Fitchburg, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 111 § 111-4
Notice of insufficient drains, privies and vaults (Fitchburg Health)
Operative Text
[Amended 6-3-2014 by Ord. No. 100-2014 ] When the Board of Health shall be satisfied that any tenement used as a dwelling house is not furnished with a sufficient drain, privy and vault, or either of them, it shall give notice in writing to the owner or his or her agent, requiring that a suitable drain, privy and vault, or either of them, be constructed within such time as it shall appoint.
Fitchburg, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 111 § 111-4 establishes a process by which the Board of Health can require corrective action when a rental dwelling lacks adequate drainage, privy, or vault facilities. Upon determining that such deficiencies exist, the Board issues a formal written notice to the property owner or their agent, specifying what must be constructed and setting a deadline for completion. The rule gives the Board authority to define both the scope of required improvements and the timeframe in which they must be accomplished.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under CH. 111 § 111-4, property owners and their agents are the designated recipients of written notices from the Fitchburg Board of Health when a rental dwelling is found to have insufficient drainage, privy, or vault facilities. Compliant operators generally ensure that any such notice is promptly acknowledged and that the required construction or improvements are completed within the deadline the Board specifies. Maintaining up-to-date contact information with the Board and keeping drainage and sanitation systems in good working order are practices consistent with meeting this provision's expectations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
CH. 111 § 111-4 reflects a tenant-protective standard: rental dwellings in Fitchburg must be equipped with adequate drains, privies, and vaults, and the Board of Health has authority to compel owners to remedy deficiencies. Tenants who believe their dwelling lacks sufficient sanitation infrastructure may consider contacting the Fitchburg Board of Health to report the condition, which can trigger the Board's inspection and notice process. Tenant-rights organizations or legal aid services can help residents understand what options are available when sanitation deficiencies go unaddressed.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.