Waterway Permits and Boat Excise

All motor-driven boats that are moored or docked within the City of Haverhill in excess of 2 (two) weeks calendar year shall register with the City Treasurer and pay an annual waterways management fee. The fee is $1.00 (one dollar) per foot, with a minimum of $20.00 (twenty).  A waterways sticker shall be displayed on the top, starboard side of the transom of the boat.

The local Annual Dock and Mooring Permit is required prior to installation of a seasonal dock or mooring ball consistent with the MA Public Waterfront Act. All seasonal docks or mooring balls, including those with a valid long-term Chapter 91 License, within the City of Haverhill are subject to an annual Dock & Mooring Permit Fee which funds the City's local waterways safety and access programs.

Prior to building a dock or installing a mooring, proposals must be approved by the Conservation Commission by filing a Notice of Intent under the MA Wetlands Protection Act and Municipal Ordinance Chapter 253. If any activity is located within shellfish habitat or other Priority Wildlife Habitat, property owners must also file for a Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) review prior to any construction.

For more information on the MA Public Waterfront Act, visit www.mass.gov/guides/chapter-91-the-massachusetts-public-waterfront-act. 

Excise taxes must be paid by July 1st for boats moored or located in Massachusetts.  The excise is assessed for the fiscal year that begins on that date.  Bills are issued by the City where you moor or dock the boat for the summer season, or where the boat is registered or principally located if it is not moored or docked for the summer.  The excise valuation is determined by the length and age of the boat.

If you no longer own the boat, you are entitled to an abatement with the assessors office.  Call 978-374-2316 for info.

The boat excise is due sixty (60) days after issue date.
If the excise is not paid by the due date, interest accrues at a rate of 12%.  A demand of $25.00 may also be issued after the due date with an additional penalty of $20.00 or 20% of the excise due, whichever is greater. 

Any bills unpaid past the demand date may be submitted to Kelley and Ryan.  You may also call Kelley and Ryan for past due amounts 800-491-9788.

For Boat Excise payments you MUST put in the Last Name And the Bill #.
You may also pay in the Collectors Office or mail to the address on the bill.
We now accept Credit Cards in the office with a convenience fee.