Massachusetts House Bill H3984

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/13/23
• Refer: 7/13/23
• Refer: 11/13/23

Caption

In the town of Hanson local licenses and permits; denial, revocation or suspension for failure to comply with conditions of approval

Impact

The bill's implications are particularly relevant to local governance, as it gives these authorities enhanced capabilities to enforce compliance without the need for extensive legal procedures. By establishing clear guidelines for enforcement, the bill aims to streamline the process for handling non-compliance cases. Additionally, it specifies that permits suspended or revoked under this act will not be reissued until the property owner provides proof of compliance, represented by a certificate from the permitting authority.

Summary

House Bill 3984 seeks to enhance compliance enforcement for local licenses and permits specifically within the town of Hanson, Massachusetts. The legislation empowers local licensing authorities, including the building official, planning board, and zoning board, to deny, revoke, or suspend licenses and permits for any party that fails to adhere to the conditions of approval for previously approved projects. This represents a significant measure designed to increase accountability among property owners and developers in the area, ensuring that all permit conditions are met before further permits or licenses can be issued.

Contention

A notable point of contention arises from the balance of power between local authorities and property owners. Critics of the bill may argue that while the intention behind H3984 is to promote better regulation, there is a risk that it could lead to arbitrary enforcement or potential abuse of power by local officials. This has raised concerns among certain stakeholders regarding the rights of property owners and the fairness of the enforcement mechanisms put in place by the bill. Nevertheless, proponents assert that the transparency of the process, which includes mandatory notice and hearings before enforcement actions, mitigates these risks.