Frequently Asked Questions

Animal Inspector

I have seen coyotes in the area. What should I do?

Who do I call regarding raccoons, skunks, squirrels, bats, and wildlife on my property?

What should I do if there is a dead animal on my property?

Cemetery Division

How do I find information about family plots, lot location, or genealogy?

Are all cemeteries in Wakefield owned by the Town?

Where is Forest Glade Cemetery located?

Who can be buried at Forest Glade Cemetery?

Who should I call about burial at Forest Glade Cemetery?

Engineering Division

How do I get a permit for a dumpster?

What is a road moratorium?

Which contractors are currently licensed with the DPW?

Does the DPW have flood insurance maps developed for Wakefield?

Will the DPW help me locate utility lines?

Forestry Division

How do I determine if a tree in front of my house belongs to me or the Town of Wakefield?

Why are shade trees planted along our streets?

Can I cut down a public shade tree?

What should I do if a public shade tree falls?

Will the DPW remove a tree on my property?

Highway Division

When are streets swept?

How do I report a street light that is out?

How do I report a missing street sign or stop sign?

How do I report a pothole?

I ran over a pothole. Will the town reimburse me for damages to my vehicle?

Park Division

How do I reserve the Common for a special event?

Can my group use the bathroom facilities at Landrigan Field?

How do I reserve a field, tennis court, or playground to be used for sports?

I noticed a separated seam or tear in an artificial field. What should I do?

How do I report an issue at a park or playground?

Parking Clerk

Where can I get a merchant or resident parking pass?

How do I appeal a parking ticket?

How can I pay my parking ticket?

How can I clear unpaid violations in order to renew my license?

Is there a winter parking ban in Wakefield?

Refuse, Recycling, Yard Waste

When is Hazardous Waste Day?

Why wasn’t my trash or recycling picked up?

How do I report if my blue trash bin is damaged?

Sewer Division

There are tree roots in my sewer service line. What should I do?

There is a strong sewer odor in my area. What is causing this and what should I do?

Who should I call if sewage is backing up into my home?

The sewer pipe from the street to my house needs to be repaired. Who should I contact?

Snow & Ice Removal

Why is snow pushed into my driveway?

Is sand available to use in the winter?

Will trash and recyclables be collected during a snowstorm?

Are all roads in Town plowed by the Wakefield Department of Public Works (DPW)?

Can I push snow from my property onto the sidewalk or street?

Stormwater

What is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)?

What happens to pollutants that enter storm drains and inlets?

Why is stormwater management important?

What is stormwater?

Where does storm water go after it enters a storm drain?

Tax Collector

When is a real estate/personal property tax bill due?

How often are real estate and personal property tax bills mailed?

What months are covered for each bill?

What if I did not receive a tax bill?

Where do I mail my tax payment?

Traffic Advisory Committee

How do I report a traffic concern?

Water Division

I am selling my house, how do I get a final water bill?

What is the gallon-to-cubic foot conversion?

How much is a gallon of water?

Where does Wakefield’s drinking water come from?

Does Wakefield water contain lead?