VIOLATION @ 318 HIGHLAND AVENUE <` CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
AridArid . � BUILDING DEPARTMENT
!t�_�. 120 WASHINGTON STREET,3tug FLOOR
TEL. (978) 745-9595
FAx (978) 740-9846
KIMBERLEY DRISCOLL
MAYOR THOM.-1S ST.PIERRE
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROPERTY/BUILDING COMMISSIONER
September 17,2019
Sgt. Harry Rocheville
Salem Police Department
95 Margin Street
Salem Ma. 01970
Re: violations at 318 Highland Avenue
Sgt. Rocheville„
I am aware of the ongoing issues at this property. I spoke with the owner, Dan Twiss,just before his recent
incarceration. Mr. Twiss appears to have lost control of his property. I have now received via your Department,
the flyers, that were being given out this weekend advertising after hours parties Thursday, Friday and
Saturdays. The property is a split-level home built in 1989. The occupancy permit is for a single-family use
only. Any more than three unrelated individuals would be a violation of Sale Zoning and would also,under
State Statutes, become a rooming house. Also any business use would be prohibited under Salem Zoning.
From a code perspective,the home would become a Place of Assembly under the State Building Code, and
would trigger fire sprinkler systems, and a full code review regarding required numbers of egress, egress
capacity and fire rated exits and exit lighting as well as accessibility issues etc.
The property has been on our radar for code compliance as a single-family residence. The additional use is a
major Building and Fire Code violation and more importantly a serious risk to Public safety, both of attendees
of these parties as well as First Responders.
The normal procedure for my Department,would be to issue a cease and desist to Mr. Twiss. With the owner's
incarceration, it does not seem like this will be an effective means to stop these upcoming events.
I believe an immediate action would be to seek an administrative search order which is allowed under the State
Building Code, 780 CMR,Section R104.5 and MGL c.143,sections 6 and 50.
Sincerely,
6-4.e).4
Thomas St. Pierre