Controlling Junk: Junkyard Enforcement 101

Since 1965, all municipalities in New Hampshire have had the responsibility to regulate junkyards at the local level. The term “junk," however, is not well defined and means different things to different people. The issue is complex, and municipalities must deal with accumulations as small as an individual property owner with unsightly piles in the yard to large commercial junkyard operations that are many acres in size. 

Municipal officials, specifically code enforcement officers, fire chiefs, health inspectors, and building inspectors, are responsible for the regulation and enforcement of junk and junkyards. “Junk" regulations are intended to preserve public safety by preventing a fire; to protect public health by preventing the spread of disease; or to serve the general welfare by preventing harm to the environment. 

Join NHMA’s Staff Attorney Margaret Byrnes and Attorney Matt Serge of Drummond Woodsum in Manchester who will discuss the approaches available to local officials to prevent the creation of nuisances, enforce licensing requirements, and otherwise take effective enforcement action to protect public health and safety. 

This webinar is open to NHMA member and is of interest to all municipal officials and employees.