Frequently Asked Questions

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You have no legal obligation to allow the Assessor to inspect your property unless you apply for an abatement of your property tax. However, for the Assessor to properly perform their duty of applying fair and equitable values to all properties within the community it is imperative that the data they have on each property is accurate. For this reason, the taxpayers' cooperation with the inspection process is very important and greatly appreciated by the Assessor.

The amount of taxes you pay is determined by the appropriations voted at Town Meeting. The Town adopts a budget that reflects what services will be provided and the cost to provide those services. After Town Meeting adopts a budget, the amount of taxes to be raised is calculated in accordance with Proposition 2-1/2 and divided by the total taxable valuation of the Town to determine the projected single tax rate. The Board of Selectmen holds a public hearing to determine whether and how much residential tax will be transferred onto the commercial properties, commonly referred to as the split tax rate (commercial properties pay a higher tax rate than residential properties). All the information is forwarded to the Department of Revenue for its review and approval. The tax rates are then finalized to raise the needed dollars to pay for the services that the Town voted to provide.

Valuation in Massachusetts is based on "full and fair cash value", or the amount a willing buyer would pay a willing seller on the open market. Determining the "full and fair cash value" involves reviewing the sales of similar properties (the market approach to value), what the property would cost today to replace (the cost approach to value), and for income-producing properties, knowledge of current economic conditions such as rental and vacancy rates, current interest rates, and the rate of return a potential purchaser can expect to receive on their investment (the income approach to value). The Assessor does not create value. Rather, he/she has the responsibility to discover and reflect the changes that are occurring in the marketplace.

In the Town of Milton, for new construction, or properties that have permit activity due to additions, pools, or any type of improvement to the property, the assessment is based upon the status of the property as of July 1st of any given year.

The Assessors Office conducts field inspections to collect and verify property descriptions and to identify all characteristics which might affect a property's value. These characteristics include, but are not limited to, land area and features, the size of the structure(s), the quality of materials and workmanship, building style and number of stories, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, heat source, and observed condition. The property's characteristics are used to calculate replacement cost and depreciation, plus land value, which are compared with similar market sales and adjusted to market value based upon prevailing price levels.

State law requires all properties to be assessed at market value as of January 1 each year. This does not mean that every property is physically inspected each year. Properties in the Town are required to be physically re-inspected at least every ten years. The purpose of this cyclical re-inspection is to ensure that the assessing department maintains an accurate and up-to-date description of all taxable property in Town, and to capture any unreported structures that may have been added since our last visit.

If you believe your property value is too high you should speak to someone in the Assessor's Office. The first step is to review your property record card to insure that the data is correct. Quite often, if the value is incorrect it is due to a simple data error. The next step would be to review the sales of similar properties within the community, and particularly within a neighborhood similar to yours. The assessing staff will assist you with this process if you need help, as all data is available in their office.

Once you have completed these steps, if you still believe the assessment of your property is incorrect you should apply for an abatement. You must apply for an abatement by February 1st of any given year, or thirty days from the postmark on the third quarter tax bill, whichever date is later. Upon receipt of your application the Assessor will most likely contact you to arrange for an inspection of your property to take place in order to verify the accuracy of the data. The Board of Assessors has three months from the date they are received to act upon abatement applications, and is required to notify you in writing within ten days of their decision, regardless of whether the decision is to abate or deny your application.

Finally, it is important that you understand that abatements are granted or denied based upon valuation issues, not tax issues. In other words, if your issue is with your tax bill but not your value you have no grounds to apply for an abatement. Tax dollars are determined by the spending at Town Meeting, not the value of your property, and while the Assessor has total jurisdiction over the assessments on all properties within the community, they have no jurisdiction over spending.

The assessment is the value of property to be used for local taxation as determined by the Board of Assessors through a series of market analysis of the current Real Estate Market following regulations set by the Commissioner of Revenue. The assessment is the estimated full and fair cash value of a property on January 1st of a given year.

State law requires the assessor to assess property at its "full and fair cash value" (market value) as of January 1 of the assessment year. This is defined as "the estimated price the property would bring in an open market and under the then prevailing market conditions in a sale between a willing seller and a willing buyer both conversant with the property and with prevailing general price levels."

If the Board of Assessors denies your application for abatement, or if you believe the abated value is still incorrect, you have the right to appeal this decision to the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board. You must file your appeal within three months of the Board's decision. You may contact the Appellate Tax Board at 617-727-3100, or visit their website.

The most frequent reason for a change in value of a given property is a change in market conditions. This means a change in the supply or demand for real estate, which typically reflects broader trends in the local or regional economy such as employment levels, household income, inflation or deflation, prevailing interest rates, consumer confidence, or any number of other economic factors. Basically, a change in market conditions means a change in the price a seller would be willing to accept or the price a buyer would be willing to pay for a given property. The assessor continually tracks market conditions as reflected in real estate sales prices and overall price levels.

Call the Deputy extension at 617-898-4905 between 8:15 and 9 am on the day you want the inspection done.  The on duty Deputy will scheduled the inspection on the same day depending on their availability. The Deputy is on Duty and required to respond to any emergencies so the scheduled times are approximate.  The Seller will need a Bank Check or Money Order payable to the Town of Milton. No personal checks or cash.   

The Milton Health Department offers seasonal flu clinics for the general public each fall. We will be scheduling two townwide seasonal flu clinics in October. Additional information will be forthcoming.  

As of August 19th 2024, yes! Please visit the health department on the 1st floor of Milton Town Hall and ask for one if you would like a testing kit. Limit: 2 testing kits per household.

At this time the Milton Health Department will not be administering the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Please call your local pharmacy or Primary Care Provider for more information on where to receive the vaccine.  

Sharps in appropriate containers can be brought to the Board of Health during normal business hours for disposal. If you did not originally get the sharps container from the Town of Milton Health Department, there is a small disposal fee ranging from $5(small), $7(medium), and $10(large), based on the size of container. Biohazard containers for sharps may also be purchased here a the Health Department ranging from $5, $7, and $10 and this will include disposal services. 

Payment options:

1. Check made out to the Town of Milton 

2. Cash in exact amount - will need to be sent down to the clerk's office within the same building to receive a slip that must be brought back to us to confirm payment

 Please call the Board of Health at 617-898-4886 with any questions.

A temporary food establishment is defined by the 1999 Food Code as a food establishment that operates for a period of no more than 14 consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration. Temporary food events include food truck festivals, traveling fairs and carnivals, holiday festivals, restaurant food shows, and special interest fund-raisers.

An event is considered public and is subject to Board of Health requirements if it is advertised with fliers, banners, newspaper articles, social media, radio or TV announcements, or by other means.

The Health Agent will work with you to ensure that your temporary food establishment meets all the basic food safety requirements necessary to prevent a foodborne illness outbreak prior to your event.

Please call the Board of Health at 617-898-4886 with any questions.

If your property line is within 150 feet of a public sewer, yes, you will be required to connect to the public sewer.

If a public sewer is within 150 to 500 feet of your property line, an application may be made in writing to the Board to declare the Public Sewer "Not Available".

Please call the Board of Health at 617-898-4886 with questions and read the full Sewer Connection regulation.

Please read our Dealing with Rodents Fact Sheet (PDF).

It is the homeowner's responsibility to maintain your property free of rodent infestation and to exterminate them. If it appears that rodents have gained access to your property, we recommend obtaining the services of a licensed extermination company (you can find reputable companies in the yellow pages or by searching online).

Complaints regarding rodents that are not on your property should be made to the Health Department at 617-898-4886.

Burial permits are $10 and can be paid through various ways.

1. Through our online permit system; permiteyes 

2. Check mailed/brought in person to the town of milton health department

Please reach out to the Community Health Social Worker Anne Grossman for referrals.  617-898-4887.

Fees are generally based on the value of the work, including all related labor materials and equipment costs as specified in the most recent fee schedule. Please see the link to the fee schedule on the Inspectional Services home page.

Work authorized under a particular permit must begin within 6 months of the date of issuance. Once work begins, it must continue at a reasonable pace toward completion. Both permits and applications that are inactive for 6 months or more can be deemed expired. However, we evaluate each case as it is presented. Often, there can be justifiable causes for delays and we try to be as accommodating as possible, especially in cases where there are no effective changes to the codes or other regulations affecting the project.

This depends on the complexity of the project. Simple projects can often issue right away if all documentation is provided upon application. For larger, more complex projects, such as new homes and additions, we try to do the initial review within 30 days of the application date. If the review reveals that plans and documents need additional information, the applicant is notified of the deficiencies and usually, it is up to the designer(s) to make the corrections. If all corrections are made, permits are often issued within one or two weeks of the re-submittal.

The Building Inspectors have “walk-in” hours each morning from 8 to 10 am. Other times are available by appointment, only. Much of an Inspector's time is spent out of the office performing various required inspections or time may be dedicated to performing a plan review of a large or complex project. This schedule enables us to manage all of our various functions in an efficient manner.

Permits for simple projects such as roofing, siding, or window replacement can be handled electronically. The online system has a chat feature that enables staff to communicate with applicants if and when additional information is needed. Many renovation projects, however, require some degree of review and interaction with an inspector and this is best done in person.

Depending on what type of paint you wish to dispose of:

• Latex (water-based) Paint - can be disposed of through you regular trash, just make sure that all the paint is dry. Simply add kitty litter, sand, or a waste paint hardener additive to the latex paint to dry it out. Then place it curbside on your regular collection day. If you have several cans of paint you may wish to place them in a trash bag with a trash sticker, do not exceed 40 lbs.
• Oil-based Paint - Cannot be disposed of through the regular trash as it is considered a hazardous material. Oil-based paint may be brought to the annual DPW Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. Click here to learn more information: https://www.townofmilton.org/363/Household-Hazardous-Waste

When Town Hall is open to the public, backyard composters can be purchased at the Treasurer's Office located at Town Hall, 525 Canton Avenue. For more information please go to: https://www.townofmilton.org/1240/Compost-Services

Plot plans may be purchased at the Engineering Department located in the Milton Town Hall, 2nd floor 525 Canton Avenue.

Plot plans are available for pick up between 8 am and 3:45 pm, Monday through Friday at a cost of $3 each.

You may also use our GIS Online Mapper to create your own plot plan.

If you have a missed trash, recycling or yard waste collection issue please Call the Milton DPW Office at 617-898-4900 and leave a message on the DPW trash line.

Missed solid waste collection guidelines.

To report a street light outage for Town owned streetlights please call 617-898-4900 or Online "REPORT A PROBLEM" Link with a description of the location. The best location is the pole number (as shown) with the nearest street address.

To report a pothole please call DPW Operations at 617-898-4900 during regular business hours or leave a message at that number if calling at night or on weekends. Residents can also email the DPW at Potholes email and include the street address and the nearest cross-street where the pothole is located.

We are currently developing step by step instructions to create a plot plan using our GIS Online Mapper. If you need assistance prior to the instructions being posted here, please call 617-898-4973.

First you would need to contact the Select Boards Office to request a filming permit at 617-898-4843. If granted you will need to email Paul Dimanno with your requested filming date and location.

Park space is public property and typically cannot be reserved for private use. You may email Kevin Chrisom to advise on possible locations in the area that may work for your event. kchrisom@townofmilton.org For larger events we recommend you attend our monthly Parks Commissioners meeting to discuss. Please contact our office several days prior to meeting to be placed on our agenda. 617-898-4940

Yes, we do. Visit our Facebook page.

1. Please subscribe to our town page for email notifications when posted.
2. As soon as a program or event is posted our department displays flyers on the town website and emails out flyers to database of emails provided by public schools. We also emailed to St. Agathas School and St. Mary of the Hills for their email distribution.
3. Paper flyers are also displayed in the Office of Parks and Recreation in addition to the display rack in the lobby.

Registration is available through Civic Rec online registration on our town page.

Visit our registration page.

Field requests are granted based on field availability. To check on availability please email Kevin B. Chrisom.

Houghtons Pond is owned by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). To reserve a picnic area or any DCR property please go to the Reserve America Site.

1. Go to How do I on the top right of the page and hover over Where do I go for button.
2. Scroll down to Subscribe for News.
3. Enter your email and fill required fields.
4. Click Subscribe on Parks and Recreation choice for News and Announcements and you may also choose to receive Urgent Alerts.

1. Go to the How Do I page
2. Go to the bottom of the page
3. Click on Un-Subscribe

Refund Policy:

1. A request for a refund must be made at least 6 business days prior to the start of any program/event.
2. Please send an email with the request to Bonnie Devore with your child's name and the program you are requesting a refund for. bdevore@townofmilton.org 

For further information please call 617-898-4940.

You may apply at any time to work at Parks and Recreation providing you are 16 years of age using the online application found under the Human Resources Department page or using link below. Please turn in at our office located at Milton Town Hall , Parks and Recreation office. 525 Canton Ave. Milton. 1st. floor. Applications are kept on file and we hire as needed. If a position for our recreation staff becomes available we will contact you. Any questions please call our office at 617-898-4940. See link below for application. 

Application. https://ma-milton.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/407/Application-For-Employment-PDF

Chickens and other farm animals need to be registered through the board of health. View the Keeping of Animals in the Town of Milton (PDF) here. 

If it is a domestic animal please call animal control during working hours at 617-698-0455.

If it is a wild animal on public property please call DPW during working hours at 617-898-4900.

If it is a wild animal on private property, it is the responsibility of the property owner to remove said animal.

• First Violation: $30
• Second Violation: $40
• Third and Subsequent Violations: $50

There is a $50 fine for not picking up after your dog.

The fine for not having a dog not properly licensed is $30. An additional penalty of $30 may be added every week until the dog is licensed.

All dogs 6 months and older must be licensed every year. Licenses must be obtained by April 15th of each year.

The cost per license is $10 for a spayed/neutered dog or $15 for an intact dog.

The Town Clerk's Office located at the Milton Town Hall issues the license. Be sure to bring a current copy of your dog's rabies certificate.

No

Visit the Public Records website. 

Non-Profit organizations may post up to three signs in town for up to three weeks prior to an event. Please contact the Contract and Licensing Agent via Email or 617-898-4846.

Requests will be forwarded to the Town Administrator who will issue final approval.

View the Sign Application and Instructions (PDF).

Organizations who wish to use the streets and ways of the Town of Milton for a walking, running or biking event need approval from the Town Administrator. Please contact the Contract and Licensing Agent Benefits Assistant at 617-898-4846 with your contact information (including phone number), the organization you represent, the proposed date of the event and a map of the intended course. Requests will be forwarded to the Town Administrator and Milton Police who will issue final approval.

View the Road Race Application and Instructions (PDF).

For all elections, voters must register 10 days before the date of the election.

If you are a registered voter and have moved within Town, notify the Town Clerk's office in writing of your new address. If you have moved to a new city or town, you must register to vote in your new community. If you have moved out of Massachusetts you should notify the Clerk's Office to be removed from the voter rolls. Any changes must be requested within the deadline schedule listed above to be changed for the upcoming election.

The two parties to the marriage must jointly apply for the license (file intentions) in person at the Town Clerk's Office. Marriage licenses are state licenses and can be applied for at any town/city hall within Massachusetts.

You may go to the Town Clerk's Office during regular business hours and vote absentee over the counter twenty days prior to the election, up to noon the day before election day.

To have an absentee ballot mailed to you, you may either download the Absentee Ballot Application (PDF), complete the form, and mail it to the Town Clerk's Office or go to the Town Clerk's Office during regular business hours and complete an application.

You may register to vote at any Town Clerk's Office, Board of Registrars, or Registry of Motor Vehicles in the Commonwealth. Mail-in registration cards are available at the Post Office, libraries, or you can download the Mail-In Voter Registration Form (PDF). You may also register using the new Online Voter Registration System. To submit an online application, you must have a valid driver's license, learner's permit, or non-driver ID issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles(RMV). 

Milton parking tickets may be appealed within 21 days of issuance by appearing at the Milton Police Station on the first or third Tuesday of the month. Hearing are held between 3:30 and 6:30 pm before Lieutenant Mark Alba at:
The Police Station
40 Highland Street
Milton, MA 02186

No appointment is needed. Please call the business number at 617-698-3800 to make sure the dates have not been changed.

Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Section 59-11 Real Estate

Taxes on Real Estate shall be assessed in the Town where it lies, to the person who is the owner on January first, and the person appearing of record.

Property tax assessments are billed on a fiscal year basis, from July 1 to June 30, with an effective date of the previous January 1. This means at the owner as of January 1 should legally appear on the tax bill.

The Assessors' Office will change the mailing address on real estate tax bills the written permission from the owner. The written request must include: property address, owners names, new mailing address, signature of owner(s) and date.

The average turnaround time is five business days. However, heavy volume could delay processing but not exceeding ten business days.

Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Section 60-15 Paragraph 19

The Treasurer/Collector cannot waive interest or demand fees.

No Exceptions

The cost of a Municipal Lien Certificate is $50.

Trash can be placed in the black carts. Only recyclables should be placed in the blue carts. The Town will not collect trash placed in the blue carts. If you're not sure what can be recycled, check our Recycle Right page or the MassDEP's Recyclopedia website. If your item can't be recycled in the blue bin, you can search Milton's How Do I Dispose Of...? page to learn how to dispose of the item.

If you have a blue "Milton Recycles" tub-style bin, we welcome you to keep it and use it for storage or as another household bin. You can set this out with recyclables along with the cart. If you have other recycling or trash barrels you can continue to use them for yard waste, additional trash, or additional recyclables. Please make sure it is properly labeled and stickered so sanitation workers know to pick it up. Free Yard Waste labels are available at DPW.

You can set out additional trash as long as each additional bag has a sticker on it. When using a barrel, place the sticker on top of the top bag of trash. More info click here: https://www.townofmilton.org/432/Curbside-Collection-Information   If having additional trash is typical for you, you may order an additional trash barrel from DPW for an additional charge. 

You are still able (and encouraged!) to recycle as much as you can. If you have other bins or barrels please fill the cart first, then set out additional bins or barrels if you need to.

The Town issues one recycling cart per household due to inventory, however additional trash carts may be ordered from DPW at an additional cost. More information: https://www.townofmilton.org/424/Carts-Trash-and-Recycling

The carts are property of the Town of Milton. If you move, the cart must remain at the address to which it was distributed. You may personalize your cart with a decal or sticker but do not mark up the carts with paint or markers.

Each cart is associated with a household, and serial numbers are used to match carts to households and keep track of the fleet of carts. Serial numbers and Radio Frequency Identification tags (RFID) associated with each cart help the Town track maintenance and location information of the carts. No personal information about cart users is tracked by the RFID tags.

Since the carts are Town property, the Town will help repair or replace carts that are damaged during regular operations or go missing. If it is damaged, please bring the barrel to the DPW Yard at 629 Randolph and inform staff inside the building. We will have a new one dropped off to you on the following Friday. To replace a stolen cart, the DPW will require a copy of a police report made to Milton Police. A replacement and maintenance request form is available online or you can call DPW.

Refer to MGL c140 s131 click here

Please visit the Firearms Record Bureau website to view the frequently asked questions page.

You can now retrieve the PIN number for your active license to carry (LTC), firearms identification (FID) card, or machine gun license through the DCJIS by calling 617-660-4722 during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8 am to 6 pm.

The following information is required:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Active LTC, FID card, or machine gun license number
• Driver's license number (for identity verification)

Questions other than retrieving the PIN number should be directed to the FRB at 617-660-4782.

As laws change frequently, especially firearms laws, it is good practice to contact the state police in which ever state you are traveling to see if a Massachusetts license to carry will be valid in that state.

Submit your change of address here: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/report-an-address-or-name-change-for-your-firearms-license

Parking ticket appeals are heard on the first and third Tuesday of each month at the police station from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm

A sex offender is any person who resides, works, or attends an institution of higher learning in the Commonwealth and who has been convicted of a sex offense, or who has been adjudicated as a youthful offender or as a delinquent juvenile by reason of a sex offense, or a person released from incarceration or parole or probation supervision or custody with the department of youth services for such a conviction or adjudication, or a person who has been adjudicated a sexually dangerous person or a person released from civil commitment on or after August 1, 1981.

The Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB) classifies sex offenders based on their dangerousness to the public and the likelihood of re-offense. The classification determines where and how a sex offender must register, whether the public can see the sex offender's information and whether the local police actively distribute the information to the community:

1. No duty to register: The evidence indicates there is no risk of re-offense and no danger to the public. All information about the offender is removed from the Sex Offender Registry. By law, certain sex offenders, such as those convicted of sexually violent offenses, are excluded from this option.
2. Level 1: The evidence indicates a low risk. Level 1 sex offenders can submit their annual registrations by mail to the SORB. Information about Level 1 sex offenders is not available to the public.
3. Level 2: The evidence indicates a moderate risk. Level 2 sex offenders must re-register each year in person at their local police station. Information about Level 2 offenders is available at local police departments or from the Sex Offender Registry Board. Anyone wanting the information must request it in person, or by mail.
4. Level 3: The evidence indicates high risk. Level 3 sex offenders must re-register each year in person at their local police station. Information about Level 3 offenders is available at police stations, from the SORB, and on the Internet. In addition, police departments actively distribute this information to the community.

Please contact Sergeant Ernst at 617-898-4804 and he will investigate the matter. Once completed he can take punitive action if warranted. It is helpful to have the Cab Number and any operator information possible to assist in the investigation.

Currently, there are two cab companies that are licensed by the Town of Milton. They are Milton Cab based out of Quincy Massachusetts and Parkway Cab based out of Boston.

Any student entering 6th grade through 8th grade in September of this year. 

Visit the Vehicles Towed page to learn how to proceed once your vehicle has been owed. 

Visit the Fingerprinting page for more information on fingerprinting services offered by the Milton Police Department. 

The Milton Council on Aging offers a wide variety of services, including transportation for medical appointments and grocery shopping, outreach referrals, social, educational, health and wellness, and entertainment programs. For additional details, call (617) 898-4893.

Any resident of the Town of Milton age 60 years and older is eligible to become a member of the Milton Council on Aging. Registration and a signed Exercise Waiver is required for those wishing to participate in Health and Wellness Programs. For those wishing to support the mission of the COA, donations to the Friends of the COA are welcome. Call (617) 898-4893 for additional information.  

Milton Public Library has a Central Library at 476 Canton Avenue. The library is a member of the Old Colony Library Network. Visit their website.

Upon his death in 1701, William Stoughton, who had served the Massachusetts Bay Colony as Lieutenant Governor and Governor, willed to the Town of Milton forty acres of his property in Milton for the benefit of the poor. The charitable works of the Governor Stoughton Fund are coordinated by the Milton Board of Selectmen who serve as its Trustees. The Trustees receive referrals for assistance to needy Milton residents from the Milton Residents Fund through its coordinator Noreen Dolan, LCSW. Ms. Dolan can be reached at 617-696-1214 or by email.

Yes! View the Milton Public School website to connect with all the public schools & Milton Community Schools.

Contact the DPW/Trash/Recycling at 617-898-4900. Trash stickers are sold at the Town libraries & several local stores town-wide.

Comcast and RCN are the cable tv service providers:

• Comcast Telephone: 800-266-2278.
• RCN Telephone: 800-746-4726
• Milton Access Television: 617-698-0814 (Fax 617-698-6116

There is no overnight parking in Milton from 1 am to 5 am on any day. However, you may apply for an overnight parking permit through the Police Station ($25 per year). Also, notify the police if you have overnight guests who must park on the street.

Call the School Superintendent's Office at 617-696-4808/9.

The Milton Early Childhood Alliance, 495 Canton Avenue, offers an excellent resource, the "Milton Parents' Resource Manual". Telephone: 617-696-2262. Fax: 617-696-2263.

Contact Milton Community Schools, 617-696-1988, or learn about before and after-school programs & “Camp Cunningham” summer day camp.

Contact the Parks and Recreation Department. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 3 pm. Also visit the town website. Check local newspapers for sign-up times and locations.

Note: Cunningham Park, Edge Hill Road, is a private institution open to all Milton residents. Pool tags go on sale every June for residents only.

Contact Joseph Prondak (Building Commissioner), Cliff Flynn (Wire inspector), or Mark Kelly (Plumbing/ Gas Inspector) at 617-898-4925.

The bylaw’s purpose is to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff. Stormwater is rain or snowmelt which empties into street catch basins and flows via pipes into local water bodies like Pine Tree and Unquity Brooks, and eventually into the Neponset River, which flows to Dorchester Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike wastewater, stormwater is not treated. As it flows over roofs, lawns, and paved surfaces like driveways and streets, stormwater picks up pollutants such as sediment, soil, pet waste, fertilizer and pesticide residue and carries them to local rivers and streams.

The pet waste is an unhealthy source of bacteria for people and animals that venture into local waters. Residue from use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers causes unwanted algae to grow in local waters. The algae suck up the oxygen and make it hard for the natural animal and plant life to thrive. Sediments and soils that are carried by stormwater into local water bodies clog up the water channel so that dredging is needed to keep the water running free. Sedimentation can destroy aquatic habitat and high volumes of runoff can cause stream bank erosion. If no stormwater management measures exist, a local water body may be irreparably harmed.

The bylaw does not limit water usage for residents in any way, and should not affect a resident's day-to-day household activities. The bylaw targets three specific areas: 1) illicit connections or discharges to the municipal stormwater drainage system; 2) construction projects; and 3) post-construction plans to route stormwater runoff.

Detecting illicit connections and discharges to the stormwater drainage system will be the responsibility of the Milton DPW. Managers of construction projects will need to file a Soil Erosion and Sediment Plan with the Town, showing how soil and sediment erosion will be minimized during construction. Finally, plans to minimize stormwater runoff after the construction phase is completed will also be required.

Simply put, the bylaw allows the Town to update its stormwater management techniques, and report its progress to the U.S. EPA. The overall goal is to make sure our local water bodies stay healthy.

Most of us pass mounds of dirt or gravel on a construction site and don’t think much about them. These materials are needed for building. But if you think about it, stormwater freely washes over these materials, and carries them into local waters. The materials accumulate and flow into the nearest local waterbody. Construction sites have not previously been regulated for soil and sediment erosion, nor have the final impacts of construction projects on stormwater flow been regulated previously.

Construction projects affected in this bylaw include any project involving either clearing of more 7500 sq. feet of land or stockpiling more than 100 cubic yards of excavate or fill. Contact the Engineering Department for more information. 

Yes. Local communities like Sharon, Canton, Newton, Marshfield, Duxbury and Brookline have enacted or are in the process of enacting stormwater bylaws. In fact, 250 urbanized or semi-urbanized communities throughout Massachusetts will be implementing a stormwater ordinance if they haven’t done so already.

Yes, the water in the Town of Milton meets or exceeds all state standards and is tested weekly.

The water contains air. This is a common problem after a water main break or a disruption of water service. Running the tap water from each faucet for a short period of time usually will clear it up.

There is a small amount of iron in the water and it becomes noticeable when it comes in contact with the air. There is no health risk from the discoloration. Very often after disruption of service the problem increases. We recommend running the cold water tap for a few minutes at a time until the water clears. If you are experiencing discolored water, avoid using your hot water as the rust can get into your hot water tank and discolor clothing in your washing machine. If you do experience rust in laundry, please contact us and we will provide you with a chemical agent to remove the rust.

The water coming into your home from the water mains is cold. If you are having discoloration only in the hot water it is a problem within your plumbing system and you need to contact a plumber.

It is rare that water meters malfunction. The new meters recently installed were all tested prior to installation and are accurately registering water flowing through them. Water meters are mechanical and in most cases will slow with age rather than speed up. The new meters are equipped with leak indicators, a small blue dial on the face of the meter, if this is moving when nothing is supposed to be running in the home there may be a leak that should be investigated. If your bill is excessively high, consider having the house checked for leaks by our technician or a plumber.

Water and Sewer bills are issued based on consumption. With the new meters we will be able to eliminate estimates and you will be billed based on actual usage. When comparing your bill with a neighbor keep in mind everyone’s habits are different. The same size family, with the same size house, etc, will have different consumption as one family may do more laundry, take longer showers, leave the water running while shaving or brushing teeth or doing dishes. Other factors such as water saving appliances, and conservation efforts will also make a difference in consumption.

Some leaks are obvious, a dripping faucet, a toilet running (where you have to “jiggle” the handle), but others are more hidden. The easiest way to check is to read your water meter, wait an hour or two (be sure no one in the house uses water) and read the meter again, if the reading has changed there is a leak. To check for a “silent” leak in a toilet, put a few drops of food coloring into the tank, do not flush, wait 30 minutes, check the bowl, if any of the color has seeped into the bowl there is a problem with the seal and you should contact your plumber. Remember your water meter will move with any water usage and even small leaks can add up on your bill.

No. However, all bills are charged at a discounted minimum rate for water and for sewer consumptions 0-600 cubic feet, quarterly.

Mattresses are picked up on Tuesdays by request only. To request a pickup, fill out the DPW Mattress Collection Form. The cutoff for a given Tuesday's pickup is the previous Friday at noon. Requests made after the cutoff will be picked up the next week. 

Please have your mattress(es) and/or box spring(s) out on the curb on the appropriate Tuesday by 7 am. Each item needs a $35 large item trash sticker, and each item must be in a mattress bag, which may be purchased at a hardware store.

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To opt out and avoid automatic enrollment in Milton CEA, you must do one of the following before July 28, 2021: Call NextEra Energy Services at 800-307-9926 submit the opt-out form at MiltonCEA website.

You will be automatically enrolled in the Milton CEA product, "Milton Green," as of your September 2021 electricity meter read, unless you choose one of our optional products or choose to opt out.

Stormwater, or stormwater runoff, is the water that runs into our local storm drains (also known as catch basins) and travels through the Town drainage system into our local rivers, streams, and ponds. Stormwater runoff can pick up pollutants on the street

Milton is fortunate to have streams, brooks and rivers that run through or are near the Town. These waterbodies are not only beautiful to look at, but they play an important role in transporting stormwater runoff (which is essentially rain or snow-melt) to the Neponset River and eventually to the sea via the Boston Harbor Watershed.

Stormwater runoff drains directly into catch basins on your street; unlike wastewater, the runoff is not treated before it empties into a local water body. That's why it's so important that our stormwater runoff remains clean. While the sanitary sewer runs to a treatment plant, the separate storm water sewer runs to Unquity and Pine Tree Brooks and the Neponset River.

Pollution of these waterways has a number of consequences. Bacterial pollution from pet waste and other sources can make waters unsafe for recreation and cause disturbances in aquatic ecosystems. Excess phosphorus or nitrogen can cause harmful algal blooms that threaten the health of aquatic systems, especially for fisheries. That's why the little things everyone can do - such as picking up pet waste, or using less lawn fertilizer - can help us keep waterways clean for everyone who uses them.

The Town uses a written Stormwater Management Plan for operations, and requires stormwater controls in its Stormwater Management bylaw. The Stormwater Management Bylaw was first approved at the Annual Milton Town Meeting in May 2006. To view the Bylaw, see the Stormwater Management Bylaw. In February 2016, Town Meeting approved the creation of a stormwater utility fee and stormwater enterprise fund in order to help the town pay for compliance with EPA and MassDEP stormwater regulations. To see more information about the history of the stormwater utility in Milton, visit the Background Information page.

• Pet waste significantly contributes to pollutants in the Neponset River and local streams such as Pine Tree and Unquity Brooks. It carries bacteria like E. coli and salmonella that can make our water bodies unsafe for recreation.
• Waste dumped or washed into catch basins (stormwater drains) is carried directly to rivers through the stormwater drain system.
• Even pet waste left in the street, far from a catch basin, can get washed into the drains during storms.
• Pet waste can carry viruses and bacteria that are extremely harmful to humans.
• Pet waste contains nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients that accelerate growth of damaging algae and aquatic weeds.
• Pet waste is damaging to trees.

• Always clean up after your pet and dispose of the waste in the trash, in a sealed or tied plastic bag, or in a toilet.
• Encourage your neighbors and other pet owners to be responsible; it's not hard, and it's part of the responsibility you have in owning a pet.

• Don't dispose of pet waste in a stormwater drain. These systems go directly to local rivers.
• Don't add pet waste to a compost pile. (The pile will never get hot enough to kill disease-causing organisms.)
• Don't use pet waste as a fertilizer. Bacteria in pet waste does far more harm than good.

Thanks for your cooperation!

Yes, you can request a stop sign, but it must meet certain conditions and be evaluated against national standards. According to the 2009 Edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) published by the US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration Section 2B.05:

"The use of STOP signs on the minor-street approaches should be considered if engineering judgment indicates that a stop is always required because of one or more of the following conditions:

1. The vehicular traffic volumes on the through street or highway exceed 6,000 vehicles per day;
2. A restricted view exists that requires road users to stop in order to adequately observe conflicting traffic on the through street or highway; and/or
3. Crash records indicate that three or more crashes that are susceptible to correction by the installation of a STOP sign have been reported within a 12-month period, or that five or more such crashes have been reported within a 2-year period. Such crashes include right-angle collisions involving road users on the minor-street approach failing to yield the right-of-way to traffic on the through street or highway."

Truck exclusions are regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and must follow both the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the Massachusetts Amendments to the MUTCD.

To receive approval:

• A suitable alternate route must be available, wide and strong enough to carry the trucks.
• The alternate route must either:
  • Stay entirely within the same community,
  • Use a State Highway, or
  • Pass into a neighboring community with that community’s written approval.

Important: Numbered routes (like Route 9 or Route 20) cannot be restricted.

When is a truck exclusion justified?

MassDOT requires an engineering study, which may show that:

• Heavy truck volumes (typically 5–8% of traffic) are reducing safety or capacity, or
• The street’s pavement is deteriorating and cannot handle repeated heavy loads.

In some cases, nighttime-only exclusions may be approved in residential neighborhoods.

Exceptions

Even if approved, truck exclusions do not apply to:

• Deliveries or collections to properties on the street,
• Construction or utility vehicles, or
• Public service and emergency vehicles.

Definition of a “heavy commercial vehicle”

MassDOT defines it as any truck weighing 10,000 pounds or more gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) (updated from the previous 5,000 lbs threshold to match current practice). This typically includes large box trucks, tractor-trailers, and similar vehicles—not standard pickup trucks.

Information the Town must provide to MassDOT

• 24-hour traffic counts (including truck counts by size),
• A map showing the street and the alternate route,
• Street conditions (width, pavement type, sidewalks),
• Land use and zoning along the street,
• Crash history,
• Proposed hours of exclusion, and
• A statement explaining the need, along with the Town’s agreement to install and maintain the signs.

You will need to give a copy of your (26F) inspection to your real estate attorney to complete the sale / purchase of your house.