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Everett, MA Code Violation Reporting: Common Violations (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified October 2026

Key Facts

Waste accumulation limit: More than ten (10) consecutive days outside an enclosed structure
Maximum fine per offense: $300.00 under Section 1-8
Fine ladder: $25.00, $50.00, $100.00, then $300.00
Citation response deadline: Twenty-one days to pay or appeal
Vehicle alarm limit: Continuous signal over thirty (30) minutes
Residential construction noise: Barred Sundays and 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Summary

In the City of Everett, Massachusetts, Section 13A-62 lists the conditions the City Council declares public nuisances: animals at large, waste left more than ten consecutive days, litter, and abandoned or unlicensed vehicles outside an enclosed structure. Fines follow the Section 1-8 schedule, up to $300.00 per offense.

(12) Animals at Large – All animals running at large. An animal is considered to be running at large if it is off the premises of its owner and not under the control of the owner or some other person; (13) Accumulation of Waste – Accumulations of garbage, refuse, rubbish or recyclable waste which exist for more than ten (10) consecutive days and which are not stored completely in an enclosed structure designed and approved for said use. ... (6) Litter -Any quantity of uncontainerized paper, metal, glass, plastic or miscellaneous solid waste which may be classified as trash, debris, rubbish, refuse, garbage or junk in violation of Article II and/or Article III of Chapter 16 of the City Ordinances. ... (8) Motor Vehicles – Abandoned, untitled or unlicensed motor vehicles that are not stored in a completely enclosed structure.

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Full Breakdown

The Everett City Council, in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, built Section 13A-62 as the working list of code violations that inspectors and police act on. Animals running at large are a nuisance when off the owner's premises and not under the control of the owner or another person. Garbage, refuse, rubbish or recyclable waste becomes a nuisance once it has existed for more than ten (10) consecutive days without being stored completely in an enclosed structure designed and approved for that use. Garbage containers must be fly-tight, and stagnant water where mosquitoes or flies can breed is listed separately. Uncontainerized litter violates Articles II and III of Chapter 16, and abandoned, untitled or unlicensed motor vehicles must be kept in a completely enclosed structure.

The same section reaches graffiti, which is handled under Section 13-2.5, buildings without proper street numbers under Section 17-5, and animals or fowl whose frequent or habitual howling, barking or crowing greatly annoys a person of ordinary sensibilities. Construction noise is barred in residential districts on Sundays and between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on other days. A vehicle alarm or alarm system that sounds continuously for more than thirty (30) minutes is also a nuisance.

Section 13A-5 declares all civil code violations public nuisances. Enforcement starts with a warning or citation and can escalate to a notice and order to correct, a cease and desist order or abatement by the City. Section 13A-7 sorts complaints into high, moderate and low risk, and the Section 13A-7 moderate tier expressly covers more than five wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles.

Violations & Fines

Section 1-8 sets the penalty at not more than $300.00 per offense, running $25.00 for a first offense, $50.00 for a second, $100.00 for a third and $300.00 for a fourth or later, with hazardous violations assessable up to the maximum from the start. Each day a violation continues is a separate violation. A citation must be paid or appealed within twenty-one days (Section 13A-24).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can trash sit outside in Everett, Massachusetts?

Section 13A-62(f)(13) makes accumulations of garbage, refuse, rubbish or recyclable waste a public nuisance once they exist for more than ten (10) consecutive days and are not stored completely in an enclosed structure designed and approved for that use. Garbage containers that are not fly-tight are also listed as a nuisance.

Is a barking dog an Everett code violation?

Yes. Section 13A-62 lists the keeping or harboring of any animal or fowl whose frequent or habitual howling, yelping, barking or crowing greatly annoys a person of ordinary sensibilities, and separately bars animals whose bark or chirp is plainly audible at the property line of the building, structure or apartment where they are kept.

What does a first violation cost in Everett?

The Section 1-8 schedule is $25.00 for a first offense, $50.00 for a second, $100.00 for a third and $300.00 for a fourth or later, with the amount left to the enforcing agent. Hazardous or egregious violations that put public health at risk can be assessed up to the $300.00 maximum immediately, and each day counts separately.

Can Everett cite me without a warning?

Yes in some cases. Section 13A-9(d) says no warning need be issued in high-risk cases, emergencies, repeat violation cases, cases already under a voluntary compliance agreement, cases not likely to be corrected quickly, or where the person knew or reasonably should have known the action was a code violation.

Sources & Official References

[1]Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, Massachusetts (eCode360)

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