Where is Your House Number?

Important Public Safety Information

The following bylaw change is proposed as Article 26 on the 2009 Annual Town Meeting warrant:
To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter 68 of the General Bylaw as follows:

Chapter 68: Numbering of Buildings

[Adopted March 18, 1961 Adj. ATM Art. 4. Amendments noted where applicable.]

§68.1. Numbering of Buildings
    Every building in the Town of Westford, including but not limited to dwellings, apartment buildings, condominiums, and business establishments, shall have affixed thereto a number representing the address of such building. Said number shall be situated on the building and/or appurtenant land so that it is visible from the nearest street or road providing vehicular access to such building.
§68.21. Authority to determine and designate numbers. [May 11, 2002 ATM Art. 30]
    The Board of Selectmen may determine and designate numbers for all buildings abutting upon or adjacent to public ways and so shall determine and designate numbers for these buildings.

    The Board of Selectmen shall have the authority to determine and designate numbers for all buildings abutting upon or adjacent to public ways. The Board of Selectmen may, however, create and delegate said authority to an E911 Committee comprised of the Fire Chief, the Police Chief and the Building Commissioner or their designees.
§68.3 Authority to adopt rules and regulations.
    An E911 Committee created by the Board of Selectmen shall adopt rules and regulations for the administration of this Chapter.
§68.42. Compliance required. [May 11, 2002 ATM Art. 30]
    No person shall refuse or neglect to affix to any building owned by him/her the street number designated by the Board of Selectmen or the E911 Committee, nor shall any person affix or suffer to remain on any building owned or occupied by him/her a street number other than the one designated by the Board of Selectmen or the E911 Committee Selectmen.
§68.53. Size and placement of numbers. [May 11, 2002 ATM Art. 30]
    The Board of Selectmen or the E911 committee shall determine the appropriate size and visibility requirements for the placement of house numbers. At a minimum, residential house numbers must be 3 inches All numbers must be at least 2 inches in height. and must be placed that they are visible from the street.
§68.64. Violations and penalties [May 11, 2002 ATM Art. 30]
    Owners who are found to be in violation will receive written notice of non-compliance and be ordered to comply within 30 days. Penalties will be assessed if owners fail to comply within 90 days of written notice. Any person or entity who violates this chapter shall be subject to a fine of $25 liable to the following fines for each day of the violation.
    continues:.

    For the first and each subsequent offense: $25
Or act in relation thereto.

Additional Information

This report (PDF) contains background information about house numbering and a draft version of the proposed changes to Chapter 68. The bylaw as it appears on the warrant is the final version. Download an informational flyer (PDF) to learn more.

Current Town of Westford General Bylaw Regarding House Numbering


Chapter 68: Numbering of Buildings


Adopted March 18, 1961 Adj. ATM Art. 4. Amendments noted where applicable.

§ 68.1. Authority to determine and designate numbers. [May 11, 2002 ATM Art. 30]
The Board of Selectmen may determine and designate numbers for all buildings abutting upon or adjacent to public ways and so shall determine and designate numbers for these buildings.

§ 68.2. Compliance required. [May 11, 2002 ATM Art. 30]
No person shall refuse or neglect to affix to any building owned by him/her the street number designated by the Board of Selectmen, nor shall any person affix or suffer to remain on any building owned or occupied by him/her a street number other than the one designated by the Selectmen.

§ 68.3. Size and placement of numbers. [May 11, 2002 ATM Art. 30]
All numbers must be at least 2 inches in height and must be placed that they are visible from the street.

§ 68.4. Violations and penalties. [May 11, 2002 ATM Art. 30]
Any person or entity who violates this chapter shall be liable to the following fines for each day the violation continues:. For the first and each subsequent offense: $25