Frequently Asked Questions

Answer goes here...

Answer goes here...

Answer goes here...

Answer goes here...

Answer goes here...

Answer goes here...

$7.71 per $1,000 of assessed value for properties within the Residential Class; $7.66 per $1,000 of assessed value for all other property classes (due to the implementation of the RTE)

The deadline for filing is the date the first half payment is due (November 3, 2025). The abatement application is a State form and can be obtained from any Assessing office in the Commonwealth or online.

The Board of Assessors has 90 days from the date the application for abatement is filed, to make a decision regarding the abatement. You must pay your first half tax bill in a timely manner to avoid late fees and penalties. If an abatement is granted, it will be deducted from your second half bill.

Real estate sales in Eastham during 2024 were analyzed to determine the estimated market value of comparable parcels as of January 1, 2025. From these sales, valuation factors are calculated for various characteristics such as style, net living area, lot size, and age of the building, and applied to the remaining comparable properties that didn't sell during 2024. The Department of Revenue reviews our analysis each year and certifies the accuracy of the assessments.

Assessors utilize "mass appraisal" to value the large number of properties which must be valued. Most properties on Cape Cod are unique, and in years with few sales, it can be challenging for even the best appraiser to find comparable sales for a specific property, let alone 6,500+ parcels. Mass appraisal utilizes calculated valuation factors for the various elements of a property such as lot size, depreciation due to age of the home, net living area, style, construction quality, property location, etc., that would influence the price the property would sell for, to determine the assessed value.

Many times people will ask whether a project they are planning for their home will increase their assessed value. My question back to them is "If you were going to sell your home, would you likely price it higher because of that improvement?" If the answer is yes, then more than likely it will increase your assessed value. Unless it's a major remodel, however, the increase in actual taxes is often relatively small due to our low tax rate. Also the potential increase in market value usually doesn't equal the actual cost of the addition or remodel.

No. You are required to apply for an exemption every year. If you’ve submitted an exemption form, we will mail you a certificate indicating the amount of the exemption and your adjusted tax after approval of the Board of Assessors. You can also contact the Tax Collector’s office to confirm the revised amount due 774 801-3219.

Homeowners should submit changes to:

• online here
• Assessor's Office Email
• Mail changes to the Assessing Department at Town Hall

The Assessing Department (774-801-3215) maintains all Property Information.

Visit the Motor Vehicle Excise page for more information.

Please visit the Tax Levy page for more information.

MA General Law stipulates that January 1st of each tax year is the "assessment date". Assessments and ownership reflect the parcel's status on January 1st. The ownership and assessment information on January 1st are reflected on the first half bill. The second half bill is just the second payment installment. The ownership and valuations remain the same.

Massachusetts State law requires that we assess the owner of record as of January 1st. This is the name that is displayed on the first line of the mailing address on your tax bill. If the property was transferred after January 1st of that tax year, the current owner's name or "c/o" is displayed on the second line with the new owner's mailing address if we are notified of the new address prior to billing.

The assessed value reflects the estimated market value based on the condition of the property as of January 1st. If a home is under construction or being remodeled, the percent complete as of January 1st is reflected in the assessment. If there are changes in the real estate market during the year, the estimated market value as of January 1st is the basis for the assessed value.

The owner of record for a fiscal year is the owner on January 1 of the calendar year that the fiscal year begins. It is critical to send the bill to the 1/1 owner to preserve their assessment rights. Any subsequent deed transfers to the 1/1 date are obviously necessary to track so we always know who the current owner is, but the burden is on the homeowner to know that they own a property and to do their due diligence when they obtain said property to inquire as to when the bills will be due and what amount is owed. Please see MGL Ch59 sec 11 where 1/1 record owner liabilities are laid out but also MGL Ch60 sec3 where the option to notify a subsequent owner is offered: 

"The collector may send the notice required by this section to an owner who has acquired title by a deed duly recorded subsequent to January first in the year in which said tax was assessed."

The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is a tool to help communities preserve open space and historic sites, and create affordable housing and recreational facilities. Town Meeting voted to move from the 3% Land Bank tax to the 3% CPA tax due to the expanded uses of the CPA and the matching money that is available from the State. The CPA tax is 3% of your total real estate tax.

Early in the writing of MA General Laws a personal property tax was created on a property owner's non real estate items such as farming tools and equipment, horses, cattle, furniture, appliances, etc. After many years the law was revised to exempt these items from taxation if the property was the "domicile" or primary residence of the owner.

Rather than requiring that Assessors value all the furniture, appliances, and furnishings in each city and town, the Department of Revenue requires that a study be conducted by the Assessing office every five years to determine the average value of the furniture, appliances and furnishings in homes, as a percentage of the building value. Our data indicated that on average the estimated market value of the personal property in Eastham is 1% of the building value for residential parcels and condominiums.

Personal Property Tax FAQs

Yes, all assessment related property information is public record and is available by visiting the Town Hall or the Town website. The parcel Search feature is located at Eastham Assessing Data.

Your assessed value is only as accurate as the property data we have to work with. We remeasure the exterior of all parcels in Eastham on a continuous 9 year cycle. We also revisit parcels that have building permits or have sold. We greatly appreciate the opportunity to also update our data on the interior condition of your home such as construction quality, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.

If you are aware of information that is incorrect on your property record card, please call the Assessing office at 774-801-3215 to make an appointment for an on-site inspection.

You will need to submit the Operating Agreement for the LLC listing the LLC members to the Assessing Department. The certificate of organization identifies by name and address all persons authorized to act on behalf of the LLC, but not the members who own the LLC. An LLC can have a manager, who oversees day to day operation of the LLC and is usually authorized to sign contracts on behalf of the LLC. The LLC Manager may also be vested with other specific authority by the Operating Agreement to act on behalf of the LLC or with respect to LLC property. And an LLC will have a Resident Agent, who will generally accept legal notifications on behalf of an LLC and doesn’t have any other LLC decision making or operational authority.

Yes. Owners of motor vehicles are assessed a motor vehicle excise or personal property tax each year. At one time, owners of motor vehicles were assessed a personal property tax by their city or town. Most vehicles are registered, however, so in 1928, G.L. c. 60A was enacted and imposed a local excise in lieu of a personal property tax. An excise is a tax upon an event or privilege. In this case, the motor vehicle excise is imposed for the privilege of registration. It is not assessed for the use of the roads and monies collected from the excise are general fund revenues available to support municipal operations.

The motor vehicle excise is assessed on a calendar year basis. Registration of a vehicle during an excise calendar year automatically triggers assessment of an excise for that year. Therefore, an owner whose vehicle is registered on the January 1 of the calendar year, or at any time during that year, is subject to an excise. If the vehicle is unregistered on January 1, the owner is subject to personal property tax unless the vehicle is registered during the year. G.L. c. 59, sect. 5(35).

The excise is assessed to the registered owner of the vehicle by the city or town where the vehicle is customarily kept, as shown on the owner's application for registration to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (Form RMV-1). As a general rule, a vehicle is customarily kept in the city or town where the owner resides or has a principal place of business. If a vehicle is customarily garaged outside Massachusetts, the Commonwealth assesses the excise. G.L. c. 60A, sect. 2.

The owner's motor vehicle excise is $25 per $1000 of excise value for the calendar year. The excise value for the year is calculated by applying the percentage fixed by G.L. c. 60A, sect. 1 to the manufacturer's list price for vehicles of the same make, type, model, and year of manufacture. The percentage declines over several years until it reaches 10% of that list price in the fifth year after manufacture and all succeeding years for the life of the vehicle. The statutory percentages are:

• Year before model year - 50%
• Model year - 90%
• Second year - 60%
• Third year - 40
• Fourth year - 25%
• Fifth and following years - 10%

No. The excise is not an ad valorem or sales tax and therefore, it is not based on the current fair market value or purchase price of the particular vehicle. Instead, the values of vehicles for excise purposes are determined exclusively through the statutory formula under G.L. c. 60A, sect. 1. Under that formula, all vehicles in the same classification (make, type, model, age) are valued the same based on the manufacturer's list price, which results in all owners of the same vehicle paying the same excise each year.

A taxpayer does not have a right to an individual determination of value based on the current condition or actual purchase price of the vehicle. Lily Transportation Corporation v. Board of Assessors of Medford, 427 Mass. 228 (1998).

Yes. A motor vehicle excise must be at least $5. G.L. c. 60A, sect. 1. If the computed excise results in an excise less than $5, the excise is $5.

Please visit our Select Board page for a list of members, meetings and other information.

The Town Clerk issues Yard Sale Permits. They are $10. Call 508-240-5900 ext. 3226 to learn more.

By emailing the Eastham Part-time Resident Taxpayers Association (EPRTA) or by emailing Eugene Tierney, President.

Meetings are posted on the EPRTA website and on the Eastham Events Calendar.

The tax rate for Fiscal Year 2013 is $6.53 per $1,000.

We are located at 2500 State Highway (Route 6) across from the Windmill Green. View a map of our location.

There are absolutely no dogs allowed on any of the town beaches or in parking lots at any time from June 15th through Labor Day.

Visit the Recreation Department page for more information.

Holders of Valid Eastham Beach Stickers Only - Town of Eastham Animal Regulations

Beach Regulations

• No animals or pets will be permitted on the beaches, in the parking areas or in vehicles in the parking areas at any time during the period of June 15th through Labor Day.

Dyer Prince Area Regulations

• No dogs are allowed in the Dyer Prince/Rock Harbor Area between 9 am and 4 pm between June 15th and Labor Day.
• Dogs will be allowed in the Dyer Prince/Rock Harbor Area only before 9 am and after 4 pm between June 15th and Labor Day.
• Dogs must be on a leash at all times and all dogs' waste must be removed by the owner.
• Automobiles using this area must have a valid Town of Eastham sticker.

Wiley Park

• No dogs will be allowed on the beach and/or in the playground from June 15th through Labor Day. Dogs are allowed on the walking trails throughout the year.

The Assessing Department (reached by calling 508-240-5900 ext. 215) maintains all Property Information. View Assessment data.

Eastham's Building Department. The process can be complicated. Pick up an application and a checklist at the Building Department in Town Hall.

Call 508-240-5900 ext. 231 or visit the Building Department page for more information.

The Eastham Police Department has responsibility for Animal Control. There is a dedicated Officer and an Animal Control Van. We handle nearly 1,000 calls a year.

Our Animal Control Officer can be reached at 508-255-0551. If an emergency, dial 911. Visit the Police Department page for more information.

The Transfer Station and Recycling Center are co-located at 255 Old Orchard Road:

• From Orleans, turn right from Route 6 onto Old Orchard at Arnold's
• From Wellfleet, turn left from Route 6 onto Brackett Road at the Texaco and then take your first right onto Old Orchard

Visit the Transfer Station page for more information including hours of operation.

Summer

Friday through Wednesday
7:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Closed Thursday

Winter

Saturday through Wednesday
7:30 am to 3:30 pm

Closed Thursday and Friday

Visit the Transfer Station page for more information.

The Beach Sticker Office is located at 555 Old Orchard Road and is open from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day during specified hours. 

Please visit our Beach Sticker & Information page for all sticker & permit info.

Contact

To contact us, call 774-801-0519, or visit the Recreation Department page for more information.

• Homeowners should contact Assessing or call 508-240-5900, ext. 215
• Residents should contact the Town Clerk or call 508-240-5900 ext. 226

Mail or visit the Town Clerk at:

• Town Hall
  2500 State Highway
  Eastham, MA, 02642

Comcast is the supplier of cable tv in Eastham and can be reached at 888-633-4266.

If the fence is 7 feet tall or less, you do not need a permit for a fence. Most standard privacy fences are less than 7 feet tall.

No, there are no setback requirements for fences 7 feet tall or less. You can place the fence up to your property line, as long as it remains on your property. We recommend placing the fence at least a foot within your property boundary so you can perform maintenance work on the exterior of the fence without trespassing on your neighbor’s property.

If the fence is taller than 7 feet, you do need a building permit.

Yes. The fence must be a minimum of 30 feet away from all streets/ways, a minimum of 12 feet away from side and rear lot lines, and at least 8 feet away from all other structures on your lot.

No, either side of the fence may face in or out, no matter the height of the fence.

To apply for a permit for a fence taller than 7 feet, please mail in or drop off the following items:

• An Express Permit Application (PDF) filled out as completely as you are able
• A plot plan showing the location of the proposed fence. The fence must meet Setback Requirements (PDF)
• A completed Homeowner Exemption Affidavit (PDF) or copies of your contractor's licenses and certificate of insurance
• $50 fee payable to the Town of Eastham

You are welcome to apply to the Zoning Board of Appeals if your application is denied, but it is highly unlikely that a variance will be granted.

You can request a copy of your plot plan by emailing the Building Department. If we do not have a plot plan on file, you may use a map from the Town’s online assessing kiosk.

All pre-paid permits are automatically mailed to the applicant once issued. If a fee is due, we will call you to notify you of the fee. Once we receive the fee, we will mail the permit to you.

Yes! All sheds 200 square feet or less may be permitted with an Express Permit (PDF), and all sheds over 200 square feet must be permitted with a full building permit.

To apply for a permit for a shed under 200 square feet, please mail in or drop off the following items:

• An Express Permit Application (PDF) filled out as completely as you are able
• A plot plan showing the location of the proposed shed. The shed must meet Setback Requirements (PDF)
• A completed Homeowner Exemption Affidavit (PDF) or copies of your contractor's licenses and certificate of insurance
• $90 fee payable to the Town of Eastham

View a completed Sample Shed Application (PDF).

Sheds must be a minimum of 30 feet away from all streets/ways, a minimum of 12 feet away from side and rear lot lines, and at least 8 feet away from all other structures on your lot.

You are welcome to apply to the Zoning Board of Appeals if your application is denied, but it is highly unlikely that a variance will be granted.

You can now access our public Laserfiche Portal by clicking -----> HERE

If you are having trouble with the public portal you can request a copy of your plot plan by emailing the Building Department. If we do not have a plot plan on file, you may use a map from the Town’s online assessing kiosk.

Any shed under 200 square feet (sq. ft.) can be placed on the surface of your choice. All sheds over 200 sq. ft. must meet all state building code requirements.

All pre-paid permits are automatically mailed to the applicant once issued. If a fee is due, we will call you to notify you of the fee. Once we receive the fee, we will mail the permit to you.

Open burning of natural brush (storm debris, NOT leaves or construction material) is allowed during the Open Burning Season, between January 15th and May 1st annually. Burning must be done between 10 am and extinguished by 4 pm. You are required to obtain an open burning permit prior to burning brush. The permit is $10 and is valid for the entire burning season. These permits may be obtained at the Eastham Fire Station on or after January 10th.

The permit holder must call the Eastham Fire Department at 508-240-5931 each day for permission to burn.

The determination to allow burning is based upon recommendations from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and local fire officials. Occasionally, due to conditions outside of our control, a burn season may be suspended early. This decision is determined by the State Fire Marshal and cannot be overridden.

If you have other questions, please call the Eastham Fire Department at:

• 508-255-2324
  Emailing Dan Keane

Read additional Information on Massachusetts open burning safety.

Download a copy of Eastham's Burning Regulations (PDF).

In 2014, Eastham approved the installation of a municipal water system, which includes fire hydrants. To see the hydrant closest to your home, view the Fire Hydrant Map page. On the left side of the page, select "Layers", then "FIRE HYDRANTS". Hydrants icons that are blue are active and operational.

To see when water will be installed in other streets of Eastham, visit the Municipal Water District website.

As for Insurance savings, you may be referring to the "ISO", or Insurance Services Offices rating. This is an independent agency that rates fire departments and the fire protection of the community (1 is best, 10 being worst). The grading system looks at response time to fires, staffing, and training of firefighters, equipment, and dispatching. Reliable access to water accounts for about 40% of the grading system. For the Recently, Eastham was reviewed and dropped their score from a 9 to a 4 (in areas within 1000' of a hydrant). While not every insurance company uses the ISO score to determine premiums, some companies are discounting policies due to the improvement in the score.

To determine the specific savings available to you, please contact your insurance company.

If you have other questions regarding fire hydrants or the ISO rating, please contact the Eastham Fire Department at 508-255-2324 or by emailing Dan Keane.

Of course! The members of the Eastham Fire Department are proud to welcome kids (of all ages, that means grown-ups too!) to come by and visit the station. Provided we aren't on an emergency call, we can usually accommodate tours and visits during normal business hours, 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Saturday. Many of our firefighters will tell you that fire station tours at a young age is how they fell in love with this job!

Have a large group or want to schedule a presentation of fire safety to a group?

Email Dan Keane to contact our Fire Prevention and Public Education division.

Also, keep your eyes open for news about our annual Fire Department Open House!

The "File of Life" is a medical information packet designed to provide emergency personnel with necessary medical data to begin immediate treatment.

The "File of Life" refrigerator magnet is a red vinyl packet containing a medical information card for each household member. The front of the packet is clear vinyl. Each card is folded twice, the bottom 2 sections and back of each card contain all the medical data emergency personnel need to begin treatment.

This program is free of charge and may be picked up at the Eastham Fire Station. The Eastham Fire Department strongly suggests everyone have one!

Sharps (ex. insulin needles, lancets, etc.) are essential to the ongoing at-home medical care of many people, or even pets. Once these items are used, they pose a unique disposal challenge as it is unsafe to just throw them in the trash. The Eastham Fire Department is proud to participate in the Barnstable county sharps collection program.

Sharps collection is offered at our fire station, free of charge during normal business hours. Sharps should be delivered in a clearly marked, sealed, hard plastic container. You will then be provided a new, unused hard plastic sharps container.

Please do not bring unsealed or loose needles, for everyone's safety, please deliver sharps in sealed, hard containers.

For more information, read the Barnstable County Sharps Collection Program (PDF).

Need to dispose of medication? Visit our friends at the Eastham Police Station or view the Prescription Drug and Medication Drop Box (PDF).

Maintaining and monitoring blood pressure is a good idea for anyone. To assist the public, blood pressure screening is offered free of charge at the fire station during normal business. We can provide you also with materials to help keep track of blood pressure and/or other vital signs as necessary.

If you are experiencing chest pain, dizziness or lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or other symptoms, please call 911 and we will respond immediately.

Many times, when on scene of an emergency, the department often needs access in order to provide assistance. We may need get in someone's house to help them with a medical emergency where they can't answer the door or check on a fire alarm at a commercial building. While we always try to find a non-destructive way to gain access, we are sometimes required to forcibly enter a building/area which may result in potential damage, especially if faced with a critical situation.

To help avoid damage to property while entering to provide emergency services, we offer a town-wide lockbox program. This program is available to private residences and businesses. The lockbox is a small metal "safe" that is attached conspicuously outside of a building to which only the fire department has access. Inside this box is a set of keys to the building itself which will allow the fire department access in the event of an emergency. The Eastham Fire Department strongly suggests everyone have one, especially with any "monitored" alarm systems (fire/medical).

Lockboxes are available by filling out an application at our fire station or completing the Lock Box Application online.

The cost is $60 and checks can be made payable to the Eastham Firemen's Relief Association.

Boxes are re-sold at cost, there may be grant funds available depending on need.

Ocean-Side Beaches (i.e.: Nauset Light Beach, Coast Guard Beach)

The Cape Cod National Seashore allows a limited number of permits per beach per day for campfires (uncontained with clean, dry firewood). You can obtain permits by calling the Salt Pond Visitor Center a: 508-255-3421.

Visit the NPS Guide to Beaches for more information on fires at ocean-side beaches.

Bay-Side Beaches (i.e.: Cooks Brook, Campground, First Encounter, etc.)

Open fires (such as campfires) are NOT allowed on bay beaches. However, charcoal grill and in-contained cooking devices are allowed (Please take all coals or debris off the beach - do not bury coals).

For further questions, please call the Eastham Fire Department at 508-255-2324.

Most of the Town's shellfishing areas are open seven days a week from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset, with the exception of Salt Pond being open on Sundays only. The following tidal creeks are closed at all times: Rock Harbor Creek, Boat Meadow Creek, Bee's River (First Encounter Marsh), Hatches Creek, and Abelino's Creek. 

View our Recreational Shellfish Map and our Closure Notices for more information on where to shellfish! 

The limit for a family permit is one ten quart pail per week (including shells) per domiciled family. The week starts Sunday and ends Saturday. Any number of helpers can accompany the family member in whose name the permit is issued. However, transfer of the permit to another person who is not normally living with the permittee is prohibited.

Generally, quahogs and steamers are available year-round along the west (Bay) shore and various locations in Nauset Marsh. Mussels can be found in the Nauset system. Bay scallops can only be harvested in the months of October through March. Oysters are available in the Salt Pond on Sundays during the months of November through April and in the family area at Hemenway Landing.

All shellfishing requires a permit from the Town in which you will be harvesting. In addition, certain tools will make the harvest more rewarding. For quahogs (hard shell clams) a long-handled tool with curved tines at the base (with or without a basket) will allow the digger to stand and scratch the surface to a depth of six inches which is where the animals are to be found. For Steamer clams (soft shell) the tool is a short-handled hoe that has tines of about 12 inches in length. The digger uses this tool to dig a trench about 10 inches deep and uncover the clams. This tool may also be used for razor clams.

Oysters, scallops, and mussels do not burrow - they live on the surface and may be harvested by hand or using a quahog scratcher. When searching for these species underwater, be mindful of the fact that your activity will likely turn the water muddy - much of the technique uses the sense of feel.

Be sure to protect your feet with boots or old sneakers - broken shell fragments can inflict a serious cut. Hat, insect repellant, and sunscreen are also recommended.

What's in a name? The Native American name for the hard-shell clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) is Quahog (also spelled quahaug, quohog, and others) and the name is unique to the Cape and Islands as well as Rhode Island. Elsewhere along the East Coast, it is referred to as a "clam" Locally, the term "clam" is used to describe the soft shell or steamer clam (Mya arenaria). Just to confuse matters further, the younger, smallest (barely legal size) quahog is designated Littleneck. Somewhat larger specimens of the same animal are called Cherrystone. Both are typically eaten on the half shell.

Permits are issued to taxpayers who are 65 years of age or older for a reduced fee. The limit is the same, and the other regulations apply. Again the person in whose name the permit is issued must be present.

The waters from which shellfish may be harvested are tested on a regular basis to ensure public safety. This protocol is established by Federal guidelines and is implemented by the Commonwealth. Should the index exceed the threshold for safety then the area will be closed to harvest and will be posted and patrolled. Eating raw shellfish may pose potential health risks for some individuals and consumers should be mindful of the potential health effects. Occasionally, persons may have an allergic reaction to eating shellfish.

Review the Red Tide (PDF) for more information.

Red tide in New England waters is somewhat of a misnomer as it has no discernable red color. However, the term is used to describe Harmful Algal Blooms which occur worldwide and which can render shellfish which filter these algae to become toxic to warm-blooded animals - such as humans. Although not perfectly understood, we do know that the most common Red Tide occurs locally in Nauset Marsh during the spring months although not every year.

The algae which is the problem suddenly grows very quickly and since shellfish are filter feeders they consume and concentrate a toxic chemical in their tissue. It does not affect the shellfish, but if a warm-blooded animal were to eat the shellfish it has the potential to disrupt the central nervous system functions of heartbeat and breathing. This phenomenon has evidently been happening for many years and was understood by the Native Americans so there is no clear link to pollution or other environmental degradation.

Testing of the shellfish is done on a weekly basis to ensure the safety of harvesters, and the protocol for reopening an area affected by Red Tide is very conservative. No known instances of Red Tide poisoning have occurred in Eastham although closures have been frequent in the past decade.

Domestic Violence or family violence is the abuse of power or control. It is behavior used by one person to control another through force or threats. A batterer makes a choice to strike, hit, kick, punch or threaten the victim.

Find most resources on the Domestic Violence page.

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. While you can't entirely control whether you will become a victim, you can take steps to protect yourself.

Find out how to protect yourself again identity theft.

Chapter 209A, the Massachusetts Abuse Prevention Act, defines abuse as

• Actual physical abuse, or
• An attempt to harm another, or
• Placing another in fear of serious physical harm, or
• Causing another to engage in sexual relations by force, threat of force, or duress.

An Abuse Prevention Order, called a "209A Order," or a "protective order," or "restraining order," is a civil court order intended to provide protection from physical or sexual harm caused by force or threat of harm from a family or household member. You can obtain an order against:

• A spouse or former spouse
• A present or former household member
• A relative by blood or a present or former relative by marriage
• The parent of your minor child
• A person with whom you have or had a substantial dating relationship

A 209A Order can be obtained in any District Court, Superior Court, or Probate and Family Court in Massachusetts. An emergency 209A Order can be obtained through any police department after court hours, on weekends, and holidays. You do not need a lawyer to file for a 209A Order and there is no charge for filing.

Should you decide to go to a District Court for a 209A Order, you may go to the District Court in the area where you live or, if you have fled to another area to avoid abuse, you may go to the District Court in the area where you now live (Massachusetts Barnstable County Court Locations). Go to the Clerk's Office in the court and ask for a "protective order" or a "209A Order," You will receive a packet of forms to complete as an application for a protective order.

In some courts, there may be a Court Advocate from a local battered women's service agency to help you with the form. A Victim/Witness Advocate from the District Attorney's Office is also usually available for assistance and to discuss the option of filing criminal charges against your abuser. Ask someone at the Clerk's Office to direct you to the District Attorney's Victim/ Witness Office for help. You do not have to file criminal charges in order to obtain a 209A Order. However, criminal charges can be helpful in holding a batterer responsible for criminal acts committed against you. If there is a criminal violation, the Court can also require a batterer to obtain counseling or other treatment.

On the application or complaint forms for a 209A order, you need to make a sworn statement (affidavit) describing the facts of any recent or past incidents of abuse. It is important to provide as much information about the abuser as possible. You must also disclose any other existing 209A Orders from any court or any Probate Court action you are involved in, including any divorce or child custody proceedings.

You may request the judge to order that the abuser:

• Stop or refrain from abusing you
• Have no contact with you or a child in your custody
• Vacate or move out of the house or apartment where you live.
• You may also request the judge to order that you receive support and temporary custody of your children if the abuser has a legal duty to support or shares custody.
• You may request payment for medical costs incurred due to injuries caused by the abuser and related loss of wages. You may ask that the abuser not contact you at work or at a relative's home, and that your new address be kept confidential from the abuser for your safety.

A 209A Order from a District Court can provide you with temporary support and custody of your minor children. Only the Probate and Family Court, however, can decide child visitation rights. A 209A Order from that court may be more helpful in dealing with abuse protection that also involves divorce, long-term financial support, child custody, and visitation issues. You may want to speak with a private attorney for Probate Court or call a legal services or victim's services provider for an attorney referral list. Pro bono (free) or reduced fee legal services may be available.

After you have completed the 209A complaint or application forms, return them to the Clerk's Office and ask when the judge will hear the applications for protective orders. The Clerk's Office will tell you the time and courtroom location for your hearing.

At your hearing, the judge will ask why you need a protective order and will review your complaint or application forms and affidavit. The judge will be deciding whether it appears there is a substantial likelihood of immediate danger of abuse. He or she will probably ask you some clarifying questions. In some courts, a "209A Briefing Session " is held before the hearing and a Court Advocate or a District Attorney's Victim / Witness Advocate will explain the hearing process and be with you in the courtroom.

The judge may grant or deny the 209A Order after speaking with you. If the judge grants the Order, you will receive a Temporary Order for up to ten days. A court date will be scheduled within 10 court days for you to return to court for a Permanent Order, which lasts for a year and can be renewed. Keep your copy of the Order with you at all times. The judge will also order the abuser to surrender all guns and gun permits he or she possesses.

The police will deliver (serve) a copy of the Order to your abuser and will keep a copy on file at the police station. It is important to provide the abuser's home, work, or other likely addresses so that the police can serve the Order as quickly as possible and provide the required notice of the next court date.

A violation of certain terms of a 209A Order (orders to vacate the premises, refrain from abuse, and have no contact with you) requires that the police arrest your abuser.

A violation of a 209A Order, once the abuser has notice of the Order, is a criminal offense.

The Ten Day Hearing requires that you return to the court on the date given on the Order. If you do not return to court, the Order will not be in effect after that date. The hearing offers the chance for both parties, you and the abuser, to come before the judge and offer information (evidence) as to why a permanent 209A Order, which lasts for one year, should or should not be granted. Bring any hospital records, photographs or police reports you may have for the judge to review. You may also bring a support person with you. The abuser may be present at the ten day hearing and may oppose the 209A Order. If the abuser is not present and has been served with the Order, the judge can still grant the Order for one year period.

If a 209A Order is issued by the judge for a year, you must return to the court for an extension of the Order at the end of that year or the Order will expire.

Any changes in the Order before that date must be made with both you and the abuser appearing in the same court where the Order was first given. A request to change or amend the Order can be made at the Clerk's Office, and a hearing will be arranged before a judge.

A minor under 18 years old can obtain a 209A Order with some restrictions. Generally, a parent or guardian needs to be present, but the judge can decide to issue a 209A Order without a parent present if the minor appears to be in danger. In some cases, the Department of Children and Families may offer assistance in gaining help for a minor. Many high schools and colleges also offer support groups for students in violent relationships. A parent may also obtain a protective order for his or her child.

Once a 209A Order is issued, violation of certain terms of the Order is a criminal offense. Violations of orders to refrain from abuse, to have no contact, and to vacate a household, multiple family dwelling or workplace, can be prosecuted criminally under chapter 209A. If the abuser violates the order, call the police immediately. Show the Order to the police and explain how it was violated ( a punch, slap, threat; entering your house or apartment or refusing to vacate; or, any contact with you at home or your workplace, either in person, by telephone or mail). The police must arrest the abuser if they believe or can see that the terms of the Order were violated. If you do not call the police, you may be able to file an application for a criminal complaint on your own at the Clerk's Office in the District Court. A Victim/Witness Advocate can assist you with that process.

If you put yourself in contact with the abuser, he is vulnerable to arrest. Therefore, if you want any terms of the order to no longer apply, you should return to court and ask that the order be modified or vacated.

If the abuser is arrested, seek assistance from the Victim/ Witness Advocate in the District Attorney's Office the next morning after a nighttime arrest, or at any time during the day at the courthouse. A Victim/Witness Advocate will explain what the charges mean and what will happen next. The Advocate will also offer ongoing information, referral for services, and cases updates throughout the time the case is in court.

In addition to the crime of violating a 209A Order, an abuser can be charged with a number of other crimes committed at or near the time of the violation, some of which may include:

• Assault (G.L. c. 265, Section 13A), which is an attempt or offer to do bodily injury by force or violence or attempt to batter.
• Assault and Battery ( G.L. c. 265, Section 13A), which is a harmful or unjustified touching of another, no matter how slight, without a legal right to do so.
• Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon ( G.L. c. 265, Section 15), which is a battery with a dangerous weapon, such as a baseball bat, a shod foot, a knife, or other object either inherently dangerous or used in a way that may cause serious injury or death to another.
• Threats (G.L. c. 27, section 4), which are verbal or written threats to do harm which a victim reasonably believes the abuser can commit.
• Trespassing (G.L. c. 266, section 120), which is entering or remaining in a house or on land in violation of a 209A Order.
• Malicious Destruction Of Personal Property (G.L. c. 266, section 127), which is the destruction of or injury to personal property, a house, or building in a manner that is willful and malicious.
• Stalking (G.L. c. 265, section, 43 (a)), which is the willful, malicious, and repeated following or harassing of an individual and the making of threats with the intent to place that person in imminent fear of death or serious bodily injury. The penalties are greater for a conviction of a stalking crime committed in violation of a 209A Order.

Once a criminal complaint has been issued or an arrest made, the abuser will be charged with the crime or crimes at an arraignment proceeding in the District Court. A bail hearing will be held to determine whether the defendant/abuser will be released from custody, the court must make a reasonable effort to notify you of the release, even if you are not present in court.

It is important to provide information to the Assistant District Attorney before the arraignment and bail hearing regarding the history of the abuse and a description of the most recent abuse, including any pictures or hospital records of injuries. You should also mention the location of any guns or other weapons that you believe the abuser has in his or her possession.

The Assistant District Attorney will bring this information to the attention of the judge, along with your safety concerns and fears at this time. The judge may also consider whether the defendant/ abuser should be jailed until trial; or, if the defendant/ abuser is to be released, what the bail and conditions of bail will be.

The Assistant District Attorney represents the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in prosecuting the case and works with the Victim/Witness Advocate to address your interests and assist you during trial.

Interviews will be held with you before the trial, to gather information and evidence for prosecution. Every effort will be made to consider your needs and safety in going forward with the case. The safety of your children will also be priority.

Prosecution may provide the means to gain batterer's intervention services for the defendant/abuser as part of a sentence recommendation. Very few batterers seek or stay with these services on their own, without court orders and probation supervision. An Assistant District will speak with you about different sentences that can be imposed if the defendant /abuser is found guilty by a judge or jury or pleads guilty. The sentence asked for may include drug or alcohol counseling, required attendance at a batterer's intervention program, supervised probation, and /or jail time.

Certified batterer's intervention programs provide services in very strict group settings to try to help batterers learn to accept responsibility for their violence, as well as understand and change their controlling and abusive behavior.

The groups are led by certified batterer's intervention counselors trained in dealing with domestic violence offenders. The programs work with the courts and victim services to help make sure that partners of batterers remain safe. The programs may involve weekly sessions of 1 to 2 hours in length. The batterer must participate in the program for a minimum of 80 hours. Group leaders feel your safety is a priority concern and will keep ongoing contact with you.

There are no guarantees that the violence will stop because the abuser attends a certified batterer's intervention program. Many abusers drop out of programs or do not comply with the requirements, or only reduce their abuse temporarily. If the judge requires attendance as part of a sentence, dropping out may mean the defendant/abuser may have to serve jail time. The abuser must want to change the abusive behavior and work hard at making those changes. Promises to change, flowers and apologies are not enough. You deserve to be safe and free from abuse.

Your Risk of Harm

Statistically, the most dangerous time for the victim is when leaving the batterer. The abuser may feel he is losing control and become dangerously angry. Take steps to protect yourself from abuse or punishment from your abuser. Please trust your instincts. If you are afraid that something may happen, take your feelings seriously and protect yourself. You know your situation better than anyone else.

Suggestions for your Protection

Develop a safety plan that includes an escape plan for you and your children should a violent incident occur. During an incident, try to move away from an area or room where access to weapons might increase your risk, such as the kitchen, or where you can be trapped or easily injured.

• Call the police or leave the house as soon as possible after an abusive incident. The police will respond and stay with you until you are safe or in a safe place. The police will also help you seek medical treatment if needed. If you feel you may be in danger, dial the police number and hang up before it rings so that the redial button will automatically call the police if you need them quickly.
• Be alert when leaving the courthouse. If you have any reason to believe your abuser may be waiting for you, please ask someone in the District Attorney's Office or Court Advocate to help. A police officer or a court officer may be able to escort you to your car.
• Guns or weapons will be ordered turned over to the police by the judge, along with any license to carry the guns and firearms identification card. Inform the police of any guns/weapons the abuser may keep in the house.
• Consider changing the locks on your home. The judge can order the abuser to turn over the keys to your home and/or your car. Keep an extra set of keys in a safe place.
• Inform your neighbors if a 209A order is in place. Encourage them to call the police if they see or suspect that something is wrong.
• Make copies of important papers and keep them in a safe place. Make a list of the things you need to take with you (birth/medical records, marriage license, check/ bank books, credit cards, medications).
• Keep emergency money and extra clothes for yourself and your children in a safe place or with someone you trust. Include a few toys and favorite things for the children.
• Keep the victim's service agency number handy for emergency shelters and for support groups.; You do not have to leave the abuser or have a 209A Order to attend the support groups. Information and support in making decisions are important.
• Get medical attention as you may be injured much more seriously than you realize. Go to a hospital emergency room or your private doctor as soon as possible for treatment. Ask for a copy of the treatment record.

This information is provided by:

• Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  Office of the Attorney General
  1 Ashburton Place
  Boston, MA 02108

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. While you can't entirely control whether you will become a victim, you can take steps to protect yourself.

Order a copy of your credit report. An amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the major nationwide consumer reporting companies to provide you with a free copy of your credit reports, at your request, once every 12 months.

Under federal law, you're also entitled to a free report if a company takes adverse action against you, such as denying your application for credit, insurance or employment, and you request your report within 60 days of receiving notice of the action. The notice will give you the name, address, and phone number of the consumer reporting company that supplied the information about you. You're also entitled to one free report a year if you're unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days; you're on welfare, or your report is inaccurate because of fraud. Otherwise, a consumer reporting company may charge you up to $9.50 for any other copies of your report.

If you ask, only the last four digits of your Social Security number will appear on your credit reports.

• Place passwords on your credit card, bank, and phone accounts. Avoid using easily available information like your mother's maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your Social Security number or your phone number, or a series of consecutive numbers. When opening new accounts, you may find that many businesses still have a line on their applications for your mother's maiden name. Ask if you can use a password instead.
• Secure personal information in your home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your home.
• Ask about information security procedures in your workplace or at businesses, doctor's offices or other institutions that collect your personally-identifying information. Find out who has access to your personal information and verify that it is handled securely. Ask about the disposal procedures for those records as well. Find out if your information will be shared with anyone else. If so, ask how your information can be kept confidential.
• Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or on the Internet unless you've initiated the contact or are sure you know who you're dealing with. Identity thieves are clever and have posed as representatives of banks, Internet service providers (ISPs), and even government agencies to get people to reveal their Social Security number, mother's maiden name, account numbers, and other identifying information. Before you share any personal information, confirm that you are dealing with a legitimate organization. Check an organization's website by typing its URL in the address line, rather than cutting and pasting it. Many companies post scam alerts when their name is used improperly. Or call customer service using the number listed on your account statement or in the telephone book
• Deposit your outgoing mail in post office collection boxes or at your local post office, rather than in an unsecured mailbox. Promptly remove mail from your mailbox. If you're planning to be away from home and can't pick up your mail, call the U.S. Postal Service at 1-800-275-8777 to request a vacation hold. The Postal Service will hold your mail at your local post office until you can pick it up or are home to receive it. To thwart an identity thief who may pick through your trash or recycling bins to capture your personal information, tear or shred your charge receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, checks and bank statements, expired charge cards that you're discarding, and credit offers you get in the mail. To opt-out of receiving offers of credit in the mail, call: 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688). The three nationwide consumer reporting companies use the same toll-free number to let consumers choose not to receive credit offers based on their lists. Note: You will be asked to provide your Social Security number which the consumer reporting companies need to match you with your file.
• Don't carry your Social Security number card; leave it in a secure place.
• Give your Social Security number only when absolutely necessary, and ask to use other types of identifiers. If your state uses your Social Security number as your driver's license number, ask to substitute another number. Do the same if your health insurance company uses your Social Security number as your policy number?
• Carry only the identification information and the credit and debit cards that you'll actually need when you go out.
• Be cautious when responding to promotions. Identity thieves may create phony promotional offers to get you to give them your personal information.
• Keep your purse or wallet in a safe place at work; do the same with copies of administrative forms that have your sensitive personal information.
• When ordering new checks, pick them up from the bank instead of having them mailed to your home mailbox

You may be careful about locking your doors and windows and keeping your personal papers in a secure place. Depending on what you use your personal computer for; an identity thief may not need to set foot in your house to steal your personal information. You may store your Social Security number, financial records, tax returns, birth date, and bank account numbers on your computer. These tips can help you keep your computer - and the personal information it stores - safe.

• Virus protection software should be updated regularly, and patches for your operating system and other software programs should be installed to protect against intrusions and infections that can lead to the compromise of your computer files or passwords. Ideally, virus protection software should be set to automatically update each week. The Windows XP operating system also can be set to automatically check for patches and download them to your computer. Do not open files sent to you by strangers, or click on hyperlinks or download programs from people you don't know. Be careful about using file-sharing programs. Opening a file could expose your system to a computer virus or a program known as "spyware," which could capture your passwords or any other information as you type it into your keyboard.
• Use a firewall program, especially if you use a high-speed Internet connection like cable, DSL or T-1 that leaves your computer connected to the Internet 24 hours a day. The firewall program will allow you to stop uninvited access to your computer. Without it, hackers can take over your computer, access the personal information stored on it, or use it to commit other crimes.
• Use a secure browser - software that encrypts or scrambles information you send over the Internet - to guard your online transactions. Be sure your browser has the most up-to-date encryption capabilities by using the latest version available from the manufacturer. You also can download some browsers for free over the Internet. When submitting information, look for the "lock" icon on the browser's status bar to be sure your information is secure during transmission.
• Try not to store financial information on your laptop unless absolutely necessary. If you do, use a strong password with a combination of letters (upper and lower case), numbers and symbols. A good way to create a strong password is to think of a memorable phrase and use the first letter of each word as your password, converting some letters into numbers that resemble letters. For example, "I like Milk it's good to drink," would become 1LmigTD. Don't use an automatic log-in feature that saves your user name and password, and always log off when you're finished. That way, if your laptop is stolen, it's harder for a thief to access your personal information.
• Before you dispose of a computer, delete all the personal information it stored. Deleting files using the keyboard or mouse commands or reformatting your hard drive may not be enough because the files may stay on the computer's hard drive, where they may be retrieved easily. Use a "wipe" utility program to overwrite the entire hard drive.

Look for website privacy policies. They should answer questions about maintaining accuracy, access, security, and control of personal information collected by the site, how the information will be used, and whether it will be provided to third parties. If you don't see a privacy policy or if you can't understand it considers doing business elsewhere.

If you are a member of the military and away from your usual duty station, you may place an active duty alert on your credit reports to help minimize the risk of identity theft while you are deployed. Active duty alerts are in effect on your report for one year. If your deployment lasts longer, you can place another alert on your credit report. When you place an active duty alert, you'll be removed from the credit reporting companies' marketing list for pre-screened credit card offers for two years unless you ask to go back on the list before then.

Beginning December 5, 2006, companies must not print your credit or debit card expiration date or more than the last 5 digits of your card number on your electronic receipt. Some businesses must make this change sooner, depending on the way they process credit card transactions. The law will allow receipts that are handwritten or mechanically imprinted to show your entire number and expiration date, even after December 4, 2006.

Your employer and financial institutions will need your Social Security number for wage and tax reporting purposes. Other businesses may ask you for your Social Security number to do a credit check if you are applying for a loan, renting an apartment, or signing up for utilities. Sometimes, however, they simply want your Social Security number for general record keeping. If someone asks for your Social Security number, ask:

• Why do you need my Social Security number?
• How will my Social Security number be used?
• How do you protect my Social Security number from being stolen?
• What will happen if I don't give you my Social Security number?

If you don't provide your Social Security number, some businesses may not provide you with the service or benefit you want. Getting satisfactory answers to these questions will help you decide whether you want to share your Social Security number with the business. The decision to share is yours.

If you believe that your identity has been stolen:

• Contact the fraud department of one of the following 3 credit reporting agencies:
  • Equifax: 800-525-6285
    P.O. Box 740241
    Atlanta, GA, 30374-0241
  • Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
    P.O. Box 9532
    Allen, TX, 75013
  • TransUnion: 800-680-7289
    Fraud Victim Assistance Division
    P.O. Box 6790
    Fullerton, CA, 92834-6790
• Ask them to put a FRAUD ALERT on your credit report. The fraud alert tells creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts. You only need to contact one of the three companies to place an alert. The company you call is required to contact the other two, which will place an alert on their versions of your report, too. Once you place the fraud alert in your file, you're entitled to order free copies of your credit reports, and, if you ask, only the last four digits of your Social Security number will appear on your credit reports.
• Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
• File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place. Get a copy of the report or at the very least, the number of the report, to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime.

Yes. The goal is to eventually replace existing non-compliant Street Name signs, and install new ones, at intersecting roadways. 

The signs will meet Federal standards by using a combination of white lower case letters, with a capital initial letter, on a green background. All signs will meet the standards for retroreflectivity and will include supplementary information indicating "Private Ways" and "Dead End" on the right side corners.

If your Street Name sign meets the previously described format, it will remain in place. If the sign does not meet the format above, and it also resembles a Street Name sign or is using an outdated format, then it will be replaced with a new one.

Additionally, a lot of folks have placed "decorative" signs that do not resemble Street Name signs at various intersections. When this is the case, we will not remove those existing signs and instead just place the new compliant signs alongside them. Here is an example of some existing signs that will be complemented by those installed by our department:

Due to the sheer amount of work required (there are over 500 roads in the Town of Eastham, some with multiple intersections) and our limited staff level, this will be a multi-year process so please be patient with us as we begin installing the new signs. In the meantime, please contact the Department of Public Works office by calling 774-801-0520 or emailing Public Works if you have any questions.

Thank you for your support of the Eastham DPW!

Review the How to Read ProCoder Register (PDF) for information on reading your water meter.

The Town of Eastham has created a preliminary schedule (based on a variety of factors) of when residents could expect to have water mains installed. 

View: Phase 2 Water System Schedule

Let us know of your interest in having water installed on your road by emailing Kim St. Aubin.

Review the Water System Fees (PDF) for a list of our current water rates.

The process is very simple. Read the list of water connection steps to follow and review the list of authorized plumbers and contractors that can help you. If you have any questions, we can always help you and guide you through the process by emailing Kim St. Aubin.

Pennichuck Corporation of Merrimack, New Hampshire, administers customer billing. All billing questions can be answered by emailing Pennichuck at or 800-553-5191.

Free Meter Eligibility

The Sticker Office is open Thursdays through Mondays 9am - 3pm. Closed Tuesdays, Wednesday's and holidays. For any other sticker questions please call the Rec and Beach Department.

The Town of Eastham bay beaches and ponds will be staffed starting Saturday, June 21 through Monday Labor Day. For beach sticker questions, please call us at 508-240-5974.

The town bay beaches and ponds will be staffed beginning June 18 through Labor Day. Stickers or day passes will be required then. The new 2022 Beach Sticker and the 2022 Transfer Station Sticker are required on July 1, 2022. The Taxpayer section of Nauset Light Beach will be staffed starting on July 1, 2022. 

The Town of Eastham Sticker Office is located at 555 Old Orchard Road.  Their phone number is (774)-801-0519.  

 Recreation and Beach Department 

Summer 2022 TBD

There are four (4) Town of Eastham beaches where you can pay a daily fee. Those beaches are; First Encounter, Campground, Wiley Park and Cooks Brook.  Upon entrance, you will pay the gate attendant $30.00 and be issued a paper day pass. Your day pass is interchangeable amongst these (4) beaches; only for that one-day it is issued. Town of Eastham day passes are NOT valid at the Cape Cod National Seashore (ocean-side beaches) and vice-versa.

First Encounter Beach, Cooks Brook Beach and Wiley Park have seasonal bathhouses. All other Town-owned public beaches and ponds (except Dyer Prince) are equipped with portable toilets.

Town of Eastham Taxpayer Stickers are valid at Nauset Light Beach and Coast Guard Beach.

There are absolutely no dogs allowed on any of the town beaches or in parking lots at any time from June 15th through Labor Day.

No boat trailers are allowed on the beach. Small boats such as canoes, sunfish, and kayaks may be carried over the beach and into the water.

Water skiing is permitted only at Great Pond on even-numbered days. For example, water skiing would be allowed on July 2nd, but not July 3rd. All boats must have an inspection sticker, which can be obtained at the Natural Resources Department on Old Orchard Road. Their phone number is 508-240-5972. All boats must be less than 50 horsepower.

Jet skis are not allowed at the freshwater ponds and cannot be launched at a bathing beach in Eastham.

High tide is different each day. A full tide cycle is 12 hours and there are 6 hours between a high tide and a low tide. Each day the tide advances approximately 1 hour. For example: 

• Monday
  9 am high tide
  3 pm low tide
  9 pm high tide
• Tuesday
  10 am high tide
  4 pm low tide
  10 pm low tide

The blue boxes, officially called Manitoba Flycatchers, are located in the marsh and attempt to capture greenhead flies. There is nothing inside of the boxes; it is the blue color that attracts the flies.

The ship's actual name is "The James Longstreet." Employed as a transport vessel in WWII, the ship presently remains on a sandbar and is known for its past use as a target for Otis Air Force Base's target practice. The Target Ship can be seen from any beach at low tide only.

State law prohibits securing an animal in the car under conditions that would adversely affect the animal's health - as in a car parked in the sun with the windows rolled up. Town of Eastham Beach Rules and Regulations state "No animals or pets will be permitted on the beaches, in the parking areas, or in vehicles in the parking areas at any time during the period of June 15th through Labor Day."

There are absolutely no dogs allowed on any of the town beaches at any time from June 15 through Labor Day.

No, there is no food sold at the beaches. The only exception to this is ice cream trucks make stops at the Town of Eastham bay beaches and ponds.

No. The bay beaches are run by the Town of Eastham and the seashore is owned and operated by the federal government.

At a sticker-only beach, you must have either a Town of Eastham Taxpayer Beach Sticker or a Town of Eastham Visitor (One-week, Two-week or Seasonal) Beach Sticker to park. No day passes are sold or accepted at these beaches. Without a sticker, your vehicle will be subject to a $50 parking fine. Cape Cod National Seashore Stickers are not accepted at Town of Eastham Sticker Only Beaches.

Dogs need to be licensed at six months of age. Licenses cost $10 and may be obtained at the Town Clerk's office. Proof of rabies vaccination is required for licensing. The licensing fee for an intact dog is $15.

Annual Town Meeting

The Town of Eastham Annual Town Meeting is held the first Monday in May at a location to be determined.

Annual Town Election

The Town of Eastham Annual Town Election is held on the third Tuesday in May. Voting takes place downstairs in Town Hall. Directions to Town Hall, 2500 State Highway:

• From Route 6 Rotary
• Route 6 north to just before the stoplight at Samoset Road intersection (Windmill Green)
• Turn right into the town hall parking lot.
• From Wellfleet/Eastham border
• Route 6 south to just after the stoplight at Samoset Road (Fire Station; Windmill Green)
• Turn left into town hall parking lot.

There is one voting precinct in Eastham.

If you are a registered voter in the Town of Eastham, you can apply for an absentee or early voting ballot at the Town Clerk's Office. The deadline for obtaining absentee ballots and early ballots will be posted at the Town Clerk's office prior to each election. Early voting will be available for biennial state elections and town elections, but not the Annual Town Meeting.

Review the New to Town Meeting (PDF) for information.

Excise bills are sent to taxpayers by the Town of Eastham throughout the year, as groups of bills known as commitments (up to 12 per year). They are received by the Town from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Approximately three-fourths of all excise bills will be mailed in the First Commitment as a single group, usually in February. 

The remaining groups of bills will be sent throughout the remainder of the year as additional commitments are received by the Town from the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The Town of Eastham has no control over which bills will be included in a commitment as received from the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Motor Vehicle excise taxes are due 30 days after their issuance.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles generates the mailing address based on their records. The information may also be pulled by Insurance garaging address provided to the RMV. Please contact the RMV to change your address. The Town of Eastham cannot edit or change MV excise bill addresses.

The excise tax bill is calculated as $25.00 per $1,000.00 of your vehicle’s value. 

You should contact the Registry of Motor Vehicles with any concerns on your valuation.

The most confusion arises when a vehicle is registered late in the calendar year. This generates a tax bill early in the next calendar year, which may be followed soon after by a full year bill for the new calendar year. Each bill identifies the year prominently. Taxpayers should make note of the year of the bill when paying an excise tax.

If an excise bill is received for a vehicle or trailer which has been sold, traded, donated or junked, it is the registrant’s responsibility to inform the towns Assessors Office and supply them with all necessary information. Our advice is to pay the bill first then investigate the appropriate adjustment with the Assessor’s Office. 

It is important that the bill for the vehicle that is no longer owned, not be ignored. The collection process will not cease until the proper paperwork has been filed with the Assessor’s Office.

There are many reasons why you may not have received a Motor Vehicle Excise tax. They may be any of the following:

1. The Registry of Motor Vehicles does not have your current mailing address.
2. Your registration has expired.
3. You haven’t been billed yet. (Note: the Registry commits up to 12 billing cycles in a calendar year.)
4. The U.S. Postal Service has misplaced your bill.

Please be advised that under M.G.L. Chapter 60A, Section 2, “Failure to receive an excise notice shall not affect the validity of the excise.” A person who does not receive a bill is still liable for the excise plus any interest and/or charges accrued. If you have not received a bill or think you have an outstanding excise tax, please feel free to contact the Collector’s Office and inquire.

Partial Payments of motor vehicle excise bills are not accepted. Since the law states that as interest and charges accrue, they become part of the bill; therefore, payment will only be accepted if all fees and charges are included with payment.

No. Interest starts to accrue the day after the due date.

No. Bills are considered paid when received in the Collector’s Office. Postmark dates on envelopes are not accepted as the date of payment. All payments are to be received by the Collector’s office by the due date.  Late payments will incur interest/penalties.

The tax you paid at the Registry of Motor Vehicles is a Massachusetts Sales Tax. The bill you recently received is an Excise tax bill. This excise tax bill must be paid as well.

Step 1 – Motor Vehicle Tax commitment is mailed

As stated in the FAQ above, Motor Vehicle excise tax bills are mailed out via commitments received by the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Your Motor Vehicle excise tax bill is due 30 days from date of issuance. 

Step 2 – Demand Bill

Demand bills may be issued 2 days after the tax is due; Demand bills will be issued on or around the fourteenth day of delinquency from the due date. Demand bills are due fourteen days after issuance.

The demand charge is currently $10.00, and your bill will continue to accrue interest until paid.

Step 3 – Warrant stage

If payment is not made within fourteen days of the demand, the collector will issue a warrant to collect to Kelley & Ryan, deputy collector, the charge for which is $10. The deputy collector will then send a notice of his warrant to the taxpayer, the charge for which is $12.

Upon failure to pay within 30 days of the notice of warrant, the deputy collector will make a service of warrant, the charge for which is $17.

Step 4 – MV Marking at the RMV

If the excise continues to be outstanding, the deputy collector notifies the Registrar of Motor Vehicles within a two-year period after the initial excise tax was issued. The Registry of Motor Vehicles will then mark or place in non-renewal status the license and registration of the taxpayer. The fee for removal of the mark at the Registry of Motor Vehicles is $20.

A charter is the actual legal document that possesses a unique set of laws that forms the legal foundation of a town's local system of government. Charters stand in relationship to a town the same way that a state constitution does to a state, or a federal constitution does to a nation. They define the powers and functions of elected officials as well as the organization and procedures of local government.

The Community Preservation Act ("CPA") is a state law that enables cities and towns to create a dedicated fund for important projects that can greatly impact a community's character and quality of life. Towns spend CPA funds in three core areas: open space protection, historic preservation, and affordable housing. Each of these areas must receive a minimum of 10% of the total revenue each year, but the remaining 70% can be spent or reserved for future spending in any of the three areas, or for public outdoor recreation. Money for the CPA is raised locally through a small surcharge on property taxes (in Eastham this is 3%), which is then matched by funds from the state. State funds are collected through surcharges at the Registries of Deeds on transactions in all Massachusetts municipalities. Adopting the CPA brings these funds back to local towns. Once in a town's CPA fund, these funds are controlled exclusively by local residents, for local projects. To date, Eastham has received over $3.6 million in state matching funds!!

Eastham adopted the CPA in 2005 and formed a Community Preservation Act Committee for evaluating proposals submitted by individuals, town boards, committees and community groups for use of CPA funds.

The Town has undertaken over 70 CPA projects since it first adopted CPA in 2005. These are projects that may not have ever been viable were it not for the CPA funds. Taken together, these projects have helped to preserve and improve our community and quality of life.

The CPA Committee researches the Town's needs, consults with committees that are knowledgeable about each of the community preservation areas, and gathers information from the public. There are a total of nine committee members. Five members are representatives drawn from the Eastham Housing Authority, Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Recreation Commission, and the Planning Board, while four seats are citizens-at-large positions appointed by the Board of Selectmen.

After the CPA Committee has studied a proposed project it will decide whether to recommend that project to Town Meeting for funding. If it decides to recommend the project, a Town Warrant Article is drafted and presented to the voters at Town Meeting to determine whether they support funding the project as recommended by the CPA Committee.

So, while the CPA Committee has a vital role to play in how CPA funds are spent in Eastham, ultimately, the voters at Town Meeting decide which projects are approved.

For more information about the CPA and the ways that other communities have used their CPA money, please visit the Community Preservation Coalition's website.

At Town Meeting held in September 2020, Eastham voters approved adopting a bylaw banning certain single-use plastics from commercial sale or distribution, effective September 21, 2021. The bylaw was approved by the Attorney General. The bylaw prohibits the following single-use, petroleum-based plastic products from being commercially sold or distributed:

• Single-use plastic water bottles
• Plastic checkout bags
• Balloons filled with lighter than air gasses (helium)
• Plastic Straws
• Polystyrene food service containers (bowls, cups, trays, plates)
  • Alternatives must be 100% recyclable, sale/distribution of commercial composting items are not permitted at this time
• Drinking cups and lids
• Plastic cutlery
• Foam packing peanuts
• Polystyrene foam coolers

This bylaw is directed at commercial sales, distribution, and use of the products mentioned above. The sale of these items, as well as provision of these items as part of a commercial service, are included in this ban. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Grocery stores
• Restaurants and takeout places
• Liquor stores
• Gas stations
• Coffee shops
• Guesthouses
• Health clubs
• Caterers
• Non-profits' events

Individuals are not subject to the bylaw; however, we hope all will join in the spirit of the bylaw in reducing single-use plastic waste. We need everyone's participation and consumer support to make the greatest difference.

Items no longer for commercial sale/distribution and effective date:

Beginning November 1, 2021.

Eastham voters approved it in September 2020. Please click the links below of you are interested in learning more:

• Video - The Plastics Problem
• A Guide to Plastics in the Ocean

While this bylaw applies to commercial businesses, non-profits, and other entities, to reduce the impact of plastics becoming an environmental hazard as a resident or visitor, you can:

• Carry a re-fillable water bottle (or two) with you.
• Use bamboo or stainless steel straws.
• Bring your own re-usable bags when shopping. You can also purchase re-usable produce bags. Keep extras in your vehicle for last minute errands.
• Do not litter, check around you when leaving the beach, and dispose of all waste properly. Be sure light items are anchored down so they don't blow away.
• Check the back of your pick up truck for any loose plastic items that could blow out and become litter.
• Use pinwheels instead of balloons (There are also paper pinwheels you can purchase).

Applications cannot be edited after submission. If you submitted your application and forgot a document, please email the Building Department and they will send you a link to add your missing information. Email the Building Department  to request upload link and include your application #.

The tax rate for FY2026 is $7.71 per $1,000.00 for Residential and $7.66 per $1,000.00 for Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property.

Real Estate/Personal Property tax is billed Semi-Annually in two mailings. The First Half is mailed by October 1^st. The Second Half is mailed by April 1^st.  If your personal property or real estate tax bill is less than $100.00, it will be billed in the First Half only.

Due dates – Semi – Annual Tax Billing System:

• First Half (July – December) due November 1^st                    
• Second Half (January – June) due May 1^st 

*Note: If payment due date falls on a weekend, the due date will move to the first Monday after the due date.

Yes, you can pay either the First Half that is due November 1 or the entire bill; however, at least the First Half must be paid by the due date or interest will be charged.

Please make checks payable to the Town of Eastham. Yes, you may submit one check for more than one tax bill, we ask that you include the collector’s payment coupon copy for each bill you are paying.

If you need to send a payment overnight, or if your payment is past the due date, please submit payments directly to the Tax Collector's office: Town of Eastham, Tax Collector, 2500 State Hwy, Eastham, MA 02642.

Thank you.

We use a lockbox service to process payments. Please make sure to include payment coupons when mailing your check or money order: 

Town of Eastham

PO Box 848222

Boston, MA 02284

By M.G.L. Chapter 60: Section 3 all tax bills are mailed to the owner of the property, not the mortgage company to whom your taxes are escrowed with. We have no way of knowing who your mortgage company is, if your mortgage was sold to another company, or if you have refinanced with a different mortgage company. We do not bill mortgage companies.

It is advised to check with your mortgage company on wither or not they need a copy of the bill. Some mortgage companies require you to mail them a copy while others get the information electronically from a tax file.

M.G.L. Chapter 59 Section 11 states the name of the owner of record as of January 1 will appear on the tax bill for the next fiscal year (2 bills per fiscal year). The “C/O” in front of your name means Current Owner. You are the owner and are responsible for the property. Ex: Legal owner of record January 1, 2025 will appear on bills due 11/1/2025 & 5/1/2026.

Personal Property taxes are a surcharge only levied on properties which are not primary residences. They reflect the estimated value of the contents of the property, based on the assessed value of the building. They are calculated at 1% of the building value x the current tax rate. Personal Property taxes are also levied on businesses, based on the value of the business assets.

You may access your bill online via CHS, instructions, here.  Under state law, Chapter 60, Section 3, failure to receive your property tax bill does not excuse you from payment of taxes, or from the interest and fees that accrue on the outstanding balance(s). A tax bill is generated and mailed for every property in the Town. It is the responsibility of the property owner to pay taxes regardless of receipt of a bill. 

Please contact the Assessing Department to advise them of your new mailing address.

If you sold your property on a date that is close to a tax due date, more than likely real estate bills were printed (with the prior owner’s name) prior to the transaction, and/or the Assessor’s Office hadn’t received the recorded deed from the Registry of Deeds. If you are unable to forward the bill to the new owners please return the bill to the Collector’s Office, 2500 State Hwy Eastham, MA 02642 (with a quick note informing us of property transfer) so we may forward the bill to the appropriate party. Please do so immediately for it is very important that the party responsible receive the bill in a timely manner.

If you received a personal property tax bill and were the legal owner as of the prior January, you are responsible for the entire Fiscal Year. For Example - You are the legal owner of a property 1/1/2021 and sell the property 8/15/21. You will be responsible for entire FY22 (7/1/21 - 6/30/22) Personal Property bill.

No. Interest starts to accrue the day after the due date.

No. Bills are considered paid when received in the Collector’s Office. Postmark dates on envelopes are not accepted as the date of payment. All payments are to be received by the Collector’s office by the due date. Late payments may incur interest/penalties.

Yes, partial payments are encouraged and show good faith. They also help keep interest down if the bill becomes delinquent. Please make sure to make note in the memo line of your payment which property / bill you are paying.

Real Estate and Personal Property outstanding balances are subject to 14% interest according to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59, sections 57 and 57C.  Tax Title interest rate is 16% under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 60, section 62.

Real Estate Demand notices are the initial step towards Tax Title Foreclosure. This Demand notice is an informational notice or a reminder to you, that taxes have not been paid. If you received a Demand notice, you should not ignore this bill.

Yes. By M.G.L. Chapter 60, Section 58, if the whole or any portion of Real Estate tax remains unpaid after its due, the mortgage company may pay the amount due, including interest and charges, and it may be added to the mortgage debt.

The Community Preservation Act surcharge was approved by the voters of the Town of Eastham beginning in Fiscal Year 2005. This surcharge is 3.0% of the total property tax due for the parcel and is used for the acquisition and preservation of open space, recreational land, affordable housing, and historic properties

This can be done at the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds located at 3195 Main St/Rte 6A, Barnstable, (508) 362-7733. We cannot do this at Town Hall.

Step 1 – Semi-Annual Tax Billing

Real Estate tax is billed semi-annually in two mailings. The First Half is mailed by October 1st. The Second Half is mailed by April 1st. Their due dates are the following:

• First Half due November 1st
• Second Half due May 1st

*Note: If payment due date falls on a weekend, the due date will move to the first Monday after the due date.

Step 2 – Demand Bill

Demand bills are issued after the 2^nd Half payment due date of May 1st on all outstanding accounts. Sending a demand is a prerequisite to pursuing certain collection remedies including tax takings. The taxpayer has fourteen (14) days to pay the Demand Bill.

The demand charge is currently $10.00, the interest rate is 14% on the unpaid amount calculated from the due date of each quarter.

Step 3 - Tax Title

A municipality has the right to take title to the taxpayer’s property and to under-take foreclosure proceedings when a taxpayer is delinquent in paying their local real estate or other local charges which constitute liens on the real estate (including but not limited to disposal liens and committed interest).

Once a year, notices will go out to owners of outstanding accounts stating their property will be advertised for tax title in the local newspaper. Approximately 14 days before tax title, the Collector will publish in the local newspaper a listing of accounts with dates, time, and place of tax title.

The Tax Collector, on the date of tax title, will prepare an “Instrument of Taking” and record the document in the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds. Fees, including interest to date of taking, advertising costs, preparation fees, demand, warrant and recording fees will be added to the tax title account and must be paid by the owner before the lien is released. The interest charged on the tax title account is then calculated at 16% from the date of taking to payment date.

The final payment of the tax title account will result in an Instrument of Redemption document that will required to be filed by the homeowner at Barnstable County Registry of Deeds to release the Tax Title status. The Town may proceed with foreclosure if no effort is made to pay tax title accounts. Initial land court filing fee as well as additional fees and charges will be added to the outstanding account, i.e. legal fees.

Step 1 – Semi-Annual Billing

Personal Property tax is billed quarterly in two mailings. If the bill is less than $50.00, it will ONLY be billed on the First Half. The First Half is mailed by October 1^st. The Second Half is mailed by April 1^st. Their due dates are the following:

• First Half due November 1st
• Second Half due May 1st

*Note: If payment due date falls on a weekend, the due date will move to the first Monday after the due date.

Step 2 – Demand Bill

Demand bills are issued after the 2^nd Half due date of May 1st on all outstanding accounts. The taxpayer has fourteen (14) days to pay the Demand Bill.   

The demand charge is currently $10.00, the interest rate is 14% on the unpaid amount calculated from the due date of each half.

Your cancelled check is your proof of payment. If you paid via mail, if you include a self-addressed stamped envelope along with your payment coupon & middle section of the bill, we will stamp the middle section as paid and return it to you. If you are paying in-person, please bring your entire bill and we will gladly stamp your portion as paid.  

Click to return to the Rental Certificate Program | Eastham, MA

The regulation passed by the Board of Health is linked on the Health Department web page at: Board-of-Health-Regulations

We have a new online registration platform allowing easy registrations and renewals. The platform will be available for the 2025 Rental Certificate Application Season and is linked here: https://easthamma.portal.opengov.com/categories/1087. 

The deadline for registration of year-round rentals and ADUs is March 25, 2025 and the deadline for registration of part time properties is June 24, 2025. 

Rental inspections are required for all rental properties prior to issuance of a rental certificate and are valid for three years so long as the property is rented out for those three years consecutively. If the property transfers ownership or if the property does not register for one of those years, the property will be triggered to be inspected. 

The deadline for registration of year-round rentals and ADUs is January 30, 2026 and the deadline for registration of part time properties is April 24, 2026.

If applications are not received within a week of the deadline, property owners will be issued a non-criminal citation and may be fined up to $300 per day. 

There are several requirements of the State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410) that apply to an inspection of a rental property. These include: 

• Functioning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home and within 10 ft of every bedroom smoke alarms
  • Nonfunctioning alarms will constitute a failed inspection
• Confirmation of hot water availability will be conducted at the inspections
• Labeled electrical panel
• Functioning doors, windows, and locks
• Minimum sanitary conditions are met
• Providing appropriate means of egress
• Means for proper storage of trash and recycling

The Health Department is required to investigate any complaints related to possible violations of the State Sanitary Code or State Nuisance Code. As part of that process, you will be contacted by our office for information and to schedule a site visit. Please contact the Eastham Health Department for further details at 508-240-5900 x3230.

Anyone who DID NOT have more than two SHORT TERM rental certificates on file BEFORE December 2024 is limited to ONLY TWO rental properties in the Town of Eastham.

The Legacy Clause was voted on and approved at the 2024 Spring Town Meeting and will go into effect beginning in the 2025 rental year. The Legacy Clause states that you are allowed a maximum of 2 SHORT TERM rental properties unless you had more than 2 valid rental certificates on file prior to December 2024. If you are not part of the legacy clause and are applying to have a third SHORT TERM rental property, your rental certificate application for your third property will be denied.

Legacy Clause Short Term Rental ByLaw

Limitation on Number of Short-Term Rentals

An Owner may register to operate only two dwelling units as Short-Term Rentals, provided, however, this limitation shall not apply to a Cottage Colony, as defined by Section 21 of the Zoning Bylaws, under single ownership. If a person owns or is listed as a manager and/or is an agent for three or more dwelling units, that person must choose only two units to be registered as Short-Term Rentals. No person shall have more than two legal or equitable title or beneficial interest in dwelling units used for Short-Term Rentals except as provided for above. An Owner may hire a property management company to list and manage Short-Term Rentals, but the registration must be in the Owner's name.

Protection for Existing Short-Term Rentals

Any person or other legal entity who holds a current Certificate of Registration for more than two dwelling units on the effective date of this bylaw (January 1, 2025), may be eligible to renew said Certificates for the same dwelling units, pursuant to the Board of Health’s regulations, until such time as any of said dwelling units is transferred or conveyed, or the certificate of registration is not renewed.

Corporate Ownership of Short Term Rentals Prohibited

Corporate Ownership Short-Term Rentals are prohibited in dwelling units owned by a corporation. Short-Term Rentals are permitted in dwelling units owned by an LLC, Trust, or S Corporation only when every shareholder, partner, or member of the legal entity is a natural person, as established by documentation provided by the applicant at the time of registration.

Lease Agreements

If an applicant is registering a year-round rental property or an Accessory Dwelling Unit, they will be required to provide a copy of their lease agreement to complete their application. This document will only be viewable by Health Department staff and will not be included in the information provided to the public in the case of a public records request.