We hope that the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and answers below will help familiarize you with the Office of the City Clerks' policies and procedures for the City of Lowell.  Please note that this FAQ is provided as a public service, and intended as a general guideline on matters of public interest; accordingly, the information on this site is subject to change without notice, and is not intended to serve as legal, accounting, tax, or other advice.  If you have additional questions, or suggestions that can help us improve this FAQ, please feel free to contact the Office of the City Clerk directly at 978-970-4161.

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The City of Lowell's Seal

• Origin and significance of design
• Symbolism of the design

Form of Government and the City Council

• What form of government, governs the City of Lowell?
• When and where are the City Council meetings?
• How can I find out what the City Council will be discussing?
• When will the City Council agenda be ready?
• How can I get a copy of the City Council agenda?
• Can I speak in front of the City Council?  Do I need to fill out a form?
• What rules govern City Council Meetings?
• Are City Council meetings televised?

Vital Records

• What are Vital Records?
• Are all Vital Records open to the public?
• Is there a Fee for copies of Vital Records?
• Where do I get a copy of my Vital Records?
• Is I.D. Necessary?
  

Marriage Licenses

Death Certificates

Business Certificates

Dog Licenses

 

The City of Lowell's Seal

Origin and significance of design

The original design of the City of Lowell’s City Seal has been attributed to various committee members including Mayor Elisha Bartlett, two of his selectmen, Seth Ames and Alexander Wright, and two of his counselors, Horace Howard and Stephan Mansur. 

During the establishment of the ordinances of the City of Lowell issued in 1836, Chapter 33, Section 1, states that “The design hereunto annexed shall continue to be the device of the city seal, with the motto and inscription thereon.”

Several similar but slightly different seals appeared in various City publications and newspaper notices until 1891 when an “official” seal was needed for the construction of the new City Hall.  The Commissioners decided to use the one recognized by the ordinances (Chapter 33, amended and adopted 1876 ordinances).

Symbolism of the design

Centered on the Seal is a mill from whose chimneys are rising black clouds of smoke into a “horn of plenty”, intended to signify that Lowell’s mills are the foundation upon which her prosperity rests.  At the bottom is a train and bales of cotton, signifying the cotton trade which led the City to become known as the “Spindle City.”  At the left is the Merrimack River across which a bridge has been built; this is the Old Pawtucket Toll Bridge built in 1792.  The Seal bears the inscription “Art is the Handmaid of Human Good”, which means that “Skill walks hand in hand with the good of the people.”  The actual origin of the motto inscribed is unknown.

Form of Government and the City Council

What form of government, governs the City of Lowell?

The City of Lowell is governed by the Plan E Form of Government. Nine City Councillors and six School Committee Members are elected at large every two years. The Council elects a Mayor and a Vice Mayor, with the Mayor serving as the City's ceremonial leader, as Chair of the City Council, and as Chair of the School Committee. The City Council appoints a professional City Manager to serve as the City's Chief Administrative Officer, and the School Committee appoints the Superintendent to serve as the School's Chief Administrative Officer.  The City Council also appoints the City Clerk and City Auditor.

When and Where are the City Council Meetings?

The City of Lowell's City Council meets at 6:30 P.M. in the City Council Chambers every week on Tuesdays, except during the months of June, July, August and September during which they meet on the second (2nd) and fourth (4th) Tuesdays of the month.  The City Council Chambers are located in the City of Lowell's City Hall, at 375 Merrimack Street - 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852.

How can I find out what the City Council will be discussing?

Check the City Council Agenda, which provides a summary of each item to be addressed during the meeting.  The current City Council Agenda is available online here; hardcopies are also available at the City Clerk's Office.

When will the City Council agenda be ready?

The agenda for each City Council meeting is posted and available by 3:00 P.M. on the Friday prior to the meeting.  The current City Council Agenda is available online here; hardcopies are also available at the City Clerk's Office.

How can I get a copy of the City Council agenda, or a proposed ordinance?

Copies of the agenda and/or proposed ordinances are available in the Office of the City Clerk; agendas are also available for immediate access on the City website the same day that they are prepared.

Can I speak in front of the City Council?

There is no form necessary to file when speaking at a City Council Meeting. There are however rules which apply to Public Speaking:

1. The Speaker must speak on an item which appears on the appropriate City Council Agenda.
2. The Speaker must be a resident or an employee of the City of Lowell (City Council Rule #26).
3. The Speaker must identify whether they are in favor or in-opposition of the matter on City Council Agenda. 
4. The Speaker has until the time of the City Council Meeting to register with the City Clerk and comply as noted above.
5. The Speaker must adhere to the 5 minute time limit (City Council Rule #26).
   
   

What rules govern City Council Meetings?

City Council meetings are governed by Rules which have been adapted from  "Robert's Rules of Order" a parliamentary procedure originally written in 1876 as a guide to smooth, orderly, and fairly conducted meetings.  According to Robert's Rules of Order, parliamentary procedure is based on the consideration of the rights of the majority, the rights of the minority (especially a large minority greater than one-third), the rights of individual members, the rights of absentee members, and the rights of all of these groups taken together.

Are City Council meetings televised?

Yes, they are televised live, via the Lowell Telecommunication Corporation's (LTC) Municipal Channel Ten (10) available on local basic cable television, with rebroadcasts occuring throughout the week and video streaming over the Internet available for archived meetings.  Video tape copies of archived meetings are available through LTC for a fee, or can be loaned through the Pollard Memorial Library. Minutes from the City Council Meetings are also available online.

Vital Records

What are Vital Records?

Vital Records refer to births, marriages, and deaths which took place in the City of Lowell.  These records are maintained by the City Clerk's Office and are recorded by the event date. 

Are all Vital Records open to the public?

Yes, however some exceptions do apply; please contact the Office of the City Clerk for further information.

Is there a Fee for copies of Vital Records?

Yes, please refer to the Fee Schedule for the Office of the City Clerk.

Where do I get a copy of my Vital Records?

Certified copies of your Vital Records are available in person or by mailing a request to the Office of the City Clerk per the following conditions:

Requests in person or by mail to the Office of the City Clerk should be directed to:

• Office of the City Clerk
  375 Merrimack Street, Room 31
  Lowell, MA 01852
  (978) 970-4161
  
  

Requests by mail to the Office of the City Clerk are processed in a timely manner, and should include the following in order to prevent delays:

1. A check or money order for the appropriate fee  made payable to: the City of Lowell.  DO NOT SEND CASH
2. The appropriate data as follows:
   For a Birth Certificate request, you must include the full name at birth, adoptive name (or maiden name, if married) of the person who's birth certificate is being requested, the date of birth of the person who's certificate is being requested, and the parent's names.
   For a Marriage Certificate request, you must include the full name of the spouse who's marriage license you are requesting.
   For a Death Certificate request, you must include the full name of the individual who's death certificate you are requesting.
3. A self-addressed, stamped envelope.
4. Your name
5. A phone number for daytime contact.
6. Your email address (if applicable).
   
   

If you are unsure of the origin of a Vital Record, please direct your questions to:

 

Is an I.D. Necessary?

Though identification is not always necessary, it is wise to have a photo ID in your possession.

Marriage Licenses

How do I apply for a marriage license?

• To apply for a Marriage License for Marriage within the Commonwealth, both parties must apply in person in the Office of the City Clerk.
• Marriage License applications can not be processed through the mail.
• As of January 28, 2005 medical certificates are no longer required.

How much does a Marriage License Cost?

Please refer to the Fee Schedule for the Office of the City Clerk.

Do we have to be Lowell residents in order to apply in Lowell?

No, there is no residency requirement for either party.  Applications can be made at any City/Town Clerk in the Commonwealth.

Are there any Age Requirements?

Yes, if you are under the age of 18, you must go to Court and obtain a court age order (permission) to marry.

Is there a Waiting Period?

Yes, there is a three (3) day waiting period, however an exception may be obtained in the Middlesex Probate and Family Court or the Lowell District Court.

How long after issuance is the license valid?

The marriage license is valid for sixty (60) days from the day of application.

Death Certificates

How do I get a burial permit and what is the fee?

A burial permit can be obtained at:

Please contract the Health Department directly for their fee schedule.

Business Certificate

Who has to file a business certificate and why?

Fictitious name business certificates (commonly referred to as "Doing Business As" or "DBA" certificates) are governed by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 110 Section 5.  As such, any person, partnership, or corporation conducting business in the City of Lowell under a name other than their own or a corporate name, is required to file a Business Certificate.

DBAs are subject to the City's Zoning By-Laws. Questions regarding home occupations should be referred to the Inspectional Services Department.

How much does a business certificate cost?

Please refer to the Fee Schedule for the Office of the City Clerk.

How can I obtain the business certificate form?

They can be obtained in the Office of the City Clerk or you can download them from this website; note that the form must be filed in duplicate.

How often does a business certificate have to be renewed?

Every four years.

Will I get a tax I.D. number when I file a business certificate?

No, tax identification numbers are issued by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

What if the business address changes?

A change of address form must be filed in the Office of the City Clerk.

What if the ownership of the business changes?

The original business must be discontinued and a new business certificate must be filed.

Dog Licenses

Why does my dog need a dog license?

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 140 Section 137, all dog owners in the City of Lowell must obtain a license for their dog(s).  Failure to comply will result in penalties.

How do I obtain a license?

To obtain a license, you must present evidence of a current rabies vaccination and evidence of neutering/spaying certificate if applicable.

How much does a license cost?

Please refer to the Fee Schedule for the Office of the City Clerk.

Where do I obtain a dog license?

You may obtain a dog license from the Office of the City Clerk by visiting us in City Hall.  For your convenience, an application is also available for download and submission through the mail to our Office.

Requests by mail should be submitted to:

Requests by mail to the Office of the City Clerk are processed in a timely manner, and should include the following in order to prevent delays:

1. A check or money order for the appropriate fee  made payable to: the City of Lowell.  DO NOT SEND CASH
2. A completed dog license application form.
3. A copy of the dog's current rabies vaccination certification.
4. A copy of the dog's spaying/neutering certificate, if you are paying the fee for a spayed/neutered dog.
5. Your dog's name and breed.
6. A self-addressed, stamped envelope.
7. Your name
8. A phone number for daytime contact.
9. Your email address (if applicable).