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Property Maintenance in Cambridge, MA (2026)

5 verified property maintenance rules for Cambridge, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Trash Bin Storage

Cambridge property maintenance rules require trash and recycling carts to be stored out of public view on non-collection days, with lids closed to prevent rodent access.

Cambridge Trash Bin Storage Rules

Some Restrictions

Property Blight

Cambridge enforces state and local property maintenance codes that prohibit blighted conditions including overgrown vegetation, accumulated debris, peeling paint, and unsecured structures.

Cambridge Property Blight Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Owners of vacant lots in Cambridge must keep them free of trash and overgrown vegetation, and unsecured vacant buildings must be registered with Inspectional Services and boarded to code.

Cambridge Vacant Lot Maintenance

Heavy Restrictions

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Under Cambridge ordinance and MGL c.85 s.5, property owners must clear snow and ice from abutting sidewalks within specified hours after a storm ends. Fines escalate with repeat violations.

Cambridge Snow Sidewalk Clearing Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Garage Sale Rules

Cambridge does not require a permit for occasional residential yard sales, but sellers must keep items on private property, avoid blocking sidewalks, and comply with sign rules.

Cambridge Garage Sale Rules

Few Restrictions

Looking for Middlesex County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Cambridge city rules.

Property Maintenance in Middlesex County