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1. WHAT IS THE ANNUAL TOWN CENSUS?

The General Laws of Massachusetts mandate an annual street listing of residents as of January 1st each year (M.G.L. Ch. 51 § 4). Therefore, the Chelmsford Town Clerk sends out census forms to all Chelmsford households at the beginning of every year. Forms are due back to our office within 10 days. The census form asks for the name, gender, date of birth and occupation of all residents in your household.

2. IS THE INFORMATION COLLECTED PUBLIC INFORMATION?

Records for residents 17 years of age or older are public information. A street list is published each year containing the names and addresses of every resident 17 years of age or older, in accordance with M.G.L. Ch. 51 § 6, and is available for $15 as a hard copy or CD.

3. WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY CENSUS FORM?

Pre-printed census forms are mailed to Chelmsford households. If the pre-printed information is correct, please sign the form and send it back to the Clerk’s Office within 10 days of receipt. If the information needs to be updated, you can add, delete or make changes on your form and mail it back to the Clerk’s Office.

4. WHAT IF I LIVE IN A MULTI-UNIT APARTMENT BUILDING?

If you live in an apartment building with more than 8 units, your landlord or management company is legally required to provide census data to our office for all residents of the building (M.G.L. Ch. 51 § 10A). Residents of large apartment buildings will receive individual census forms by mail as well.

5. WHY IS THE CENSUS IMPORTANT?

If you are a registered voter, failure to respond shall result in removal from the active voting list and may result in removal from the voter registration rolls. If you are not a registered voter, it is still important for you to return your census form – many public benefits require proof of residency, which our office can provide for any resident who has been counted in the Census. An accurate count of residents in town leads to better municipal services. Answering the census on a yearly basis helps Chelmsford maintain accurate population information for the allocation of state and federal funds, as well as grants to the Town; and assists individuals with proof of residency for numerous personal and/or legal requirements, such as:
o In-state tuition at state colleges or universities;
o Housing benefits for the elderly or other eligible persons;
o Veterans’ benefits;
o Insurance benefits; and
o School enrollment.

6. WHAT IS AN INACTIVE VOTER?

An inactive voter is a voter who failed to answer the census. Every summer, registered voters who failed to respond to either the first or second census mailing are made inactive. Voters who are made inactive are immediately sent confirmation cards, which the voter can send back to be reinstated as active or to report an address change. Voters can also be reinstated to the active voting list by either voting in an election or signing a petition or nomination paper. When inactive voters arrive at the polling place, they will be asked to show identification and will need to fill out an Affirmation of Current and Continuous Residence. After the election, they will be reinstated to the active voting list.

If a voter fails to respond to the annual census and does not vote in the next two biennial state elections, the voter will be removed from the voter registration rolls. M.G.L.Ch. 51 §37.

7. CAN I TELL WHETHER I AM REGISTERED TO VOTE FROM MY CENSUS FORM?

Pre-printed census forms mailed to residents’ homes will include an asterisk next to the names of residents who are registered voters in the column titled “Registered Voter.” If there is no asterisk next to your name on pre-printed forms, you are not registered to vote in Chelmsford.

8. DOES TURNING IN MY CENSUS FORM REGISTER ME TO VOTE?

No, it does not. You can register to vote in person at the Clerk’s Office or using a mail-in voter registration form available at the Clerk’s Office and also available online at www.sec.state.ma.us.

9. CAN I UPDATE MY NAME, PARTY OR ADDRESS WITH MY CENSUS FORM?

If you are a registered voter and you would like to update your name, party, or address, make the change on your census form and make sure that you have signed the form. If the form is signed by another member of your family, your census will be counted but we will not be able to make the change to your voter registration. If more than one person in your family would like to make a change to their voter registration, each person making a change must sign the form.

10. WHAT IF I LOST MY CENSUS FORM OR DIDN'T RECEIVE ONE?

Download and complete a blank form using the link below or you may also go to the Town Clerk's office to fill out a form in person. 2013 Annual Census Form

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1. What is the ATEF's purpose?

The purpose of this fund is to provide supplemental funding to support educational initiatives and projects that enhance the existing curriculum of the Chelmsford public schools.

2. What is the source of the funds?

Residents, businesses, and corporations in and outside of Chelmsford may make voluntary contributions to the Arts and Technology Education Fund.

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1. What is a fiscal year?

A fiscal year begins on July 1st of one calendar year and concludes June 30th of the next calendar year.

2. Why is the previous owner listed as the owner and not my name?

By state statute, Assessor records must identify the owner of each parcel as of January 1st. If the parcel transfers after January 1st, the new owner is reflected on the second line "in care of" for that fiscal year. The new owner will be identified on the first line of ownership the following January 1st.

3. How does Proposition 2 1/2 limit property taxes?

Proposition 2 1/2 limits the property tax levy dollar amount raised to support annual budgets of cities and towns.

4. How is the excise bill valuation determined?

The excise value is a specified percentage of the manufacturer's suggested list price for the vehicle at the time of manufacture. The excise rate if $25 per thousand of that list price.

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1. What is a Business Certificate?

A business certificate is a registration of a business that is being conducted within the Town of Chelmsford. It is commonly referred to as a "d/b/a form" or "Doing Business As". Its purpose is primarily for consumer protection and public information purposes. Essentially, the public has a right to know who "is" a particular business, since a customer will not know who "owns" the business simply by the name of that business.

2. Who must file a Business Certificate?

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 110, section 5, states that any person conducting business under any title (business name) other than the real name of person conducting the business must file a Doing Business As certificate with the Town Clerk’s Office. A person is defined as an individual, a partnership or a corporation.
Exemptions to filing are allowed under section 6 if the corporation is doing business in its true corporate name, or if a partnership is doing business under any title, which includes the true surname of any partner. Certain other exemptions exist for trust and limited partnerships.

3. Who must sign the Business Certificate?

If solely one person owns the business only that person need sign. If it is a partnership, both or all of the partners must sign. If it is a corporation, an officer who has signatory authority must sign. All signatures must be made in front of a notary.
An individual must be 18 years of age or older to legally sign a business certificate.

4. How long are the certificates good for?

Business certificates are valid for a period of four (4) years from the date of its original filing. They must be renewed every four (4) years for as long as the business is operating.

5. What if I go out of business, change my residence, change the location of the business or want to change the name of the business?

If you change your residence as listed on the certificate, or change the location of the business within town (but keep the same name) you must file either a statement of change of residence, or a statement of change of location of business.
If you discontinue your business, retire or withdraw from conducting business (i.e. go out of business or move it to another town) you must file a statement of discontinuance.
If you wish to change the name of your business you must file a new certificate for the new business name. You cannot simply change the name of the business because technically you are stopping business in one name and starting business in a new name.
In the case of death of such a person, the executor or administrator of the estate must file a statement.

6. How much does it cost to file a certificate?

The cost to file a business certificate is $40.00. Certified copies are $10.00.

7. Must I display a copy of my Business Certificate?

The law states that copies of your certificate must be available at the address at which the business is conducted, and shall be furnished on request during regular business hours to any person who has purchased goods or services from such business.

8. What is the penalty if I do not file a certificate or statement?

The law states that a fine of not more than three hundred dollars will punish violations for each month during which the violation continues.

9. Where do I get the forms and how do I file?

All forms may be obtained from the Town Clerk's office and are filed at the Town Clerk's office. When filing a Business Certificate, the applicant must complete the relevant portion of the form. Business Certificate

10. Does the Business Certificate give me the right to operate my business?

The Town Clerk’s Office issues “Business Certificates” to register certain businesses. This is to register individuals and businesses and does not allow or permit any business rights with respect to the provisions of the Zoning Bylaws or other regulations.
For any proposed use, a determination of the applicability of the Zoning by-laws is to be made by the Zoning Enforcement Officer prior to commencing such use as stated in regulations of the Town of Chelmsford Zoning Bylaws.

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1. What hours are the Town Offices Open?

The Town Offices are open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Tuesday 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM, and Friday 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM. Please check the specific department pages as some office hours may vary.

2. How do I contact a city/county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

3. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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1. How can I schedule the use of a public building or field?

To schedule use in a public building or field, see Facilities & Field Use. Facilities & Field Use

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1. How far off the road is town-owned property?

The town owns between six to eight feet in from the edge of the road depending on the layout of the road. The town engineer at 978-250-5228 is the best person to determine this on a road-by-road basis.

2. If I have a drainage issue, what should I do?

Contact the town engineer at 978-250-5228. He will determine if there is something that can be done on the road to eliminate the problem (i.e.: berm installation).

3. Can I remove a tree that might be on town property?

Call the Department of Public Works at 978-250-5228 x6700. The tree will be put on our list for review and it will be determined if the tree is actually on Town property. If so, and the tree is in decline or posing a hazard, we will have the tree removed. If it is a healthy tree, and you want it removed for aesthetic reasons, we will set up a Shade Tree Hearing. The Tree Warden will determine if the tree can be removed. This will be at the owner’s expense.

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1. What should I do if I have any questions or concerns regarding snow plowing or snow removal?

Please call 978-856-6707 or email snowconcerns@TownofChelmsford.us with all your snow plow or snow removal concerns.

2. Who should I call if there is a pot hole in the public street, a sinking / collapsing catch basin, or a missing street sign?

Contact the Highway Division at 978-250-5270. If you are leaving a message, please let us know the nature of the problem and the location.

3. When will the town plow or sand? Is there sand available to residents to use on private property?

The town will generally sand with an accumulation of 1-inch of snow / ice. The town will plow if there is an accumulation of three or more inches of snow. Plows / sanders will initially attempt to make each road passable then return to open the roads further. The town provides sand for residents to use on private property. It is located across from the back of the police station in the small parking lot at the high school field on Graniteville Road. Residents must transport the sand from this location to their property.

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1. Where is my sewer line located?

The Sewer Division does not mark out sewer lines on private property. We have a sewer as-built plan for most sewer connections. To request a copy of the as-built plan, call the sewer office at 978-250-5233.

2. What should I do if I detect a sewer backup in my home?

Please contact your local plumber to determine if there is a problem with your sewer line. If the plumber thinks there might be a backup in the public sewer line under the road or in a manhole, please contact the sewer office at 978-250-5233.

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1. I have a question about my sewer bill. Who should I call?

For all sewer bill or sewer betterment bill questions, please call the Sewer Division Office at 978-250-5233.

2. Where can I pay my sewer bill?

Most sewer bills can now be paid online. Choose Online Payments from the Town of Chelmsford main page. Sewer bills can be paid at the collector’s window on the main floor of the Chelmsford town offices, 50 Billerica Road between 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Payments can also be placed in our “black box” outside the front door of the Chelmsford town offices – this box is accessible 24 hours a day. Bills can also be paid through the mail (send to tax collector / treasurer, Town of Chelmsford, P.O. Box 100, Chelmsford, MA 01824-0100). In addition, bills can be paid with your online bill pay service.

3. How often will I receive a sewer bill?

Sewer bills are mailed two times per year. Each bill reflects usage for the prior six months.

4. I am selling my house, how can I request a final bill?

Either the closing attorney, the realtor, or the homeowner should contact the water district that services your home. They will schedule a final read of your water meter and generate a final water bill. The water district will supply that information to us and we will generate a final sewer bill and change the name to the new homeowner prior to closing.

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1. Who can vote?

Any U.S. citizen who is 18 years old or will be 18 on the day of the election may register to vote.

2. How do I register to vote?

You can register online at the Secretary of State's Voter Registration webpage https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/ 

Voter Registration Form

3. Where are the polling places in Chelmsford?

PREC 1 - MCCARTHY MIDDLE SCHOOL LARGE GYM 250 NORTH RD
PREC 2 - SENIOR CENTER 75 GROTON RD
PREC 3 - SENIOR CENTER 75 GROTON RD
PREC 4 - MCCARTHY MIDDLE SCHOOL LARGE GYM 250 NORTH RD
PREC 5 - MCCARTHY MIDDLE SCHOOL LARGE GYM 250 NORTH RD
PREC 6 - MCCARTHY MIDDLE SCHOOL LARGE GYM 250 NORTH RD
PREC 7 - MCCARTHY MIDDLE SCHOOL LITTLE GYM 250 NORTH RD
PREC 8 - MCCARTHY MIDDLE SCHOOL LITTLE GYM 250 NORTH RD
PREC 9 - MCCARTHY MIDDLE SCHOOL LARGE GYM 250 NORTH RD Chelmsford Polling Locations Website

4. How do I get an absentee ballot?

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, 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. Absentee Voting Website

5. Where can I view a map of the precincts online?

The Precinct Map webpage link below: Precinct Map

6. How can I determine who my elected representatives are?

Chelmsford is divided into four representative districts. Please find your precinct number in order to obtain your representative's information. Use the Elected Representatives Webpage link below: Elected Representatives Webpage

7. Who are the members of the Board of Registrars?

Use the Board of Registrars Webpage link below: Board of Registrars Webpage