Belchertown, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 78 § 78-7
Board subject to state law; petitions for review; enforcement (Belchertown Mobile Home Parks)
Operative Text
A. The Board and its actions shall be subject to the provisions of MGL c. 30A (Administrative Procedures Act) as if the Board were an agency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. B. Pursuant to Chapter 238 of the Acts of 1983, the District Court of Hampshire shall have original jurisdiction, concurrently with the Superior Court, Hampshire Division, of all petitions for review brought pursuant to MGL c. 30A, § 14 . C. The Superior Court shall have jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of this article and may restrain violations thereof.
Belchertown, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 78 § 78-7 establishes the procedural and judicial framework governing the town's rent-related Board. The Board must follow Massachusetts Administrative Procedures Act standards as though it were a state agency, and residents who wish to challenge Board decisions may seek review in either the District Court of Hampshire or the Superior Court, Hampshire Division. The Superior Court also holds authority to enforce the article's requirements and to issue orders stopping violations.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under CH. 78 § 78-7, operators subject to Belchertown's rent regulations should be aware that the Board's proceedings carry the procedural weight of state administrative law under MGL c. 30A. Compliant operators generally maintain thorough records of Board interactions and decisions, since those records can become relevant if a matter proceeds to judicial review. Awareness that the Superior Court can issue restraining orders for violations of this article underscores the importance of adhering to Board rulings.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
CH. 78 § 78-7 gives tenants a defined path to challenge Board decisions: petitions for judicial review may be filed in either the District Court of Hampshire or the Superior Court, Hampshire Division, under MGL c. 30A, § 14. The Superior Court's enforcement authority also means that violations of the article's provisions can be brought before a judge who may order compliance. Tenants seeking to understand these options may benefit from consulting a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office familiar with Massachusetts administrative and housing law.
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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