Under the Boston Sanitary Code (BPHC Ch. II) and 105 CMR 410, every property owner must keep premises free of rodents, insects, and other pests through extermination, exclusion, and removal of food sources.
Boston pest control duties flow from the State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410 (Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation) and the Boston Public Health Commission Sanitary Code. Owners of single-family homes and any multi-family or commercial property must maintain pest-free premises, eliminate harborage, and respond to complaints. ISD and BPHC jointly inspect after 311 reports, frequently ordering integrated pest management plans focusing on exclusion, sanitation, and licensed-applicator treatment. Construction projects over a threshold size must file a Boston Rodent Control Plan as part of the building permit, and large demolitions require pre-baiting through a licensed pest control operator at least 14 days before work.
Failure to maintain pest-free premises is a Sanitary Code violation enforceable by BPHC and ISD with fines up to $500 per offense, and may result in a unit being declared unfit for habitation.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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...
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