North Adams, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 26 § 26-2
Definitions (North Adams Mobile Home Park Rent Control, Board)
Operative Text
[Ord. of 9-15-1982 , § 1] For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations, shall have the meaning given herein, unless the context in which they are used clearly require a different meaning: RENT BOARD AND BOARD Means the mobile home park rent control board as established herein. MOBILE HOME Shall mean a dwelling unit built on a chassis and containing complete electrical, plumbing and sanitary facilities, and designed to be installed on a temporary or a permanent foundation for permanent living quarters, but shall not include modular homes set upon permanent foundations. MOBILE HOME PARK Means a park licensed by the board of health pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 140, Section 32B . CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT Shall mean any substantial rehabilitation, addition or improvement which appreciably adds to the value of the property or prolongs its life, or both, but not including ordinary maintenance and repairs. RULES AND REGULATIONS Means rules and regulations as promulgated by the board. SHALL Is mandatory, may is permissive.
North Adams, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 26 § 26-2 establishes the foundational vocabulary for the city's mobile home park rent control framework. Key terms defined include 'Mobile Home,' 'Mobile Home Park,' 'Capital Improvement,' and 'Rent Board,' each carrying specific meanings that govern how the rest of Chapter 26 is interpreted and applied. Notably, modular homes on permanent foundations are explicitly excluded from the definition of 'Mobile Home,' and the word 'shall' throughout the chapter carries mandatory force while 'may' is permissive.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of mobile home parks in North Adams should be familiar with the definitions set out in CH. 26 § 26-2, as these terms shape the scope of the rent control rules that apply to their properties. For instance, understanding what qualifies as a 'Capital Improvement'—substantial rehabilitation or additions that appreciably add value or prolong property life, as opposed to ordinary maintenance—can be relevant when seeking rent adjustments under the chapter. Compliant operators generally ensure their park is licensed by the board of health under M.G.L. Chapter 140, Section 32B, which is a prerequisite for falling within the definition of 'Mobile Home Park.'
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Residents of mobile home parks in North Adams benefit from understanding the definitions in CH. 26 § 26-2, as these terms determine who and what is covered by the city's rent control protections. For example, knowing whether your dwelling qualifies as a 'Mobile Home' under this section—and whether the park meets the definition of 'Mobile Home Park'—helps clarify whether Chapter 26's protections apply to your situation. Tenants who have questions about coverage or how these definitions affect their rights may wish to contact the North Adams Mobile Home Park Rent Control Board or consult a tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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.