a request for under grounding. Those companies will work with the Town to obtain the required Grants of Location and Permits for the work within the Town Right-of-Way, and will advise you on the work on your private property.
How do I connect my home to Town Sewer?
Contact the Engineering Division located at the Samuel Hadley Public Services Building, 201 Bedford Street, Room 202 or call 781-274-8300 x.8305. They maintain a list of Licensed and Bonded Contractors for Sewer, Water and Drain connections, as well as for Driveway Construction/Re-construction.
Do I own the tree in front of my home, or is it owned by the Town? It is dead and is a danger.
Contact the Park and Forestry Division at the Samuel Hadley Public Services Building, 201 Bedford Street, Room 105, or call 781-274-8300. The Superintendent will work with the Engineering Division to determine ownership. If The Town of Lexington owns it, action will be taken to make it safe. If you own it, making it safe will be your responsibility.
Water from the street is draining on to my property during heavy rains.
Contact the Highway Division at the Samuel Hadley Public Services Building, 201 Bedford Street, Room 105, or call 781-274-8300. A division member will meet with you to determine an appropriate course of action.
Where can I get a Plot Plan of my property?
The town does not maintain plot plans. An old plot plan may be on file in the Building Department if a Building Permit has been issued within the last ten years. These plot plans are historic and may not be current. If you want a plot plan of your property you must hire a private Engineer/Surveyor to prepare the Plot Plan for you.
My car was damaged in a pothole. How do I get reimbursed for the damage?
The Town has adopted the Commonwealth of Massachusetts policy for vehicle damage. Like the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the town does not reimburse for pothole damage. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 81 § 18, the Road Defect Statute, allows reimbursement only for personal injury due to a defect in a road. To read more about this law go to M.G.L. 81 § 18 or M.G.L. 84 § 18.
My electricity goes off all the time. What can the Town do for me?
The electric company, NSTAR, is a privately owned public utility. The Town has no jurisdiction relative to the supply of electricity. You must contact NSTAR directly at 1-800-592-2000.
Environmental Services:
Trash or recycling not picked up?
Resident must have trash or recycling out by 7AM. The truck does not double back for late putouts (even if the truck usually comes later).
Was a trash or recycling noncompliance sticker placed on rejected materials? (Recyclable materials in trash, cardboard boxes, large cardboard pieces, books, construction materials, etc.)
Resident should call trash contractor, JRM Hauling & Recycling: 1-800-323-4285. If you are still unsatisfied after contacting the trash contractor, you may then contact Robert Beaudoin 781-274-8334.
Appliance Pick-Up (refrigerator, stove, air conditioner, dehumidifier, water heater, etc)
Resident must call JRM Hauling & Recycling at 1 (800) 323-4285 to schedule curbside collection of appliances and large metal items such as a metal desk, file cabinet, bike, etc.
Household Hazardous Waste Collections
Refer to annual recycling flyer (updated seasonally) and to schedule (8 drop-off collections each year) on the web site. Drop off at Minuteman Regional HHP site at 60 Hartwell Avenue, on left, directly after the bike path.
What if I am moving and can not wait for the next drop-off collection date? What are my options?
For a fee, Clean Harbors Inc., will dispose of your hazardous materials at there Braintree Plant, 1Hill Ave, Braintree, MA (Drop-off Only).
How to get rid of a television or computer?
Resident must call JRM Hauling & Recycling at 1 (800) 323-4285 to schedule curbside collection of TVs, computer monitors and other miscellaneous electronic devices, see recycle flyer for list of acceptable items.
Where do I get a new recycling bin?
New and replacement recycle bins are available at the Samuel Hadley Public Services Building, 201 Bedford Street, Room 105, or call 781-274-8300. Resident should bring ID. Each resident is given 2 bins. Additional bins are $6 per bin. Moving: 2 original bins returned to Revenues Desk. If not, resident will be billed at rate or $6 per bin. Bring damaged bins to obtain replacement.
What do you do with Styrofoam packing?
Break up and throw away in your trash. It is not recyclable.
What are the hours for the Town Compost Facility at 60 Hartwell Avenue?
For current hours see the Compost Facility page.
What is the cost of an annual sticker for the Compost Facility (contractors only)?
Depends on size of vehicle. Refer to Annual Compost Facility form. Vehicle Registration must be presented. Purchased at DPW Operations, Samuel Hadley Public Services Building, 201 Bedford Street, Room 105, or call 781-274-8300, 7am to 3:30pm, Monday-Friday.
What is the cost of a punch card for the Compost Facility (contractors only)?
A yard waste punch card is $70. A brush punch card is $85. Each punch card is good for 10 cubic yards of yard waste or brush delivered by landscape service to Compost Facility. Vehicle registration must be presented. Purchased at DPW Operations, Samuel Hadley Public Services Building, 201 Bedford Street, Room 105, or call 781-274-8300, 7am to 3:30pm, Monday-Friday.
How can I buy a compost bin?
Compost Bins are paid for at the Samuel Hadley Public Services Building, 201 Bedford Street, Room 105, or call 781-274-8300. The cost is $35 per bin. The bins are stored at the Compost Facility at 60 Hartwell Avenue where they are picked up during weekday hours of operation (no weekend pick ups)
Free Compost for Residents
Residents are able to take a few buckets of unscreened compost and wood chips from the Compost Facility at no cost. Residents must bring shovel and containers. If larger quantities are desired, finished or screened loam or compost can be purchased at $15 per cubic yard. (DPW Operations will provide a fee list).
Holidays Impact on Trash Collection
If a legal holiday (11 per year) falls on a resident's scheduled trash collection day or a day later in the week, trash collection will be delayed one day.
Highways, Equipment & Drains:
Fix pothole on street?
Please report and provide detail location of pothole. The Highway Department will respond as soon as possible.
Car damage due to pothole?
Town of Lexington does not pay for auto damage. If caller persists, they can write a letter with details to the Town Manager, but reinforce that their is NO Town policy for auto damage caused by potholes.
Street Sweeping
All streets are swept in the Spring. Main streets are completed first. Then areas of town are swept one section at a time.
Requests berm (curbing) installation?
Write Work Order. Highway Superintendent will evaluate. If appropriate, address will be placed on list. Several years wait.
Dead squirrel in street?
Dead squirrels are not picked up. Larger animals (skunks, raccoons, cats) picked up if on Town property. If on Town property, call Operations 781-274-8300. (If not on Town Property, ask resident if they could get it out to the side of the road.) If not, we can't pick it up.
Snowplow damage to lawn, driveway apron, sprinkler heads, stonework?
Write Work Order. Highway superintendent will evaluate. If the sprinkler heads are less than 18" of the road, they were installed too close and the Town is not responsible for repair.
Sand for residents during winter months
Sand pile is located at the entrance to 201 Bedford Street. Bring shovel and bucket. Sand has salt added. The sand is for residential use only (a couple of buckets full). Contractors are not allowed to fill up their truck even if they are a Lexington resident.
Why are there street markings on my road?
Markings are as follows: YELLOW (gas, oil, steam), ORANGE (cable), BLUE (potable water), PURPLE (reclaimed water), GREEN (sewer), PINK (temporary survey) and WHITE (proposed excavation)
Traffic Light is Out?
If it is a town road light call DPW Operations 781-274-8300. For state roads call State Hwy at 781-648-6100 and ask for dispatcher. Operations is formulating a list of state streets for reference.
Street Sign or Traffic Sign is Missing on a Town Road
Write Work Order (DPW form) for Highway Dept. If it is a State Road, the residents have to call the State DPW at 781-648-6100 and ask for the dispatcher.
Winter Sanding of Roads
Town roads notify DPW Operations 781-274-8300. State roads call 781-648-6100 and ask for dispatcher. DPW sands the main roads first, then the hills, then the rest of the streets.
Overflowing Catch Basins during rainstorm
Record location of catch basin and contact Highway Department/DPW immediately, 781-274-8300.
Mailboxes
It is the Town Highway Department's policy to replace mailboxes that have been damaged by the Town during snowplowing operations with a standard rural mailbox and wood post. Replacement of mailboxes is done as a courtesy; and due to budgeting restrictions, only the standard replacement can be provided.
Public Grounds:
Request for tree pruning?
Write Work Order for Forestry Dept (DPW form). Superintendent will review. If a Town tree, the work will be scheduled within two to three weeks unless it is deemed to be an imminent hazard.
Is tree on Town or private land?
Write Work Order for Forestry Dept (DPW form). Superintendent will review. The Engineering Department may also be asked to review.
Tree or large limb down in road blocking traffic?
Contact DPW dispatcher or Operations office staff immediately, 781-274-8300.
How do I contact Westview Cemetery?
Call Jennifer Liu-Beyer or Dennis Mazzone at (781) 861-2718. Address 520 Bedford Street, Lexington MA
NOT Town's Responsibility
Private Roads. For limbs on electric wires advise resident to call NSTAR. Low hanging wires call NSTAR (electricity), cable (Comcast or RCN) or phone (Verizon) and caller frequently describes wire arrangement. Highest -electricity, middle-phone and lowest -cable. Should call appropriate utility company. DPW not equipped to go near high, voltage wires.
Street Lights
Street light out or malfunctioning should be reported directly to the designated phone line for the most efficient handling 781-274-8388. Helpful to know the pole # when problem reported. Residents should leave their name, address and telephone number. Calls will be inspected within 2 weeks of receipt. If the problem is a bulb and/or a sensor Town Staff will repair at the time of inspection. If it is an electrical problem, an outside contractor will repair 2 or 3 weeks after initial inspection.
Winter Moth Information 2012:
- This past winter was atypically warm, but most nights were below freezing temperatures.
- Researchers at UMass Amherst speculate that winter moth eggs could hatch as early as the third week of March, when the host trees could still have very tight buds so the caterpillars could not enter, feed and cause damage.
- Winter moth eggs become powdery-blue as the embryo develops, and turn very deep blue-black just before hatching.
- Conditions will vary because of the localized climate effects on both winter moth eggs and host plants.
Water/Sewer:
Sewage back-up in house or plugged sewer line
Contact DPW Operations office immediately, Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., phone: 781-274-8300 and after hours please contact the emergency line: 781-862-1618.
What if I have brown water or no water?
Contact DPW Operations office immediately, Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., phone: 781-274-8300 and after hours please contact the emergency line: 781-862-1618.
What do I do if there is a bad water leak around meter?
Contact DPW Operations office immediately, Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., phone: 781-274-8300 and after hours please contact the emergency line: 781-862-1618.
What if I see water bubbling up in street?
Contact DPW Operations office immediately, Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., phone: 781-274-8300 and after hours please contact the emergency line: 781-862-1618.
How do I get a new meter (Town transitioning to all external read pads)?
Notify DPW Operations who will write work order for Water Dept. (DPW form)
How do I get an irrigation meter (second meter)?
Hire plumber, plumber pulls permit, he calls inspectional services to have his work inspected by Plumbing Inspector and tagged. See installation of a second meter for more details.
What if I get a high water bill?
Contact DPW Water Billing Department and request to have an inspection of the water meter. You may also call to set up an appointment to discuss your water bill with Robin Fullford, Utilities Manager, 781-274-8300 x8370.
Can I have my meter checked for accuracy?
Notify DPW Operations who will write work order for Water Dept. (DPW form). Also, dye tablets available at DPW Operations to test if there is a toilet leak (common cause of high water bill).
How do I get a Water/Sewer mark out for underground utility work?
Call DPW Operations and request mark out. Allow three (3) working days for notice unless it is an emergency.
How do I get Water/Sewer tie cards or ties to show how my property is connected to Town water or sewer?
Cards are housed at DPW Operations. Come during business hours 7am to 3:30pm. There is no charge.
As a contractor, how do I get a Water/Sewer inspection for open trenches?
Call DPW Operations immediately, 781-274-8300. If trench is open DPW will put a priority on request. Trenches are not allowed to be open overnight and are subject to the new State Trench Bylaw.
What if I am doing laundry when a water break occurs turning laundry brown?
DPW Operations has a product for laundry rust removal. Do not put clothes in the dryer!
What if my water meter freezes up in the winter?
If you are NOT on winter Freeze up list, you are charged for new meter replacement.
When should I start "Winter Drip" to prevent Meter Freeze Ups?
The Water Dept notifies residents (previously identified as susceptible to frozen meters. Flow of water is approximately the diameter of a pencil).
How do I get a meter for my new home?
Tear Downs: Price of meter removed from site is deducted from new meter. Bring receipt for removed meter. If not, 5/8-inch meter (lowest cost) will be deducted from meter fee. New Construction: Contractors are charged a fee of $25 for water use during demolition for dust control only.
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