Frequently Asked Questions

All requests for police services are assigned by priority, based on seriousness of the incident and the potential for injury or damage to property. At times, calls of a less urgent nature must be delayed so that we can respond immediately to emergencies. In addition, due to budgetary constraints, shifts often work with fewer officers than needed. 

Dispatchers are trained to get as much information as possible to best determine the nature of the problem and its seriousness. This is done for your safety along with the safety of the responding officers. On emergency calls, the dispatcher will send the information to the officers while asking you additional questions. That means that the officers are already on the way while you are answering these questions.

The records department is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. For more information regarding Records Requests, please visit the Records Department Page. 

Parking tickets are paid to the parking clerk, located at the Town Hall. You may also mail your payment to the address that is on your ticket or pay online. 

The Webster Police Department will respond 24 hours a day, seven day a week to all requests for police assistance.

Because of the potential for damage to vehicles and homes, the police department does not open locked vehicles or doors. A locksmith is your best alternative. If a child or pet is locked inside a vehicle and a potential for injury exists, the Fire Department will be called to remove the child or pet from the vehicle. 

Fingerprints are done for residents of the town of Webster only. An appointment is not necessary, however walk-in requests for fingerprints can only be honored based upon officer availability. 

First you must complete a state recognized firearms safety course. Application for the permit is taken at the Webster Police Department by appointment only. You should call 508-943-1212 and choose option 6 to make an appointment with the firearms licensing officer.

What to do if your are stopped

• Stop your vehicle as far out of the travel lane as possible.
• Turn on the interior light.
• Keep your hands in view at all times, preferably on the steering wheel.
• Wait for the officer to request your license and registration.
• Relax and STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE.
• The officer will explain the reason for the motor vehicle stop.
• DO NOT argue with the officer, if you think that you have been wrongly cited the correct procedure is to request a hearing through the district court.

Why did an officer stop me?

• Moving violations are the most common reasons for motor vehicle stops. These include but are not limited to:
  • Speeding
  • Traffic light violations
  • Stop sign violations
  • Marked lanes violations
  • Failure to yield
  • Equipment violations i.e. broken headlight, taillight, plate light, and obstructed windshield.

Why did the Officer...

• Why did the officer sneak up on my vehicle?
  • SAFETY.  Officers are trained to minimize the risk of danger to themselves and the operator of the vehicle stopped.  Many officers are injured or killed while making traffic stops each year.
• WHY WERE THERE TWO OR THREE OFFICERS AT MY STOP?
  • AGAIN SAFETY.  Officers in the vicinity of a traffic stop will routinely back up their fellow officer to reduce the likelihood of the officer being injured.

Things you should know...

All operators are required to have in their possession their driver’s license and registration for the vehicle.  It is recommended that your driver’s license be kept somewhere where it is easily accessible.  The Webster Police Department strongly urges drivers not to keep their driver’s license underneath the driver’s seat.  As this is a popular spot to hide a weapon, an operator that reaches under the seat on a traffic stop will heighten the officer’s awareness and may change the demeanor of the officer until safety is again established.

Driving in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a privilege, not a right.  Although an officer can verify the status of your driver’s license if you don’t have it in possession, they are not required to; the burden of proof is on you, the operator.  You can still be fined if your license is in good standing if you do not have it in your possession.

It is an ARRESTABLE OFFENSE if you are an out of state operator and do not have your license in your possession while driving in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts regardless if your license in that state is in good standing or not.

911 is for Emergencies of any nature. All other numbers are for non-emergency requests or information. Some common examples:

• Domestic dispute - Emergency
  Many people are seriously injured or killed each year as a result of domestic disputes. If you are involved in a domestic dispute or know of one, call 911.
• Loud music or loud neighbors - non-Emergency
  This is considered a service call and should be directed to 508-943-1212.
• Ambulance Request - Emergency
  All requests for ambulance services are considered emergencies. Please call 911 for all ambulance requests.

If you would like to phone the Webster Police Department (WPD) and leave an anonymous tip, you may do so by dialing 508-949-3874. You will then leave your information at the beep. Please be sure to include any pertinent information that may be helpful to the WPD. For example: Date and time of event, description or plate Number of car, and street address.

You can also email a Tip to WPD, and be sure to be as descriptive as possible. Every bit of information will help!

Anonymous tips can also be submitted. Visit our Detective page for more information.

The Webster Police Department is a Civil Service Police Department. In order to become a police officer for the Webster Police, you must follow the process outlined on the Massachusetts Human Resources Division website.

The Town of Webster belongs to the Central Mass. Mosquito Control Project which is a program consisting of mosquito surveillance, larval mosquito control, and public education. There are many areas that are treated. If you want to know if the area you live in is treated, please call 508-393-3055 to speak with a representative of the program.

The Webster Police Department has Medical Waste Collection and Drug take back events during the year. Posters are posted prior to the event. Please call 508-943-1212 for more information.

Yes, you will need to apply for a license for a special event. There is a small charge for non-profit and religious organizations. To apply, you will need to fill out a temporary food applications which will ask for a description of the food to be served, contact information, etc. You will be asked to review some basic information on food safety and to confirm that you will comply with all food safety practices required by the Board of Health. Please call 508-949-3800, ext. 4002 for more information.

Any event at which the general public is served food will require a separate permit from the Health Department. A variety of factors affect food safety, ranging from the condition of the facility to food handling methods. The permit for individual places of worship approves the facility itself for specific, limited uses. Health Department must be notified of individual events run by different groups so that food borne illness outbreaks can be investigated, and so the hosts of the event can be given the necessary information on food safety to prevent such an outbreak in the first place. Please call 508-949-3800, ext. 4002 for more information.

If the subsurface disposal system fails an inspection, the owner normally has up to two years in which to correct the problem. However, the Board of Health may require that the owner address the problem within a shorter period should the failing system present a threat to the public health and the environment. If the property is sold, the new owner assumes responsibility for the failed septic system. The new owner may make an agreement with the town to connect to the municipal sewer system after taking ownership. Please call 508-949-3800, ext. 4002 for more information.

No. Individual homeowners must hire their own licensed inspector. Please call 508-949-3800, ext. 4002 for more information.

For information call the Office of Emergency Medical Services at 617-753-7300. Also, local community colleges and some hospitals conduct accredited training programs.

Yes, there are currently two levels of training for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT):

1. EMT - Basic: entry level for basic life support
2. EMT - Paramedic: the most highly trained, able to perform advanced life saving procedures

You can read more Information on our patient privacy rights page. Detailed information on the federal law regarding patient privacy can be found at the U.S. Health and Human Services website. For more information, contact us at 508-943-2218.

New England Medical Billing handles billing for Webster Emergency Medical Services, and can be contacted at 781-986-1785.

Yes, to request your records, follow the instructions on the Medical Records Request Form (PDF). For more information, contact us at 508-943-2218.

The Training and Education Section provides training as well as other public services. For more information call 508-943-2218.

Please call 508-943-2218 and ask for Captain David Majorowski about your needs.

The Professional Standards Division will review any comments or complaints submitted. The best way to reach us is by calling 508-943-2218 and asking for the shift supervisor. 

Webster EMS provides medically necessary, non-emergency transports within our service area. Please contact the on-duty supervisor at 508-943-2218 to discuss your specific needs.

American Heart Association certifications can be renewed every two years. For more information, contact our Education Division at 508-943-2218.

Water/Sewer bill schedule

Yes, please call us with the property address at (508) 949-3865.

Yes, please fill out the permit application  Please fill out and bring to 38 Hill Street to have it signed and approved.

1st Quarter - August 1st

2nd Quarter - November 1st

3rd Quarter- February  1st

4th Quarter- May 1st

https://www.kelleyryan.com/epay/

Monday through Friday, 7:00AM – 3:00PM, call the Water Department at 508-949-3863.  If there is no answer, or after hours, call the Webster Police Department at 508-943-1212, and they will page the on-call operator.

Running the cold water tap closest to the point where the water service enters the house until the water becomes clear is recommended. Avoid doing laundry, especially with bleach, until the water is clear.  Notify the Water Department so we can investigate the potential cause

To receive water quality information click on the Code Red Button on the Water Department Main page and sign up to receive any Code Red messages.  Once you register you will be notify by telephone if there are any Water Department events or issues in process.

Yes if you are 65 and older, it is a single family home and you live there year round. Please fill out the Senior Rate Form and bring to the Water/Sewer Department in person for age Verification which is required.  Rate will be activated at time form is returned.  

If you experience a high bill, you can review the Water/Sewer Abatement Policy and if you are eligible to apply for an Abatement.   Please fill out the  the Abatement Form and return to us.  

Use of public fire hydrants, besides either by the Water or Fire Departments, is illegal. During business hours please notify the Water Department at 508-949-3863. After hours you should call the Webster Police at 508-943-1212 and they will notify the Water Department.

Fees will be collected at the beach on weekends starting the first weekend in May (weather permitting)  and will be collecting 7 days a week starting in mid-June.  http://www.webster-ma.gov/296/Memorial-Beach

The Recreation Committee meets as needed.  To be on the committee please send an email of request to cmarchand@webster-ma.gov

Compost stickers are available online Catalog - Webster, MA (rec1.com)  or in person at the Senior Center.  If you purchase them online you will receive your sticker in approximately 1 week.  If you need to use the compost before your actual sticker arrives please show them your receipt.

Beach stickers will be available for purchase online mid-April and in person when the beach is staffed starting May 27th.

The 4th of July celebration will be held on July 3

Summer Concert Series 2025 is making a move!!!   Concerts will now be held in between the Town Hall and Library.  Still on Wednesday evenings starting at 6pm.  Pack a blanket or a chair and come on over for some great music

Dogs are not allowed on any of Webster's public fields or playgrounds.   We have 2 dog parks.  Both with a large dog side and a small dog side.  One is as you enter Memorial Beach, before the walking track.  The other is on High St.   Please keep our parks clean and pick up after your dogs.  There are receptacles and bags for dog waste.  Please take all other personal trash with you. 

There are lots of ways the Town can assist you in getting information, understanding the process and assisting you as needed:

General Inquiries / On Line Resources - Town of Webster Website / Mobile App

Each department has contact information as well as on line forms to submit general questions. Some boards, such as the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals, have up to date meeting and project information posted to the website in “real time”. Download the App to your phone or other mobile device.

Pre-Application / Development Team Meetings

Bi-weekly meetings for people who want to discuss potential projects prior to filing applications. By appointment only. These are informal meetings with land use and public safety staff to provide feedback and help with understanding the next steps. More information and the ability to make an appointment and can be found on-line at the Pre-Application / Development Team webpage.

Contact Staff via Phone or Email

Each department has contact information on the Town’s website along with an on line “Email Us” form. Or you can call 508-949-3800 and listen to the voice prompts for the department you are looking for.

Visit in Person

Municipal offices are located in several buildings in Town and have various business hours. Please refer to Department Locations & Business Hours. Please note that some departments have only one staff person (such as the Planning Department and the Conservation Agent) which means they may not be available for “drop in” in the event of sickness, board meeting schedule, vacation / personal days or out of office business. It is always best to call / email ahead of time to make sure someone will be available. Otherwise, feel free to just stop by.

The Building Commissioner is the Zoning Enforcement Officer (ZEO) for the Town of Webster. Please contact the Building Departmentto reach the ZEO.

Use permits and site plan approval permits are determined based on the Zoning By-law (ZBL). Sometimes the ZBL is not clear in which case you can confer with the Zoning Enforcement Officer (ZEO who is also the Building Commissioner). The ZEO who can review your idea / project to determine which land permits may or may not be required.

It’s always best to do some research before you contact the ZEO. Start with reviewing the Zoning By-Law and Zoning Map which are your best research resources in understanding what may or may not be allowed on a particular lot. The Town’s website has a number of on-line tools to help you gather the information you need such as the Assessor’s database (property record cards), Zoning Map & GIS, Zoning By-Law (on line, searchable version).

Please contact the Building Department to reach the Zoning Enforcement Officer.

1. Meeting Notifications - Applicant / Owner, Abutters

Staff will assist you in understanding the process based on what type of application your file. State law (MGL Chapter 40A) sets forth a series of procedural requirements specific to several types of applications such as:

• Special Permit (Planning Board & Zoning Board of Appeals)
• Variance (Zoning Board of Appeals)

These three types of applications require a public hearing, abutter notification and a two consecutive week legal advertising in a local newspaper. Choose any one of the above links to view the state time line for each. Other types of applications have similar requirements but may only require a public meeting as opposed to a formal hearing.

2. Meeting Scheduled

Your application will be scheduled at the next meeting of the required board based on the procedural timeline and you will be notified by staff.

3. At the Meeting

Someone should be present at the meeting to discuss / present the application and answer questions. That can be anyone that the applicant or property owner wishes to be present. The board will ask questions and give the public an opportunity to make comment / ask questions.

4. Board Decision

Once all the questions have been asked and answered, the board will move into the decision phase. The comment / discussion portion of the meeting will be closed. Once the hearing / meeting is closed, no additional material may be submitted. The Board will either make a decision that night or request staff to prepare a draft decision taking into consideration all material and input received to date.

A written decision will be prepared for signature by the either the Chairman or the whole board. This decision will include a list of all documents received, a list of discussion points (findings). If a permit is approved it will also include a list of conditions that must be met.

5. Filing the Decision / Appeal Period / Notice of Decision

Staff files the signed decision with the Town Clerk. Some permits require a 20 day appeal period as specified by Massachusetts General Law. A copy of the decision along with “next steps” is sent to the Applicant and Owner by certified mail. Abutters are sent a Notice of Decision via first class mail.

6A. Next Steps: Special Permits, Variances, Definitive Plan Approval

If your permit type requires a 20 day appeal period you must wait until that time has lapsed. After that, you will be required to file documentation at the Worcester District Registry of Deeds. Proof of that filing must be sent to staff before any building permits may be applied for.

6B. Next Steps: All Other Permit Types

See Step 4 and then proceed with applications for building permits.

Please Note: the following chart is for reference purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Please read the disclaimer on the bottom left hand corner of the chart and refer to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A for more information.

SPGA - Special Permit Granting Authority - typically either the Planning Board or the Zoning Board of Appeals.

If you'd like to view this chart in PDF format, CLICK HERE.

Please Note: the following chart is for reference purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Please read the disclaimer on the bottom left hand corner of the chart and refer to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A for more information.

SPGA - Special Permit Granting Authority - typically either the Planning Board or the Zoning Board of Appeals.

If you would like to view this chart in PDF format, CLICK HERE.

Expiration

For some permits – yes, such as special permits, site plans and subdivision approvals. The expiration will be listed in the conditions of the board’s decision.

Extension

Depending on the permit you can apply for a modification and request an extension on the period of time. This is typically done for subdivision permits. It is also important to ensure that a valid site plan be on file with the Town which may require a similar modification so that you have time to complete the project.

Who / what are Abutters?

Abutters are property owners immediately adjacent to or within a specified radius of any given property. Abutters are notified two times: 1) public hearing notice to inform them of the date, time, place and subject matter of the application and 2) a notice of decision after the a decision has been made / filed and also includes information on how to appeal decision.

Do all permits require abutter notification?

Abutter notification may be required depending on the type of permit. In those cases, the typical requirement for notification is 300 feet from the full perimeter of the property line of the lot you are seeking a permit for. A certified abutters list must be obtained from the Assessor’s office to begin the process. Approval Not Required (ANR) Under Subdivision Law applications do not require abutter notification.

Who Processes the Mailing

Depending on the permit type either you or staff will complete the mailings. There are two mailings which must be completed within specified time lines and via either First Class mail and / or Certified First Class Return Receipt mailing. Staff will direct you once you file the application. Mailing costs are the responsibility of the applicant.

Important Note for Abutters with Regards to Public Hearings / Meetings

Please note that you will only receive the two mailings listed above. If a public hearing / meeting is continued you will not receive a new notice of the continuance. You can keep track of continuances on the Town’s website or contacting staff.

Your best source of help is making an appointment with the Pre-Application / Development Team which holds a bi-weekly meeting for people who want to discuss potential projects prior to filing applications. By appointment only. These are informal meetings with land use and public safety staff to provide feedback and help with understanding the next steps. More information and the ability to make an appointment and can be found on-line at the Pre-Application / Development Team webpage.

With very few exceptions pertaining to confidential legal material, all project information including the application and all material received prior to the close of the public hearing or meeting is public information and available to the public for review. Documentation is available for viewing during regular business hours or sometimes directly on the Town’s website (see Getting Help FAQ).

Copies can be made for a fee based on the printer size required. Small numbers of copies can easily be made by department staff at the time.

Larger quantities will require a formal Request for Public Documents procedure. In addition, the public may also make a formal Freedom of Information Act request. Please contact the Town Clerk to learn how to file those two types of requests.

Please contact the Office of Planning & Economic Development. All questions welcome. No question too small!