Boston prohibits feeding of wildlife that attracts rodents or creates a nuisance under City Code 16-1.9, and MassWildlife bans feeding of bears, coyotes, and deer statewide.
City of Boston Health Division enforces Chapter 16-1.9 which makes it a sanitary nuisance to feed wildlife or domestic animals in ways that attract rats, raccoons, or skunks. Intentional feeding of stray cats requires a managed colony permit and enclosed feeding stations removed at night. Feeding songbirds is generally allowed if seed is in hanging feeders that do not spill on the ground, but ground-scatter feeding that attracts rats triggers ISD Environmental Services inspection. State law (321 CMR 2.14) bans feeding of black bears, coyotes, deer, and moose anywhere in Massachusetts. Feeding pigeons in parks is prohibited under Boston Parks regulations.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Boston code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Boston, MA
Boston has no general ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statues, or yard decorations on private residential property. Decorations must stay within proper...
Boston, MA
Boston has no specific ordinance regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must not encroach on sidewalks, block pu...
Boston, MA
Boston does not have a dedicated ordinance regulating holiday lighting on private residential property. General nuisance, electrical safety, and historic dis...
Boston, MA
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Boston require Inspectional Services Department permits when they include gas, plumbing, electrical, or structural work. Built-...
Boston, MA
Boston treats smokers and solid-fuel grills (wood, pellet, charcoal) the same as charcoal grills under Massachusetts Fire Code 527 CMR 1.00. Use on balconies...
Boston, MA
Boston's Fire Prevention Code (527 CMR 1.00, Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code) prohibits the use or storage of LP-gas grills and propane cylinder...
See how Boston's wildlife feeding rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.