Information & Resources

The Northampton Health Department works with the Animal Control Officer at the Police Department to investigate rabies reports and to make sure that animals are quarantined when necessary.

Permits

• Application for Beaver Removal Permit (PDF)
• Application for Stable License (PDF)

State & Local Regulations

• Massachusetts Beaver Law
• Massachusetts Rabies Control Law
• Northampton Regulations: Animal and Fowl (PDF)

City Ordinances

• City Ordinance, Section 5-18 requires that all dogs be leashed and prohibits them from running free on the property of others without permission.
• City Ordinance, Section 5-22 requires that those who own or control dogs on public property clean up and dispose of any droppings left by their pets.

Additional Resources

• Bats and Rabies
• Bats in your home
• City of Northampton Animal Control Officer
• Pet safety
• West Nile Virus fact sheet

The Health Department works with the state Department of Environmental Protection to address hazardous material incidents in the City of Northampton. Some of the Massachusetts and Northampton laws about environmental health and safety are posted along with information about preventing sickness due to pollution and hazardous materials.

Links & Resources

• Asthma and Your Environment
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Hazardous Household Products (PDF)
• Improving Home Air Quality (PDF)
• Lead resources
  • The Massachusetts Lead Law - Learn about the law that helps protect children and families from lead hazards.

    The Massachusetts Lead Law | Mass.gov

  • Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) - CLPPP helps prevent, screen, diagnose and treat childhood lead poisoning. 

    Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program | Mass.gov

  • Find Your Home’s Lead History - Learn About Lead Safe Homes 1.0 & 2.0

    Find Your Home’s Lead History | Mass.gov

  • Changes to the Lead Regulations for Property Owners and Contractors

    Changes to the Lead Regulations for Property Owners and Contractors | Mass.gov

  • Get the Lead Out  - Get the Lead Out program is designed to provide low-cost financing to owners of 1-4 family properties to remove hazardous lead paint from their homes and reduce the possibility of lead poisoning in children.  

    Get the Lead Out | Way Finders

Permits & Applications

• Disposal Works Installer (PDF)
• Ground Source Heat Pump Well (PDF)
• Septic Hauler / Transport (PDF)

State & Local Regulations

• Massachusetts Housing Regulations
• Massachusetts Notice of New Federal Pool Requirements
• Massachusetts Pool Regulations
• Massachusetts Recreational Camp Regulations
• Massachusetts Title 5 (Septic System) Regulations (PDF)
• Northampton Regulations: Dumpsters (PDF)
• Northampton Regulations: Emissions from Solid Fuel Burning Devices (PDF)
• Northampton Regulations: Outdoor Wood Burning Boilers (PDF)

The Northampton Health Department inspects every restaurant and food service retailer before opening and at least twice a year.

Links & Resources

• Farmer's Markets in Hampshire County
• Food Poisoning: What It Is and How to Report It (PDF)
• Get Food Stamps in Massachusetts
• Massachusetts Food Protection Program
• WIC: Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program
• Be a Healthy Market: A Toolkit for Store Owners (PDF) - Published by Healthy Hampshire/Mass in Motion
• Board of Health Regulation of Fats, Oils, and Grease Management (PDF)
• Food allergen information
  • Mass Food Allergen Training - AHEC
  • Big 9 Allergen poster
  • Food Allergen Facts for restaurant operators
• ServSafe, choke, and food manager trainings:
  • Servsafe - Food Managers, Allergen Training, Choke Saver Training, HACCP Training 
  • Mass Restaurant Association - Choke Saver Training

  • Food Safety Training & Certification - HACCP Training & Certification

  • 360 Training - Online - Food Manager

  • Food Manager Online.com - Food Manager

Permits & Applications

• Bed and Breakfast (PDF)
• Catering (PDF)
• Food Service Establishment (PDF)
  • You will also need a Common Victualler license through the License Commission
• Mobile Food (PDF)
• Retail Food Establishment (PDF)
• Temporary Food Establishment (PDF)

State and Local Regulations

• Massachusetts Food Establishment Sanitary Standards (PDF)
• Mobile Food Ordinance (PDF)
• Massachusetts Frozen Dessert Regulations (PDF)

Link to Housing & Septic Documents by Address

"To Pump, or Not to Pump..." article

The Northampton Health Department will conduct a housing inspection when it receives a complaint. Any violations will be cited in writing and given to the owner and/or occupant. Contact the Health Department to file a complaint.

Links & Resources

• Smoke Free Housing in the Pioneer Valley
• About Landlord and Tenant Laws in Massachusetts
• Community Action: Fuel Assistance
• Got Bed Bugs (PDF)
• Home Modification Loan Program: Loans for Elders and People with Disabilities
• Mass Access: Accessible Rental Housing for People with Disabilities
• Tenant's Rights in Massachusetts
• Hoarding Resources

Permits & Applications

• Bed and Breakfast (PDF)
• Motel (PDF)
  • You will also need an Innholder License through the License Commission

State and Local Regulations

• Massachusetts Human Habitation (Housing) Standards (PDF)

Massachusetts Landlord Tenant Laws [2023]: Renter's Rights & FAQs (ipropertymanagement.com)

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