PocketLaw
Home
Catalog
Law Online
Teams
Our Free Mobile App
Powers and Duties of Cities and Towns
Law
Massachusetts General Laws
Administration of the Government
Cities, Towns and Districts
Powers and Duties of Cities and Towns
Checkout our iOS App for a better way to browser and research.
Section
1
Nature and Scope
Section
1a
District Defined
Section
1b
Districts; Power to Sue and Be Sued; Insurance; Defense of Civil Actions
Section
2
Towns; Power to Sue and Be Sued
Section
3
Towns; Power to Hold, Lease and Convey Property
Section
3a
Cities, Towns and Districts; Binding Effect Thereon of Recordable Instruments of Title Affecting Interests in Real Estate as to Good Faith Purchasers Notwithstanding Inconsistency of Law Therewith
Section
4
Towns; Power to Contract; Purposes
Section
4a
Governmental Units; Joint Operation of Public Activities; Termination of Agreement; ''governmental Unit'' Defined; Financial Safeguards
Section
4a1/2
Joint Powers Agreements
Section
4b
Repealed, 1989, 687, Sec. 8
Section
4b1/2
Repealed, 1989, 687, Sec. 9
Section
4c
Repealed, 1965, 763, Sec. 1
Section
4d
Contracts With State or Public Authority for Construction of Public Works
Section
4e
Education Collaboratives
Section
4f
Purchase of Clothing or Apparel; Restrictions
Section
4g
Repealed, 1989, 687, Sec. 10
Section
4h
Repealed, 1989, 687, Sec. 11
Section
4i
Growth and Development Policy Committees; Definitions
Section
4j
Public Safety Mutual Aid Agreement; Procedure for Joining Agreement; Requests to Receive Assistance; Rights and Responsibilities of Requesting and Sending Parties
Section
4k
Public Works Municipal Mutual Aid Agreement; Procedure for Joining Agreement; Advisory Committee; Requests to Receive Assistance; Rights and Responsibilities of Requesting and Sending Parties
Section
5
Appropriation of Money for Exercise of Corporate Powers
Section
5a
Cities; Reserve Funds for Extraordinary Expenditures; Establishment
Section
5b
Stabilization Funds; Establishment
Section
5c
Districts; Reserve Funds for Extraordinary Expenditures; Establishment
Section
5d
Contributory Retirement System Funds; Recovery of Pension Costs
Section
5e
Unemployment Compensation Fund; Deposit and Investment; Payments
Section
5f
Ambulance Services; Recreational Facilities; Service Charges; Credit Card Payments
Section
5g
Municipal Waterways Improvement and Maintenance Funds
Section
5h
Centennial Celebrations; Funds
Section
6
Towns; Reserve Funds for Extraordinary Expenditures; Establishment
Section
6a
Advertising
Section
6b
Uniforms and Other Outer Clothing for Members of Police and Fire Departments and Shellfish Constabulary; Clothing Allowance
Section
6c
Removal of Ice and Snow From Private Ways; Conditions
Section
6d
Removal of Ice and Snow From Private Ways; Submission to Electorate; Ballot
Section
6e
To 6i - Repealed, 1977, 693, Sec. 1
Section
6j
Stormy Weather Work Clothes; Purchase
Section
6k
Uniforms of Public Health Nurses; Purchase
Section
6l
Stormy Weather Work Clothes; Lease or Rental
Section
6m
Repealed, 1977, 693, Sec. 1
Section
6n
Private Ways; Temporary Repairs, Ordinances or By-Laws
Section
6o
Group Life Insurance Premiums; Permanent Employees
Section
7
Removal of Ice and Snow From Sidewalks in Towns
Section
7a
Prevention of Automobile Accidents
Section
8
Enforcement of Laws Relating to Civil Service
Section
8a
Development and Industrial Commission; Establishment; Duties; Membership; Tenure; Removals; Vacancies
Section
8b
Council on Aging; Establishment; Annual Reports; Recommendations by Department; Clerks and Employees
Section
8c
Conservation Commission; Establishment; Powers and Duties
Section
8d
Historical Commission; Establishment; Powers and Duties
Section
8e
Youth Commission; Establishment; Powers and Duties
Section
8f
Consumer Advisory Commission; Establishment; Annual Report; Clerks and Employees
Section
8g
Mutual Police Aid Programs; Agreements
Section
8h
Recycling Programs
Section
8i
Energy Resources Commission; Powers and Duties
Section
8j
Disability Commission; Powers and Duties; Members; Terms
Section
8k
Mapping Commissions; Powers and Duties; Members
Section
8l
Municipal Agricultural Commission
Section
9
Lease of Building Space for Veterans' Organizations; Limitations; Erection of Armories; Celebration of Holidays
Section
9a
Repealed, 1949, 563, Sec. 2
Section
10
Public Markets; Establishment; Conditions; Regulation
Section
11
Prevention of Forest Fires
Section
11a
Beach Districts; Formation
Section
12
Public Baths and Wash Houses
Section
12a
Repealed, 1941, 598, Sec. 5
Section
12b
Beaches for Public and Recreational Uses; Formation of District; Membership of Control Commission; Annual Audit
Section
12c
Construction of Beach Facilities; Rules and Regulations
Section
12d
Authority to Incur Indebtedness; Limitation
Section
12e
Treasurer of District; Appointment; Bond; Powers and Duties
Section
12f
Employees
Section
12g
Leasing of Concessions; Procedure
Section
13
Municipal Buildings Insurance Fund; Management; Use
Section
13a
Workers' Compensation Insurance Funds; Management
Section
13b
Residence Quarters for School Physicians
Section
13c
Workers' Compensation Claims Reserve Funds
Section
13d
Reserve Fund for Future Payment of Accrued Liabilities for Compensated Absences Due Employee or Officer of Town Upon Termination of Employment
Section
13e
School District Reserve Funds to Pay for Unanticipated or Unbudgeted Costs for Special Education, Out-of-District Tuition or Transportation
Section
14
Purchase of Land; Conditions; Limitations; Definition
Section
15
Abandonment of Rights in Realty; Conditions
Section
15a
Transfer of Land; Procedure
Section
15b
Water Supply Works; Sale or Exchange of Property
Section
15c
Scenic Road Designations; Improvements; Fines
Section
16
Street Sprinkling
Section
17
Assessment
Section
18
Collection of Assessment
Section
19
Appropriation of Money for Providing Common Necessaries During War or Other Public Exigency; Purposes; Use of Funds
Section
20
Selling Price of Necessities; Accounting
Section
21
By-Laws of Towns; Purpose
Section
21a
Powers of Cities and Towns; Regulation of Working Conditions of Employees
Section
21b
Personnel Relations Review Board; Establishment; Purpose; ''grievance'', Defined
Section
21c
Union Conventions; Leave of Absence
Section
21c1/2
Employees Who Are Veterans; Participation in Veterans or Memorial Day Exercises; Time Off Granted; Exceptions
Section
21d
Noncriminal Disposition of Ordinance, By-Law, Rule or Regulation Violations
Section
21e
Municipal Charges and Bills; Due Dates; Interest
Section
22
Regulation of Vehicles; Penalties for Violation; Disabled Veterans and Handicapped Persons Excepted From Parking Violations; Taxicab Licenses
Section
22a
Parking Meters; Fees; Exemption From Fees for Disabled Veterans and Handicapped Persons; Bicycle Locking Devices; Motorcycle Parking; Restricted Parking Areas for Veterans and Handicapped Persons
Section
22a1/2
Parking Benefit Districts
Section
22a3/4
Designation of Parking Space for Veteran Parking at City or Town Hall
Section
22b
Acquisition and Maintenance of Off-Street Parking Areas and Facilities; Conditions; Exceptions
Section
22c
Off-Street Parking Lots; Installation of Parking Meters and Other Devices; Use of Receipts
Section
22d
Vehicles Parked in Violation of Law; Removal
Section
22e
Lease of Air Space Above Structures and Facilities
Section
22f
License Fees; Service Charges; Acceptance of Section
Section
22g
Funds Received From Fines for Handicap Parking Violations; Deposits in Account; Expenditures
Section
23
Powers of Cities; Regulation of Erection and Maintenance of Balustrades; Penalty for Violation
Section
24
Powers of Cities; Regulation of the Quality of Ice; Penalty for Violation
Section
25
To 30b - Repealed, 1954, 368, Sec. 1
Section
31
Powers of Towns; Performance of Duty Imposed by By-Laws
Section
32
Validation of By-Laws; Procedure
Section
32a
Publication of Ordinances
Section
32b
Publication of Compilations of Zoning Ordinances; Supplements; Distribution and Sale
Section
33
Rules and Regulations Promulgated by Town Boards; Filing
Section
34
Town; Erection and Maintenance of Lockup; Penalty for Noncompliance
Section
35
Keeper; Appointment; Oath; Penalty for Failure to Appoint Keeper
Section
36
Keeper; Powers; Compensation; Fees
Section
36a
Report of Death or Suicide of Lockup Inmates; Records of Attempts At, or Threats Of, Suicide
Section
36b
Cells; Protective Coverings, Electronic Audio Systems and Electronic Security Devices
Section
36c
Police; Training in Suicide Detection, Intervention and Prevention
Section
37
Accessibility of Lockup to Police; Penalty for Refusing Access
Section
37a
Curfews; Imposition; Penalties
Section
38
Purchase, Development and Use of Public Water Supply
Section
39
Conveying Water Through Another Town; Liability for Damages
Section
39a
Water Supply or Distributing System; Establishment; Maintenance and Operation; Exception
Section
39b
Acquisition of Land and Water; Conditions
Section
39c
Construction and Maintenance of Dams, Wells, Reservoirs and Other Buildings; Conditions
Section
39d
Surveys
Section
39e
Management of Water System
Section
39f
Damages
Section
39g
Pollution of Water; Damage to Property; Penalties
Section
39h
Right to Aid Other Governmental Units; Compensation
Section
39i
Water Meters; Testing
Section
39j
Pricing System; Costs
Section
39j1/2
Repealed, 1990, 177, Secs. 102, 103
Section
39k
Drinking Water Protection District; Establishment; Commission; Pricing System; Fund
Section
39l
Water or Sewer Service Charges; Descending Unit Rate Basis
Section
39m
Water Infrastructure Surcharge on Real Property; Exemptions; Appeal; Municipal Water Infrastructure Investment Fund
Section
40
Repealed, 1985, 592, Sec. 2
Section
41
Protection of Water Supply; Conditions
Section
41a
Use of Water in Emergencies
Section
41b
41c - Repealed, 1968, 548, Sec. 2
Section
42
Laying Pipes and Conduits
Section
42a
Collection of Rates and Charges for Supplying of Water; Lien for Delinquent Charges
Section
42b
Effective Date of Lien; Termination; Enforcement
Section
42c
Unpaid Charges; Report to Tax Collector
Section
42d
Unpaid Charges; Collection as Part of Property Tax
Section
42e
Abatements; Appeals
Section
42f
Recovery of Delinquent Charges From Tenants
Section
42g
Distribution of Water; Payment of Costs by Special Assessment
Section
42h
Uniform Rate of Assessment
Section
42i
Recordation of Assessment to Establish Lien on Property; Amount of Assessment; Extension of Time for Payment
Section
42j
Deferral of Charges
Section
42k
Assessment of Betterments
Section
43
Authorization for Laying of Pipes for the Transmission of Steam or Hot Water
Section
43a
Permission to Construct Pipelines for Conveying Petroleum or By-Products Thereof; Conditions
Section
44
Improvement Districts; Purposes; Membership; Tenure; Powers and Duties
Section
44a
Regional Refuse Disposal Planning Committee
Section
44b
Regional Refuse Disposal Planning Board; Study of Creation of District; Expenses of Board; Refuse Disposal Facility Defined
Section
44c
Regional Refuse Disposal Planning Board; Agreement for Establishment of District
Section
44d
Report of Board
Section
44e
Acceptance of Recommendation; Election; Establishment of District
Section
44f
General Powers of District
Section
44g
Exercise of Powers; Officers of Committee
Section
44h
Maintenance and Operating Expenses; Debts; Determination and Apportionment
Section
44i
Annual Audit and Report; Costs
Section
44j
Sale, Lease or License of Lands or Facilities to Refuse Disposal Districts
Section
44k
Bonds and Notes; Limit of Indebtedness
Section
44l
Issuance of Debt Obligations to Pay for Project Costs
Section
45
Recognizance; Permission to Designate an Agent
Section
46
Certification of Claims
Section
47
Town Seal; Establishment; Use
Section
48
Establishment of Suitable Place to Keep Books; Penalty for Noncompliance; Custody of Books and Records
Section
49
Annual Town Reports; Publication; Penalty for Noncompliance
Section
50
Annual Town Report; Copy to State Library
Section
51
Publication of Information Concerning Persons Receiving Aid From Governmental Agencies Forbidden; Exceptions; Penalties
Section
52
Size of Official Letters
Section
53
Restraint of Illegal Appropriations; Ten Taxpayer Actions
Section
54
Building Permit Restrictions; Availability of Water Supply; Disposal of Debris
Section
54a
State Consent to Issuance of Permit to Build on Lands Formerly Used as a Railroad Right-of-Way; Damages in Absence Thereof
Section
55
Annuity Contract, Custodial Account or Other Investment for Hospital Employees
Section
56
Percentages of Local Tax Levy for Property
Section
57
Local Licenses and Permits; Denial, Revocation or Suspension for Failure to Pay Municipal Taxes or Charges
Section
58
Municipal Charges Lien
Section
59
Tax Increment Financing Plan
Section
60
Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing Zone (Uch–tif)
Section
60a
Manufacturing Workforce Training Tax Increment Financing Plan
Section
60b
Workforce Housing Special Tax Assessment Plan
Section
61
Definitions Applicable to Secs. 61 to 69
Section
62
Contracts for the Inspection, Maintenance, Repair or Modification of Water Storage Facility Authorized
Section
63
Term of Contract Awarded Under Sec. 62 and Option for Renewal or Extension; Contents of Contract and Obligations Thereunder; Requirements Relating to Capital Modifications, Capital Repairs, Installation of Equipment and Systems or Second Interior or Exterior Coating
Section
64
Solicitation of Proposals; Statement of Compliance With Occupation Health and Safety Requirements
Section
65
Acceptance of Proposal and Award of Contract; Notice; Statement of Reasons for Acceptance
Section
66
Terms and Conditions of Contract Awarded Under Secs. 61 to 69; Bond or Other Security for the Obligation of Selected Offeror
Section
67
Project Approval Certificates From Department of Environmental Protection
Section
68
Contracts Made in Violation of Secs. 61 to 69 Void and Unenforceable
Section
69
Public Notice of Request for Proposal