Frequently Asked Questions

• What are Town Hall Office Hours and Telephone Number?

  Town Hall is open Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 4:00pm and on Fridays from 8:00am - 12:00 Noon. The main telephone number is: 978-887-1500. If you have an out-of-hours problem to report, please call the Police Communications Center at: 978-887-2116.



• How do I get a notice posted on the Channel 10/47 Cable TV Community Bulletin Board?

  Public service announcements are run on Channel 10/47 free of charge for Topsfield, Boxford and Middleton non-profit organizations, government agencies and schools. Forms which must be filled out may be downloaded here and are also available at the Topsfield Town Hall or by calling the Cable Office at 978-887-1544. Completed forms can be dropped off or mailed to the Town Hall or faxed to 978-887-1502. Forms must be received at least one week before the start date.
  

• How do I get a notice posted on the Town Website Community Events calendar?

  Public service announcements are posted free of charge for Topsfield non-profit organizations, government agencies and schools.  Forms which must be filled out may be downloaded here and are also available at the Topsfield Town Hall or by calling the Cable Office at 978-887-1544. Completed forms can be dropped off or mailed to the Town Hall or faxed to 978-887-1502. Forms must be received at least one week before the start date.



• Is there a leash law for dogs in Topsfield?

  No. The Canine Control By-law's purpose is to set up procedures to register dogs and to establish rules and regulations for the control of dog complaints caused by nuisance. Animal behavior which constitutes a nuisance includes, but is not limited to the following: molesting passerby or passing vehicles (including bicycles), attacking persons or domestic animals, trespassing on school grounds or other public property, damaging public or private property, barking, whining, or howling in an excessive, continuous, or untimely fashion.



• How do I report a lost or abandoned dog on my street or property?

  Call the Emergency Center Operator at 978-887-2116. The Dispatcher will contact the Animal Control Officer.



• What do I do about a sick, injured or disoriented wild animal on my street or property?

  Do not approach the animal and be sure to keep your children and pets away from it. Call the Emergency Center Operator at 978-887-2116. The Dispatcher will contact the appropriate authority.



• There's a dead animal on the street. How do I get it removed?

  Call the Parks and Cemetery Department at 978-887-1525.



• There's a tree or large branch blocking the street. How do I get it removed?

  Call the Highway Department at 978-887-1542.



• My trash or recycling wasn't picked up, I need a new trash decal for my barrel, or I need a new recycling bin. Whom do I call?

  To report a problem with trash or recycling pick-up, call the Selectmen's Office at 978-887-1500. Trash Decals are available at the Selectmen's Office. Recycling bins may be purchased at Dawson's Hardware or at the Essex County Coop. You can also use a barrel for recycling, but you will need a recycling sticker, available free of charge, at the Selectmen's Office. You can purchase stickers for extra trash at Dawson's Hardware, Cumberland Farms and Essex Country Coop for $1.50.  See the Trash and Recycling page in Services for more information.



• I want to add on to my house. What do I need to do?

  Each home building project is different. The permits that you will need depend on the extent of your project and the nature of your property. Call Inspectional Services at 978-887-1522 to set up an appointment with the Building Inspector who will be able to advise you about the permitting process.