Dennis, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 242 § 242-3
Order of vacation or demolition (Dennis Housing)
Operative Text
If an examination and emergency condemnation as provided in the above-mentioned regulations reveals that a dwelling so fails to comply with the provisions of the Massacusetts Sanitary Code or rules, regulations and bylaws of the Town of Dennis so as to endanger or materially impair the health or well-being of the occupant or the public, the Board of Health may order the dwelling vacated if occupied and demolished if necessary.
Under Dennis, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 242 § 242-3, when an emergency inspection or condemnation process determines that a dwelling falls short of the Massachusetts Sanitary Code or applicable Town of Dennis rules to a degree that endangers or materially impairs the health or well-being of occupants or the public, the Board of Health is authorized to issue an order requiring the dwelling to be vacated and, if necessary, demolished. This provision gives the Board of Health a formal mechanism to remove people from unsafe housing and eliminate structures that pose serious health risks. The rule applies whenever the threshold of endangerment or material impairment is met following the examination process described in the governing regulations.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers in Dennis should be aware that CH. 242 § 242-3 grants the Board of Health authority to order vacation or demolition of a dwelling found to endanger occupant or public health. Compliant operators generally maintain their properties in conformance with the Massachusetts Sanitary Code and Town of Dennis bylaws so that no emergency condemnation examination results in such a finding. Keeping records of routine inspections, repairs, and code-compliance efforts is a practice commonly associated with operators who avoid reaching the threshold that triggers this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
CH. 242 § 242-3 establishes that the Dennis Board of Health can order a dwelling vacated if it is found to endanger or materially impair health under the Massachusetts Sanitary Code or Town of Dennis regulations. Tenants who believe their dwelling poses serious health or safety risks may contact the Dennis Board of Health to request an inspection, which could initiate the examination process referenced in this provision. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help occupants understand what relocation assistance or other protections may be available if a vacation or demolition order is issued.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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