Suffolk County pool safety follows uniform state rules: 780 CMR (residential), 105 CMR 435 (semi-public pools), and federal VGB Act for drain safety. Boston Public Health Commission inspects semi-public pools annually.
Suffolk County pool safety is governed by layered state and federal rules. 780 CMR requires GFCI protection on all pool electrical circuits, bonding and grounding per NEC Article 680, permanent depth markers, and no-diving signage where applicable. 105 CMR 435 applies to semi-public pools (condominiums, hotels, apartment complexes, health clubs, community pools) — requiring annual inspection by the local Board of Health (Boston Public Health Commission handles Boston; Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop have their own BOH), lifeguard requirements by pool size and usage, rescue equipment, operator certifications (Certified Pool Operator), and weekly water chemistry testing. The federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB Act, 15 USC §8001) requires anti-entrapment drain covers on all public pools and spas. Suffractor and automatic-circulation-shutoff systems are required for single-drain pools. Boston's larger condo and apartment pools — especially in the Seaport, Back Bay, and downtown towers — receive BPHC annual licensing. MGL c. 140 §206 provides general swimming-facility regulation authority. Fines are significant: 105 CMR 435 non-compliance can trigger immediate pool closure plus $100-$1,000/day until cured.
Residential 780 CMR violations: building inspector correction order, fines $100-$500. 105 CMR 435 semi-public violations: immediate closure until cured, $100-$1,000/day, license suspension. VGB Act violations: federal Consumer Product Safety Commission fines up to $100,000.
Chelsea, MA
Construction noise regulated under Chelsea Code Ch. 16 and MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10. Standard hours are Mon–Fri 7 AM–6 PM, Sat 8 AM–5 PM; no construction on Sund...
Chelsea, MA
Barking dogs addressed under Chelsea Code Ch. 4 (Animals) and general nuisance provisions. Excessive barking is a civil nuisance complaint under MGL c. 140. ...
Chelsea, MA
Chelsea enforces noise complaints through Chapter 16 (Miscellaneous Offenses). No single statewide decibel limit applies; the city relies on MassDEP 310 CMR ...
Chelsea, MA
Chelsea is in the flight path of Boston Logan International Airport (about 1 mile west). Aircraft noise is governed by federal FAA regulations and Massport; ...
Chelsea, MA
Chelsea has a citywide residential parking sticker program under Code §13-4.2. The Chelsea Waterfront District requires sticker parking 8 AM–6 PM Mon–Fri. St...
Chelsea, MA
Abandoned vehicles on public ways subject to state law MGL c. 90 §22C (72-hour threshold). Chelsea enforces through its ISD and Police Department. Inoperable...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Suffolk County.
See how Chelsea's safety rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.