Templeton BOH says extended temporary mobile housing requires permit; no fee now

The Town of Templeton Board of Health discussed temporary housing and mobile-home permitting at its Feb. 24 meeting, clarifying when residents must seek the board’s permission.

A staff member told the board that authority for temporary housing is in the sanitary code, cited in the meeting as “4 10 4 40,” and that Board permission is required for non-emergency temporary housing. The staff member said the unit must have water and sanitary services and may need to be “tapped in” or otherwise enclosed and connected to sanitary facilities.

Board members raised scenarios including a homeowner wanting to place a trailer on a gutted house on Patriots Road while renovating. The staff member said that a short visit, such as a two-week stay, typically does not prompt active enforcement, but that the permit requirement applies for longer or extended stays — the staff member said extended periods can be up to six months.

The board discussed fees and enforcement. The staff member said there is currently no fee for the permit and described the permitting step as largely a courtesy and a means to ensure sanitary connections; “there's no reason not to tell somebody,” the staff member said. The board agreed that the permit should not be used to allow permanent occupancy.

The board did not adopt any new regulation at the meeting; members were informed about the existing sanitary-code authority and the permitting practice. The staff member said they would expect any formal temporary-housing request to be presented to the board for review and permission.

The board will consider specific permit requests if and when they come before the Board of Health.