North Attleborough, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 134 § 134-1
Definitions (North Attleborough Congregate Living Properties)
Operative Text
BOARDING/LODGING/ROOMING HOUSE A building arranged or used for lodging for compensation, with or without meals. A building containing four or more boarding units. A one-family dwelling with five or fewer guest rooms where one or more occupants are primarily permanent in nature and compensation is provided for the guest rooms. A building licensed as a "lodging house in accordance with MGL c. 140, §§ 22 through 31 , shall comply with 780 CMR requirements according to its appropriate use and occupancy classification. The following are subsets of boarding/lodging/rooming houses and fall under the auspices of this bylaw: A. BOARDING UNIT A residence in which one or more rooms are let to and for the use by one, two or three individuals who are not within second degree of kindred of the person operating the boarding/lodging/rooming house and not living as a single housekeeping unit and not having cooking facilities. A "boarding unit" shall include rooms in boarding houses, lodging houses, and tourist homes. It shall not include convalescent, nursing or rest homes; dormitories or charitable, educational or philanthropic institutions; or apartments or hotels; or group homes licensed by the state. B. GROUP HOME A facility for social rehabilitation, substance abuse or mental health problems that contains a group housing arrangement that provides custodial care but does not provide medical care. A residence that is appropriately licensed and typically funded fully or partially by a state or federal entity, for the accommodation and care of three to 10 persons, exclusive of staff, living under supervision within a single housekeeping unit and who, by reason of their emotional, mental, social, or physical condition or legal status, require a group living arrangement for their well-being. C. SOBER HOME A residence that is operated pursuant to a program designed to provide drug- and alcohol-free living conditions. D. HALFWAY/RECOVERY RESIDENCE Residential treatment programs licensed by a state agency that provide intermediate care center in a community and provide temporary residential accommodation, guidance, supervision, and personal adjustment services for a group of three or more persons. These properties are not a person's permanent residence.
North Attleborough, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 134 § 134-1 establishes the definitions that govern how certain residential buildings are classified under the town's boarding, lodging, and rooming house bylaw. The provision distinguishes between several property types—including boarding units, group homes, sober homes, and halfway/recovery residences—each with specific characteristics related to occupancy, compensation, licensing, and the nature of care provided. These definitions determine which buildings and arrangements fall within the scope of the bylaw's requirements and which are explicitly excluded, such as nursing homes, dormitories, and state-licensed group homes.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating any form of compensated lodging in North Attleborough should be familiar with the definitions set out in CH. 134 § 134-1, as these classifications determine which regulatory requirements apply to a given property. A compliant operator generally ensures that the nature of their building's use—whether a boarding unit, group home, sober home, or halfway/recovery residence—is accurately identified and that any applicable state licensing under MGL c. 140, §§ 22–31 is obtained and maintained. Operators also typically verify that their properties meet the occupancy and structural standards referenced in 780 CMR for the appropriate use and occupancy classification.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants residing in boarding houses, lodging houses, group homes, sober homes, or halfway/recovery residences in North Attleborough may have rights and protections that depend on how their housing is classified under CH. 134 § 134-1. Understanding whether a residence qualifies as a boarding unit, group home, or another defined category can be relevant when evaluating whether a landlord is operating in compliance with the bylaw. Tenants who believe their housing is misclassified or that their living arrangement does not meet the standards implied by these definitions may consider contacting the North Attleborough town offices, a local tenant-rights organization, or a legal aid service for general information.
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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