Sanitation and Inspections

The Health Department protects residents from health problems and health hazards. We enforce public health regulations including the following:

• Animal Control The Health Department works with the Dog Officer at the Police Department to investigate rabies reports, and to make sure that animals are quarantined when necessary. They also coordinate on the collection of dead crows and blue jays with the state Department of Health to check for West Nile Virus. Download info on Capturing a Bat from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
• Food and Restaurant Inspections The Health Department inspects every restaurant and food service retailer before opening and at least twice a year.
  
  • View aggregate food inspection reports.
  
  
  • Download the state Food Establishment Sanitation Standards [PDF].
• Hazardous Materials The Health Department works with the state Department of Environmental Protection to address hazardous material incidents in the City of Northampton.
• Public Nuisance The Health Department will investigate all complaints of nuisances such as odors, noise, excessive filth, and enforce regulations or eliminate the nuisance as needed. See state laws regarding public nuisance.

• Housing Inspections and Landlord/Tenant Issues When the Health Department receives a complaint, it will conduct a housing inspection. Any violations will be cited in writing and given to the owner and/or occupant. Contact the Board of Health to file a complaint. Download state Standards for Human Habitation. More info about Landlord/Tenant laws in Massachusetts.
• Septic Installation Inspections The Health Department witnesses percolation tests, reviews septic system plans, and verifies proper installation. Contact the Board of Health to request an inspection. Download Title 5 Information.

• Bathing Beach Inspections The Health Department issues permits and inspects public bathing beaches. Bi-weekly bacterium water samples are required during the open season. Download state Bathing Beach regulations.
• Pool Inspections The Health Department inspects swimming pools according to state sanitary regulations. Download state standards for Swimming Pool sanitation.
• Recreational Camp Inspections The Health Department issues permits and inspects recreational camps for children. Download state Standards for Recreational Camps for Children.