Williamstown, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 55 § 55-2
Violations and penalties; enforcement (Williamstown Smoking and Vaping)
Operative Text
A. An owner, landlord, condominium/cooperative, manager, or other person in control of a building, who allows smoking or vaping in an area under their control, shall be punished by a fine of: (1) $100 for the first violation; (2) $200 for a second violation occurring within 24 months of the date of the first violation; and (3) $300 for a third or subsequent violation occurring within 24 months of the second violation. B. Each calendar day on which a violation occurs shall be considered a separate offense. C. This regulation shall be enforced by the Board of Health and its designees. D. Whoever violates any provision of this regulation may be penalized by the noncriminal method of disposition as provided in MGL c. 40, § 21D . E. Any person may register a complaint to initiate an investigation and enforcement with the Board of Health, the local inspection department, or the equivalent.
Williamstown, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 55 § 55-2 establishes a graduated fine structure for anyone who controls a building and permits smoking or vaping in areas under their control. Fines start at $100 for a first offense, rise to $200 for a second offense within 24 months, and reach $300 for a third or subsequent offense within 24 months of the second. Each calendar day a violation continues counts as its own separate offense, meaning fines can accumulate quickly over time.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under CH. 55 § 55-2, compliant property owners and managers in Williamstown generally maintain and enforce a clear no-smoking and no-vaping policy in all areas they control, including common spaces and units. Because each day of a continuing violation is treated as a separate offense, operators typically act promptly to address any reported smoking or vaping rather than allowing it to persist. Keeping written records of policy notices, lease provisions, and any corrective actions taken can help demonstrate ongoing compliance to the Board of Health or its designees.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
CH. 55 § 55-2 gives any person the right to file a complaint with the Williamstown Board of Health, the local inspection department, or an equivalent body to trigger an investigation into smoking or vaping violations in a building. Tenants who believe their landlord or building manager is allowing prohibited smoking or vaping in controlled areas may use this complaint pathway as a starting point for enforcement. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid resources can help explain what documentation to gather and what options may be available under this provision.
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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