Westfield, Mass., Code of Ordinances ch. 6, art. V (2025) § 6-89
Preexisting use not a waiver
Operative Text
No dwelling, apartment or other building shall be excluded from the requirement of obtaining a permit under this article as a result of its present or pre-existing use.
Under Westfield Code of Ordinances ch. 6, art. V § 6-89, the fact that a building has historically been used as a dwelling, apartment, or other residential structure does not exempt it from the permit requirements established elsewhere in Article V. In other words, a property's ongoing or longstanding use cannot serve as a substitute for obtaining the required permit. The rule closes a potential loophole by making clear that prior or current use is not a valid basis for bypassing the permitting process.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Westfield Code of Ordinances ch. 6, art. V § 6-89 means that operators of rental properties cannot rely on a building's history of residential use to avoid securing the permit required under Article V. Compliant property managers typically confirm that all required permits are obtained regardless of how long a property has been in use as a dwelling or apartment. Reviewing permit status proactively—rather than assuming an established use confers an exemption—is the approach generally associated with compliance under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 6-89 of Westfield Code of Ordinances ch. 6, art. V establishes that every dwelling or apartment must hold the required Article V permit, no matter how long the building has been used as a residence. Tenants who have reason to believe their building lacks the required permit may wish to contact the relevant Westfield municipal office to inquire about permit status. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with local Westfield ordinances can also help residents understand what options may be available when a landlord has not complied with permitting requirements under this article.
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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