Fall River, Mass., Code of Bylaws art iii d2 § 42-88
Immediate abatement of hazardous conditions (Fall River Art. III Div. 2: Administration)
Operative Text
Whenever the Director, at any stage of any proceedings instituted under the provisions of this article, finds that there exists a violation of this article which in his opinion requires immediate action to abate a direct hazard or immediate peril to the health or safety of the occupants of a building or of the public, he may, without prior notice of violation or hearing, issue a notice of violation for immediate compliance reciting the existence of such violation, and requiring that such action be taken as he deems necessary to alleviate the violation, which may include an order to vacate the premises. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this article, the notice of violation for immediate compliance shall be effective immediately upon its service or in such time as the Director shall, under the circumstances, deem reasonable, necessary and proper, and any person upon whom a notice of violation for immediate compliance is served shall comply therewith immediately or otherwise as such notice may specify.
Fall River, Mass., Code of Bylaws ART. III D2 § 42-88 authorizes the Director of the relevant city department to act swiftly when a building condition poses a direct hazard or immediate peril to occupants or the public. Without waiting for a formal notice or hearing, the Director may issue a notice of violation for immediate compliance, which can include an order to vacate the premises. That notice takes effect as soon as it is served, or within whatever timeframe the Director determines is reasonable given the circumstances.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Fall River, Mass., Code of Bylaws ART. III D2 § 42-88, compliant property operators maintain buildings in a condition that avoids triggering emergency enforcement action. When a notice of violation for immediate compliance is served, it carries no waiting period — operators are expected to act on it immediately or within the timeframe specified in the notice. Keeping records of routine inspections, maintenance work, and prompt repairs generally reflects the kind of proactive management that reduces exposure to emergency orders, including potential vacate orders.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Fall River, Mass., Code of Bylaws ART. III D2 § 42-88 is designed to protect occupants when a hazardous condition demands urgent attention. If the Director issues an emergency notice — including a vacate order — it is effective immediately upon service, meaning tenants may need to respond quickly to any instructions contained in that notice. Tenants who believe a hazardous condition exists, or who have received a vacate order, may contact the Fall River housing or inspectional services office, consult a local tenant-rights organization, or seek guidance from a housing attorney to understand available options.
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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