DEP

The Department of Environmental Protection runs the city's water and sewer systems and polices several local environmental codes. Property owners meet it constantly: water and sewer charges bill through it, new construction needs its approvals for water and sewer connections, and its enforcement covers noise, asbestos filings before demolition and renovation, and other environmental rules.

In property records, DEP's footprint shows up as unpaid water and sewer balances — which can become liens against the property — as well as permits and violations tied to its codes. For development, site connection approvals and, in some areas, stormwater requirements are schedule items worth planning around rather than discovering late.