Amherst (MA) General Bylaws § 3.26 — NUISANCE HOUSE
3.26 – NUISANCE HOUSE
(Amended 10-7-2024 by the Town Council)
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF THE NUISANCE HOUSE BYLAW
Criminal Enforcement: $300.00 fine
Noncriminal Disposition: $300.00 penalty (enforcement by: Police Officers, Inspection
Services)
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A. Purpose
The purpose of this Bylaw is to protect the quiet enjoyment of residents in Town and to
empower the Town to take corrective action on properties that have become a Public
Nuisance by the unreasonable repeated or persistent interference with or disturbance of
the general welfare of a neighborhood or the Town through documented pervasive
criminal activity, code violations, or other causes precipitating the deployment of any
Town resource. This applies to all Properties in Town, whether they are owner-occupied
or leased.
B. Definitions
1. Gathering: A party, crowd, or event, where a group of persons assemble for a social
occasion or activity.
2. Owner: The legal owner(s) of record for a particular parcel of land or a building(s)
located thereon, as listed in the tax assessors’ records, or, if known, the owner(s) of
record as identified in the deed for the particular parcel of land or building(s) located
thereon, as recorded at the Registry of Deeds, provided, however, that the legal owner(s)
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General Bylaws
Effective June 15, 2026
may be a natural person, executor, corporation, trust, or any other entity recognized by
law.
3. Occupant: The person or persons with the legal right to reside, or who is residing at, a
particular parcel of land or building(s) thereon.