Frequently Asked Questions

The How Do I... section of our website is a list of common questions posed by residents to various City departments. We've grouped these questions by function to make it easier to find what you need. To expand each topic click the bullets until you find the exact topic you want to know more about. If you have any suggestions to improve this page please email us. All fees are subject to change without notice.

Certificates/Licenses/Permits
- Birth Certificates
- Block Party Permits
- Building Permits
- Business Certificates
- Death Certificates
- Dog Licenses
  - Leash Law
  - ‘Pooper Scooper’ Law
- Liquor Licenses
  - One-day Liquor License
  - Other Liquor Licenses
- Marriage License
- Marriage Certificate
- Records of Events and Additional Resources
- Certified Copies of Vital Records
- Street Opening and Occupancy Permits
- Yard Sale Permits
City Census Information
- General Information
- Annual Resident Listing Book
- Federal Redistricting
Elections/ Voter Registration
- General Information
- Registering to Vote
- Obtaining an Absentee Ballot
- Seeking Public Office
Electronic Checks
- What happens when I pay my bill with an electronic check?
- What happens if I put a wrong code on the electronic check?
- What happens If I do not put a code on the electronic check?
- What happens if I send my instructions to pay my bill with an electronic check on the due date?
- What are the codes?
Excise Tax
- How can I pay excise bills?
- Can I make partial payments on an excise bill?
- Where can I pay old excise bills?
- I sold my vehicle, or took my vehicle off the road. Who do I contact?
- I need to change my address. Who do I contact?
- What happens if I do not pay my bill on time?
Genealogical Research (link to state info)
- Fee Schedule
Kiosk Use
- Rules and Regulations
Maps, Plans and Surveys (Coming soon!)
Municipal Lien Certificates
- How do I pay for a Municipal Lien Certificate?
- How much do I pay for a Municipal Lien Certificate?
- How soon may I receive my certificate?
- How much do I pay for a betterment release?
Ordinances
- How do I view the City's Ordinances online?
- How do I search for a specific Ordinance?
Parking
- What are the hours of the Parking Clerk?
- Where can I pay my parking tickets if the Parking Clerk is closed?
- Who do I talk to if I wish to protest a ticket?
- How can I pay for my tickets?
- Can I get information regarding a ticket from the Collector’s Office?
- Can I park overnight in the City of Melrose?
Personal Property
- Why do I have a personal property tax bill?
- What is the tax billing cycle for the City of Melrose and what are the due dates?
- Why do the Personal Property bills say August 1st is the first quarter?
Plot Plans, Street Maps, Assessor’s Maps, Survey Information (Coming soon!)
Public Records
- Records kept by the Clerk’s office include:
- Records kept by the Election office:
- Fee Schedule for Various Licenses and Permits…
Real Estate
- Can I make monthly payments on my Real Estate bill?
- I have sold my house, why do I continue to get tax bills?
- Can I have my tax bill sent to the Mortgage Company?
- I am a new owner and I did not receive a tax bill, therefore, why should I have to pay interest?
- What is the tax billing cycle for the City of Melrose and what are the due dates?
- Why do the Real Estate bills say August 1st is the first quarter?
Sidewalk, Driveway and Street Repairs/Improvements
Solid Waste, Yard Waste, Recycling and City Yard
- Solid Waste
- Special Collections
  - Metal Items
  - Household Hazardous Waste
  - Property/Sale
  - Special Drop-Off Events
  - Special Pick Up
- Not Collected
- Yard Waste
  - Yard Waste Collection & Drop Off Schedule
- Recycling
- City Yard
  - Hours of Operation
  - Items Collected
Street Light Outages
Trees
Utility and Street Information and Records
Variances
Water/Sewer
- Water Bills