Building inspector outlines non-criminal ticketing for code violations and explains permit process

Bill Fenner, Palmer’s building inspector, used the department head report at the July 8 meeting to explain the town’s enforcement authority and a new tool to secure compliance: non-criminal ticketing adopted under state acts.

Fenner told the council that 780 CMR and MGL provisions empower the building official to issue notices of violation and, under the town’s adoption of state law, to issue non-criminal citations intended to secure compliance while limiting litigation expense. "This is really designed as a means to get compliance," he said.

Fenner said the town has applied the tool to professional contractors in at least two recent cases where work began without a permit. He summarized the fee escalation when violations continue: "The first offense is $100 per violation; second offense is $500 and third offense is $1,000 per violation per day," Fenner said, and noted contractors have 21 days to appeal to the town’s hearing officer.

He also reviewed the permit process: applications (with payment) must include required approvals from other departments, and permit issuance is not effective until the building official signs it. Fenner said his office has moved toward more online permitting (estimated 65–70% online) but still handles in-person applications and follow-up by staff.

What happens next: Council heard the explanation without objection and did not change the town’s enforcement schedule; Fenner said recent tickets have been partially reduced after hearings, and that the process is intended to secure compliance rather than penalize residents.