Cal. Civ. Code § 410.410
Building Identification
Operative Text
The owner shall affix to every building covered by 105 CMR 410.000, a number representing
the address of such building. The number shall be of a nature and size and shall be situated on
the building so that, to the extent practicable, it is visible from the nearest street providing
vehicular access to such building (see M.G.L. c. 148, § 59).Section 410.410 of the Massachusetts Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation (105 CMR 410.000) requires that every covered residential building display its street address number in a way that is visible from the nearest vehicle-accessible street, to the extent practicable. The number must be of an appropriate nature and size to serve this identification purpose. This rule ensures that buildings can be readily identified by emergency responders, delivery services, and the general public.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 410.410, compliant building operators post a clearly legible address number on every covered property, choosing a size and placement that makes the number visible from the nearest street open to vehicle traffic. Operators typically inspect the number periodically to confirm it remains intact, unobstructed, and legible from the street. Attention to visibility—accounting for vegetation, lighting, and seasonal changes—is consistent with meeting the 'practicable' standard the regulation sets.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 410.410 gives occupants of covered buildings a basis to expect that their building is properly numbered and identifiable from the street, which can be critical in emergencies. If a building's address number is missing, too small, or obscured, tenants may report the condition to the local board of health or housing inspection authority, which enforces 105 CMR 410.000. Tenant-rights organizations can explain what documentation to gather and what complaint processes are available under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 30, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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