Heath, Mass., Bd. of Health, Temporary Occupancy Reg. (2021) § V
Requirements
Operative Text
1.1. Any temporary dwelling which does not have a well and a conforming septic system on the
same parcel of land; may only be used for temporary occupancy and must be issued a
Temporary Occupancy Permit. All temporary dwellings must meet the requirements set forth
in the Town of Heath Board of Health Regulations, Heath’s Protective Zoning Bylaws, and
meet all state health sanitary codes. A Temporary Occupancy Permit will be issued by the
Heath Board of Health.
2. Camper/Trailer Limitations:
2.1. District A (Agricultural and Residential District): Camper/Trailers intended for or capable of
being used for overnight occupancy must be issued a Temporary Occupancy Permit from the
Heath Board of Health. Owners of camper/trailers with a permanent residential dwelling on
their lot with a well and a conforming septic system who intend to use their camper for more
than 3 consecutive days, must be issued a Temporary Occupancy Permit from the Board of
Health and may be used for 15 days per calendar year.
2.2. District B (Mohawk Estates): Camper/Trailers intended for or capable of being used for
overnight occupancy must be issued a Temporary Occupancy Permit from the Heath Board of
Health. An exception to the permit requirement would be a property owner who has a
permanent residential dwelling on their lot and a conforming septic system, and does not
intend to occupy a camper for more than 3 consecutive days, must be issued is not required
to have a Temporary Occupancy Permit. You will only be permitted to use the camper/trailer
for 15 days per calendar year.
2.3. District C (Heath Town Center): Camper/trailers are not allowed (refer to Heath zoning
bylaws)
2.4. District D (Agricultural and Forestry District) Camper/Trailers intended for or capable of being
used for overnight occupancy must be issued a Temporary Occupancy Permit from the Heath
Board of Health. Owners of camper/trailers with a permanent residential dwelling on their lot
with a well and a conforming septic system who intend to use their camper for more than three
consecutive days, must be issued a Temporary Occupancy Permit from the Board of Health.
You will only be permitted to use the camper/trailer for 15 days per calendar year.
3. Issuance of a Temporary Occupancy Permit is conditional upon meeting the requirements of all
Massachusetts safety and health codes. This permit must be renewed every two years and a
permit fee of $50 will be required by the Heath Board of Health.
4. Temporary dwellings without a Temporary Occupancy Permit that are stored outside for more
than two years after owners have received written notice, will be considered abandoned or not
used. The Heath Board of Health has the right to condemn and/or order the removal and disposal
if they pose a health or safety hazard: at the property owner’s expense.Section V of Heath, Mass., Bd. of Health, Temporary Occupancy Regulations (amended May 5, 2021) establishes permit and use requirements for temporary dwellings and camper/trailers across four zoning districts in Heath, Massachusetts. Temporary dwellings lacking an on-site well and conforming septic system may only be used for temporary occupancy and require a Temporary Occupancy Permit issued by the Heath Board of Health. Campers and trailers face district-specific rules—ranging from outright prohibition in District C (Town Center) to limited seasonal use of up to 15 days per calendar year in other districts—and permits must be renewed every two years with a $50 fee. Unpermitted temporary dwellings stored outside for more than two years after written notice may be declared abandoned and subject to condemnation or removal at the owner's expense.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Heath should be aware that Section V of the Temporary Occupancy Regulations requires a Temporary Occupancy Permit for most temporary dwellings and camper/trailers, with the specific requirements varying by zoning district. Compliant operators typically confirm which district their parcel falls within, obtain the required permit from the Heath Board of Health before allowing overnight occupancy, and renew that permit every two years along with the $50 renewal fee. Operators also generally ensure that any temporary dwelling or camper stored on-site does not remain unpermitted and unused for extended periods, as the Board of Health may treat such structures as abandoned and order their removal at the property owner's cost.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants or guests occupying a temporary dwelling or camper/trailer in Heath should know that Section V of the Temporary Occupancy Regulations entitles them to occupy only structures that have been issued a valid Temporary Occupancy Permit by the Heath Board of Health, where one is required. If a temporary dwelling lacks the required permit or does not meet Massachusetts health and safety codes, occupants may have grounds to raise concerns directly with the Heath Board of Health. Those uncertain about whether a structure they are occupying is properly permitted can contact the Heath Board of Health for permit status information or reach out to a tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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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