Town of Rockport

Rockport FAQ

FAQ Categories

	Ambulance Committee
	Board of Assessors
	Board of Health
	Conservation Commission
	Council on Aging
	Department of Public Works
	Finance Committee
	Harbor Advisory Committee
	Harbormaster
	MIS Department
	Parking Clerk
	Police Department
	Public Library
	Public Schools
	Recreation Committee
	Rights of Way Committee
	Selectmen
	Selectmens Office
	Shellfish Constable
	Treasurer / Collector's Office
	Website Committee

Ambulance Committee	return to top

	How can you become an EMT with the Rockport Ambulance Service? You must be a certified Massachusetts EMT over 18 with a Mass drivers license. If you are interested in becoming an EMT contact the Rockport Ambulance Committee and we will recommend a class and advise you as to how to join our department. We are always recruiting for new EMT's.
	Why do you see two ambulances at a single call? We are a Basic Life Support(BLS) service at times the patient needs more definitive care and we call for an Advanced Life Support(ALS) crew which could be Lyons Ambulance Service or Gloucester Rescue. The ALS crew transports on the Rockport Ambulance with the patient.

Board of Assessors	return to top

What is the current, Fiscal 2012, tax rate?
The tax rate is $10.05 per thousand. Last year, Fiscal 2011, was $9.80 per thousand.

Board of Health	return to top

How do I get a flu shot?
The Board of Health provides influenza vaccinations each year between October and January. Timing is dependent on the delivery of the vaccine. Announcements regarding the location and time of flu clinics are made on the town's web site, in the newspaper, and through posted flyers. The CDC now advises everyone 6 months and older to receive a flu vaccination.

Conservation Commission	return to top

	Can the Conservation Commission give me advice on what I can and cannot do on my property? The Conservation Agent is available to assist you in determining the presence and type of wetlands on a lot. The Agent can determine the appropriate application to be filed with the Commission and provide general guidance in developing a proposal to be submitted. In addition, there is a “Citizen’s Inquiry” session at the beginning of each meeting where residents may bring minor questions or concerns to the Commission. If you have a more complex issue, please contact the Conservation Office and arrange to be placed on the agenda of a Conservation Commission meeting. The Commission and its agent are not equipped to provide formal planning, design, engineering, surveying, or wetland delineation services.
	Can I clean out my stream? Some minor stream cleaning can be done without a formal filing as long as the work adheres to the Town's brook clearing guidelines. However, no stream cleaning can take place without first notifying the Conservation Agent. All stream cleaning that will not be done by hand will require a filing with the Commission.
	Do I need to file for landscaping? Most landscaping within 100 feet of a wetland, other than maintaining existing vegetation (mowing, trimming, ets.), would require some sort of filing. The Commission recommends that you consider planting native vegetation within 100 feet of a wetland and that only organic pesticides and herbicides are used.
	Do I need to hire an Engineer or Wetland Scientist? In order for the Commission to make an accurate and fair determination of the proposal it is best to have a registered land surveyor, licensed engineer, or wetland scientist draw up the plans for the project. Most of them are very familiar with the guidelines given in the Act and regulations established under the Act. They can give you accurate advice on what can and cannot be done and produce a plan for the local and state review process. For your convenience the Commission has a list of wetland scientists on its website under Reports.
	How long does it take to begin a project once an application has been submitted? The permitting process, barring any obstacles, will take at least eight (8) weeks before you can start work. The applicant is required to present the proposed project at the public hearing. Generally, the first public hearing is continued until the next scheduled meeting, pending a site visit (the Commission usually conducts a site visit on the Saturday following the first hearing). The second public hearing is used to discuss the findings of the site visit. If the Commission finds no issues from the first hearing and the site visit, the public hearing is closed. No further information may be presented to the Commission after the public hearing is closed. The Commission has 21 days to make a finding and usually discusses a DRAFT Permit/Order of Conditions (OC) at its next meeting. Finding no major issues with the DRAFT OC, the Commission will sign it and it will be sent to the applicant in the following days via certified mail. The date of issuance begins the state’s 10-business day appeal period. Once the appeal period has ended and no appeal of the permit has been made, the applicant must record the OC with the Registry of Deeds in Salem. Then other “Pre-Construction” orders must be fulfilled in order before work may begin.
	What do I do with the Department of Environmental Protection file number? Any site where work is being done which is subject to this section shall display a sign, of not less than two square feet or more than 3 square feet bearing the words “Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection File Number 62-...”
	What does an abutters notification mean? The abutters’ notification is required under the state and local wetlands laws to allow neighbors to comment on projects which may impact them. Information about the project (including the application and plan(s) of proposed work) may be viewed during regular business hours at the Town Clerk’s Office (1st floor of the Rockport Town Hall – 34 Broadway) and at the Conservation Commission Office (basement level of Rockport Town Hall). Attending the public hearing for the project and speaking during the public comment section is the best way to make your concerns known to the Conservation Commission. If you are unable to attend the hearing, written comments may be sent to the Commission (via mail at 34 Broadway, fax 978-546-3562 or by emailing the Conservation Agent at GFalco@town.Rockport.ma.us). Your comments, if sent in time for the meeting will likely be read at the hearing, but whenever sent will be made part of the record.
	What happens if I do not file? Whoever violates any provision of the Act or the Bylaw shall be punished by a fine of not more than $300 per day, per the Town of Rockport Wetlands By-law.
	What permit application should I use for my project? That all depends on what you propose to do and how close you are to a wetland. A Request for Determination of Applicability (RFD or RDA) is used for small projects where the applicant requests that the Commission determine if the Wetlands Protection Act/Rockport Wetlands By-law is applicable to the area and/or the activity proposed. Simple projects with proper protective measures (siltation barriers) will have little if any impact on a wetland resource area and are typically taken care of using a RDA. A Notice of Intent (NOI) is used for larger projects (septic system repairs, house construction, activities within wetlands, etc.) where the likelihood of impacting the wetland is greater. A NOI is more detailed than an RDA and involves one or more public hearings. An Abbreviated Notices of Resource Delineation (ANRAD) is used to confirm a wetland delineation which, in turn, establishes the Commission's jurisdiction. Still are not sure which application to use? Contact the Conservation Office by phone or by email and the Conservation Agent can help you.
	When I submit my application, how long will it take until I am placed on an agenda? The Commission generally meets on the first and third Wednesdays of the month and lists the meeting dates on its website (www.town.Rockport.ma.us). Complete applications must be submitted to the Conservation Office by 12 noon, two (2) weeks prior to the meeting to be placed on an agenda. New applications are placed on the agenda in the order they are received. Applications will not be placed on an agenda unless they contain sufficient information to evaluate the potential impacts to the associated resource areas. Guidelines for each application form are available on the website.
	Which areas are protected wetlands? Wetlands are protected under the state law (the MA Wetlands Protection Act and its regulations) and/or under the local by-law (the Town of Rockport Wetlands By-law and its regulations). Any work taking place within 100 feet of a wetland (e.g. beach, coastal bank, stream, marsh, vernal pool, etc.) requires prior review and approval to insure that no adverse impact will occur in these areas. Rivers and perennial streams are protected by the state law to 200 feet from the mean annual high water mark. This is called the Riverfront Area and there is a maximum 10% disturbance in the outer 100 to 200 feet, and in most circumstances no additional disturbance is allowed beyond this. Please Note: this disturbance is the maximum allowed in extreme cases and is not considered a right of the applicant.
	Why can’t I just fill in the little swamp in the backyard? All wetlands, including small seasonal wetlands are very important filter areas which help clean and purify stormwater, surface water and drainage areas prior to surface water reentering critical resource areas such as rivers, streams, and drinking water sources. In addition, some small seasonal wetlands are Vernal Pools and are home to many salamanders, wood frogs, insects, fairy shrimp and other species that can not exist without these vernal pools.
	Why do I have to file with the Conservation Commission? Each project is reviewed on a case-by-case basis according to specifics of the site and the proposed construction processes. Your neighbor may be farther from the wetlands than you are; a person may be within 100 feet of a bordering vegetated wetland while a neighbor on the same street is within 200 feet of a river, which has different requirements. One person's addition or deck may only require a sono tube or pile foundation while another may require a full foundation, involving more soil disturbance. Cumulative impacts are also taken into account when permitting a project. The Commission needs to review each project separately in order to condition it properly so that no adverse impact to resource areas will occur.
	Why do we bother protecting wetlands anyway? Wetland protection laws don’t just protect wetlands…They also protect people & human interests! This is a fact that often gets lost in the wetlands permitting process… wetlands function to protect and preserve many things that people care about. Wetland resources work for all of us by functioning to protect the following “statutory interests”:  Protection of public and private drinking water supply  Protection of groundwater supply  Flood control  Storm damage prevention  Prevention of pollution  Protection of land containing shellfish  Protection of fisheries  Protection of wildlife habitat as well as additional “town values” under the Rockport Wetlands Protection By-law:  Protection from and prevention of erosion and sedimentation  Storm damage prevention including coastal storm flowage  Protection of water quality  Prevention of water pollution  Protection of rare species habitat including rare plant species  Agriculture  Aquaculture  Recreation values deemed important to the community

Council on Aging	return to top

What type of elderly housing do you offer in the Town of Rockport ?
State and Federal subsidized housing. (i.e. Millbrook Park) Also see Housing Authority page.

Department of Public Works	return to top

	How do I find my sewer / water connection? We can supply as-built drawings to show where most connections are at the property line.
	How do I purchase a Cemetery Lot? Cemetery lots can be purchased through the DPW office. Lots are available for Locust Grove and Beech Grove Cemeteries.
	How much water is used every day? The town can use anywhere from 500,000 gallons a day (mostly in the winter months) and up to 1,300,000 gallons a day (mostly around July 4th). the average over a year is around 700,000 gallons a day.
	I have a water leak on my property. Will you fix it? No, we can not do work on private property. You will need to contact a local Plumber. We can supply as-built drawings to show where most connections are at the property line
	Is it possible to tour the Water Filtration Plant or Sewage Treatment Plant? Yes it is, you can contact the DPW main office to set up and appointment.
	Is the sewage treated before discharge to the ocean? Yes, sewage is treated by anaerobic method (micro-organisms), solids are screened and settled and clear liquid is discharged to the ocean.
	There is water leaking outside my property. Who is responsible? The Town is responsible. Call the DPW at (978) 546-3525. After DPW office hours you can call the Rockport Police Dept. at (978) 546-3445. They will contact the water foreman.
	Where does our drinking water come from? The town has two main water reservoirs and multiply emergency and backup water supply options. The two main supplies are Carlson's Quarry (85 Million gallons) and Cape Pond (110 Million Gallons).
	Where does Town sewage go? It flows partially by gravity and partially by pumping stations to the Sewage Treatment Plant on Pleasant St.
	Why does the Town impose watering restrictions? There are a few different factors that are taken into consideration when water restrictions are imposed. The amount of water left in our supply system is the most important. Then we look at the water consumption rate, the time of year, and current and future weather predictions. Water consumption increases dramatically in the summer due to increased population, watering lawns, gardening, and car washing. The town has a total of 195 million gallons in our reservoirs without using our emergency or backup supplies. The town will use anywhere from 210 to 270 million gallons of water a year, depending on restrictions and weather.

Finance Committee	return to top

	What is Free Cash? Free Cash is the operating budget surplus from the prior year, which is available to be spent in the current year. Local receipts for car excise taxes, fees, or interest on investments, for example, which are higher than budgeted contribute to Free Cash. Expenditures for salaries, benefits, materials and contracts which are lower than budgeted also go into Free Cash at year end. Free Cash is not available for new appropriations until the amount has been certified by the state as part of its annual procedure of reviewing and approving all the Town's year-end reports. This usually occurs in October, and the money is then available at the Annual Town Meeting in April. Because Free Cash varies greatly from year to year it is not considered a stable recurring funding source. It is the policy of the Finance Committee to use Free Cash for one-time expenses, which can be deferred, such as purchases of vehicles and capital equipment, rather than for recurring expenses such as labor.
	What is Proposition 2 1/2? Proposition 2 1/2 is a Massachusetts law which limits the dollar amount by which a community can increase its property taxes each year. The limitation is 2.5% over the prior year's tax limit, plus an amount for "new growth" - a figure provided by the Board of Assessors, based on actual new construction. Towns can raise taxes above the Proposition 2 1/2 level by passing a General Override, which permanently increases the levy limit, or a Debt Exclusion, which exempts a specific long-term debt issue from the limit, but which ends when that debt is paid off. Please see the Division of Local Services website for their publication "Levy Limits: A Primer on Proposition 2 1/2" at http://www.dls.state.ma.us/
	What is the Stabilization Fund? Massachusetts communities are permitted by M.G.L. Chapter 40, Section 5B, to set aside money each year to be held in a Stabilization Fund in order to provide for emergencies and unforeseen expenses. The funds can be used for any lawful municipal purpose, but a 2/3 vote of Town Meeting is required to make an appropriaton from the fund. Rating agencies such as Standard & Poors look at the Town's reserves, and especially the Stabilization Fund, in setting the Town's bond rating, which in turn determines the rate at which Rockport can borrow money. The Rockport Finance Committee has set a goal for the Stabilization Fund of 5% of the annual operating budget, or over $1 million. The fund was successfully increased to $728,834 by June 30, 2002 but was tapped by $350,000 to balance the FY '03 budget.
	Where can I get more information? The Division of Local Services (DLS) provides ua lot of the information which finance committees find useful. They now have a Municipal Finance Knowledge database with, for example, a Glossary of financial terms and a primer on Proposition 2 1/2. Their website is http://www.dls.state.ma.us/

Harbor Advisory Committee	return to top

	How do I get on the mooring list? File an application with the Town Clerk and pay a $20.00 fee. Then a fee of $30.00 every three years to remain on waiting list(this fee is collected every three years via a letter to applicant). Harbormaster's
	Where can I get a copy of the harbor Rules & Regulations From the Harbor Department or Harbor Advisory Committee. Harbormasters

Harbormaster	return to top

	Can lobster pot and or buoy be removed from the beaches ? No- there is a $500.00 fine for tampering or removing fishing gear. The gear belong to a fishermen and should be retrieved by them no matter what the condition is.
	How do I get a mooring application? Mooring Applications can be obtained at the Town Clerks office at Town Hall, 34 Broadway. After the application is filled out and returned to the Town clerk with the necessary fee the application is submitted to the system.
	How do you contact the Harbormasters? Phone:978-546-9589 email: harbormaster@town.rockport.ma.us Channel 16 & 9 VHF radio Emergency call 911 and the RPD will notify the Harbormasters
	Where can I lanch a small trailerable boat in Rockport? Granite Pier launching ramp.
	Where can I launch a kayak? Granite Pier launching ramp, Lobby Lolly, north end of Back Beach are the best areas.
	Where is the Harbormaster Office and what are their office hours? The Harbormaster Office is on T-Wharf(brick building on the right)on Thursday nights 7pm-8:30pm or by appointment.
	Who do you contact to store a boat on land at Granite Pier? The Pier is run by a town committee-The Granite Pier Committee. Contact John 978-546-3191.

MIS Department	return to top

Where is the Rockport MIS Depatment located ?
On the main floor of Town Hall between the Town Clerk and the Treasurer's office.

Parking Clerk	return to top

	Can I use my resident sticker on more than one car? No. Each car must have its own sticker that matches the registration number of that car.
	I have a handicap placard, can I use it in resident only areas? Yes and no. All vehicles that use the resident parking areas must have a resident beach sticker even if they have handicap placard. This is a State Law, not a Rockport Law.
	It I have a resident sticker do I still have to feed the meters in the Municipal Parking Lot? Yes. All residents must feed the meters no matter where they are.

Police Department	return to top

	Can I dispute a traffic citation at the police station? No. A hearing must be requested within 20 days of receipt of the citation to dispute any infraction. A hearing may be requested by checking box #2 on the back of the citation and following the instructions listed.
	Can I obtain a copy of a police report where criminal charges have been filed? All requests for police reports on open cases where charges have been filed, are referred to the district attorney's office at the court house. On closed cases you will be directed to the court prosecutor, Officer William Budrow, at the police station.
	Can I obtain a copy of the police officer's accident report? No. These reports must be requested by your attorney and/or insurance company.
	Can I obtain sex offender information by e-mail? No. The Rockport Police will not respond to any e-mail requests. Sex offender information will be diseminated in accordance with the Sex Offender Law.
	How can I obtain the statement of another motor vehicle operator in an accident? This information is given strictly to your attorney and/or insurance company. Your attorney or insurance company must request this information in writing on their letterhead, as they are charged a fee.
	How do I dispute a parking ticket? The Town of Rockport has a civilian parking clerk. All disputes must be heard at the parking clerk's office located at 37 Broadway. 978-546-6547
	How do I get my child passenger safety seat installed? Contact Officer Philip Wesley to arrange an appointment for installation. Officer Wesly is trained and certified in child passenger safety seat installation. Officer Wesley can be reached at 978-546-1212, ext. 30. More information is available at the Governor's Highway Safety Bureau website at www.mass.gov/ghsb.
	How do I obtain a firearms license? An application for a firearms license can be obtained at the Rockport Police Department or on the forms page of the Rockport Police site. For further information contact Sergeant Timothy Frithsen at 546-1212 ext. 16. Forms and further information can be obtained from the Criminal History Systems Board at www.state.ma.us/chsb/FRB.
	How do I obtain a Restraining order? During court hours you would go to the Gloucester District Court on 197 Main St.,Gloucester, MA. If the court is closed you can obtain the information you need at the Rockport Police Station on 168 Main Street, Rockport, MA.
	How do I obtain an accident reporting form? You can pick one up at any police department or download from the Rockport Police Department's form section. Accident reporting forms as well as other Registry of Motor Vehicle forms can be downloaded from the Registry of Motor Vehicles at www.state.ma.us/rmv/forms
	How do I obtain information on possible registered sex offenders in my neighborhood? A request for information on sex offenders form can be picked up at the Rockport Police Department. For further information contact Officer Mark Rowe 978-546-1212 Ext.33. Also additional inforamtion can be obtained from the Sex Offender Registry Board at www.state.ma.us/sorb.
	How do I pay a traffic citation? Check box #1 on the back of the citation within 20 days of receipt and follow instructions.
	If I'm in a motor vehicle accident, can I obtain the other operator's report? No. The only information that will be provided will be the operator's information, vehicle information, insurance company, any injured parties and any witnesses. You will not be given a copy of the other operator's statement.
	Is a permit needed to carry mace? Yes. You must obtain a Firearms Identification Card to possess mace. An application can be obtained at the Rockport Police station or downloaded from the forms section of the police department's site.
	What court does Rockport Police go to? Rockport Police cases are heard at the Gloucester District Court, 197 Main Street, Gloucester, MA 01930. The telephone number is 978-283-2620.
	What is Community Policing? Community Policing is not a program, a unit, or a specialized division within a police department. Implementation of the Community Policing philosophy encourages law enforcement and community residents to work together to address the problems of crime, fear of crime, and factors that detract from the overall quality of life in their communities. Community Policing challenges police departments to develop a new vision for the future of their department and to translate this vision into action.
	What is the non-emergency telephone number? The non-emergency telephone number for the police department is 978-546-1212. For emergencies, dial 911.
	What is the police department fax number? The fax number at the police department is 978-546-7355.
	What is the winter parking ban? There is no parking on any street for a period of time longer than one (1) hour between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. on any day, between November 15 and April 15.
	Where do I pay a parking ticket? Payments on parking tickets may be made by mailing a check or money order to the address on the front of the parking ticket. Payment may also be made in person at the Parking Clerk's Office. Payments can not be accepted at the Rockport Police station. Please be sure to keep a receipt of any payment made.
	Who should I contact regarding a court case? The court prosecutor, Officer William Budrow at 978-546-1212 ext 25.

Public Library	return to top

	Is ther a public copier in the library that I can use? Yes, we have one public copier. There is one on the main floor to the right of the circulation desk. Copies cost $.10 for 8 1/2 X 11 and $.25 for 8 1/2 X 14 and 11 X 17.
	Is there a fee for renting Videos and DVD's from the Library? Due to local and state budget cuts, the library began charging a rental fee of $2.00 per video or DVD for a 7 day rental period.
	Is there a public fax in the library that I can use? Yes, we have a public fax machine. The charge to send a fax is $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each page therafter. The library fax number is 978-546-1011
	What are the hours of the Library? Library Hours Are As Follows: Monday Wednesday &Thursday: 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday & Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM Closed Fridays, Holidays and the 4th Tuesday morning of each month.
	What is my library Borrower ID number? You need to be a resident of Rockport to get a library card. You will also need to bring one form of I.D. with your name and address on it.
	What is my library card PIN number Your PIN number is the last 4 digits of your phone number.
	Where is the library located? 17 School Street, Rockpor, MA 01966

Public Schools	return to top

Where can I find more information on Rockport Public Schools?
For more info, visit the Rockport Public Schools Homepage at: http://www.rockport.k12.ma.us RPS Home Page

Recreation Committee	return to top

	Does the Recreation Committee have an office at Town Hall? No we do not, the best way to reach us is to email us. You can look at the contact list for the best email address.
	How do we know when there will sign ups for programs? We do three things: 1. We post them in the Gloucester Times 2. We send notices home with students if appropriate. 3. We post the signups, forms and info about the program as it becomes available on the town web site.

Rights of Way Committee	return to top

Where can I find the Rockport Guide to Public Paths and Town Landings?
This handy Guidebook can be purchased at local bookstores. Alternately, contact the Friends of the Rockport Rights of Way website.

Selectmen	return to top

	Can I rent a room in my house? You can obtain a Home Occupation Permit for a Guest House and rent up to three rooms in your home. The fee for a Home Occupation Permit is $75.00 and application is available on the form section of the Selectmen's webpage.
	How do I obtain a Realtor's Temporary Sign Permit? Download the application for Realtor's Temporary Sign Permit, complete application and submit to Selectmen's Office prior to 1:00pm on Friday for weekend approval. Permit application is availabe on the Form's section of the Selectmen's webpage.
	How do I obtain a yard sale permit? Applications for yard sale permits are available on-line. Submit completed application adn $5 fee to Selectmen's Office for approval. Yard Sale
	How do I obtain permission to hold a wedding on Town Property? Please send a written request to the Selectmen's Office stating the day, time, desired location, attendance amount, and any other information that would pertain to the event. Please include an address and telephone number where you can be reached if there are any questions regarding the request. After review, a written approval or disapproval will be sent to you in the mail.
	What are the hours of the Selectmen's Office? Monday, Wednesday, Thursday -8:00am to 4:00pm Tuesday - 8:00am to 6:00pm Friday - 8:00am to 1:00pm
	What is the Selectmen's fax number? The fax number is 978-546-2881.

Selectmens Office	return to top

	Can I rent a room in my house? You can obtain a Home Occupation Permit for a Guest House and rent up to three rooms in your home. The fee for a Home Occupation Permit is $50. and an application is available in the Selectmen's Office.
	How do I obtain a Realtor's Temporary Sign Permit. Download the application for Realtor's Temporary Sign Permit, complete application and submit to Selectmen's Office prior to 4:00 PM Thursday for weekend approval. http://www.town.rockport.ma.us/doc/106/temporary realtor signs.pdf
	How do I obtain a yard sale permit? Applications for yard sale permits are available on-line. Submit completed application and $5 fee to Selectmen's Office for approval. http://www.town.rockport.ma.us/doc/106/YARDSALE.pdf
	What are the hours of the Selectmen's Office? Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 8:00-4:00 Tuesday, 8:00-6:00 & Friday, 8:00-1:00 Hours of Operation
	What Is The Selectmen's Fax Number ? 978-546-2881

Shellfish Constable	return to top

	Are there any open clam flats in Rockport? There are no open clam flats in the Town of Rockport.The Town is under an Administrative Closure per the State of Massachusetts.
	Can scuba divers lobster after dark? No. No fishing for lobsters one half hour after sunset until one half hour before sunrise. Diving at night is allowed but lobsters may not be taken. (Many scuba divers enjoy night diving)
	Does each diver need an individual dive flag? No- a group of divers may utitlize one flag per group. Individual diver are required to be within 100 ft of the flag when at or near the surface of the water.
	What does a boat fishing for lobster need to display to indicate that he is lobstering? No person shall take or attempt to take with the aid and use of a boat any lobsters or edibible crabs by pot, traps or other contrivances designed or adapted to the taking of lobsters or edible crabs without first displaying the buoy colors used by him in accordance with his license by painting the color or colors (a) on each side of the hull or apon panels attached to each side of the hull, or (b) upon both sides of a single panel which is attached to the boat on top of the bow, or by mounting a buoy, not less than 11 inches in length, and 4 inches in diameter, with his color scheme thereon, in an upright position at least 6 inches above the boat. See Chapter 130 sec.38A
	What does a diver need to display while fishing for lobster? Each diver taking lobsters must have obtained a lobster license from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A dive flag must have the divers permit # displayed on the flag and dive tanks that he is diving with. The divers permit must be available at all times.
	What is a legal size lobster and how do you measure it? A lobster has to be 3 1/4 inches long and must be measured with a regulation lobster gauge. The lobster must be measured from the rear of the eye socket along a line parallel to the center line of the body shell to the rear end of the body shell.
	When must a lobster be measured? It is illegal to have in your possession for a period longer than is necessary for immediate measuring any lobster.
	Where can you find information concerning shellfish regulations? Mass General Law 130 MARINE FISH AND FISHERIES

Treasurer / Collector's Office	return to top

Where do I mail my real estate tax payment ?
Mail your real estate tax payment to: Treasurer/Collector P.O. Box 150 Rockport, MA 01966

Website Committee	return to top

What is enlightenment?
It is the sound of one hand clapping.

Why does Rockport need a website?
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, more than 40% of all U.S. households and more than 85% of those earning $75,000 and above per year have Internet access. The percentages are probably higher in Rockport and will inevitably grow in the future. It's how people get information these days. The town workers and volunteers who participate in Rockport's departments, boards, commissions, and committees need to know what's going on. The left hand needs to know what the right hand is doing. Citizens who work out of town, don't go downtown, and don't read the Gloucester Daily Times need to know what's going on. Town meeting government depends on it. Selectmen, town administrator, department heads, and board, committee, and commission chairpersons need a fast, easy, always available, low-cost way to get the word out to the public. That's why, according ot the Massachusetts Municipal Association, 200 (57%) of the state's 351 cities and towns have official websites. This does not include unofficial chamber-of-commerce-type sites. For further information, see Website Committee or Other Massachusetts City and Town Websites.