Property Blight: Arlington vs Cambridge
How do property blight rules compare between Arlington, MA and Cambridge, MA?
Arlington and Cambridge have similar restriction levels.
Arlington, MA
Middlesex County
Middlesex County cities enforce blight through property maintenance bylaws and the State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410. Violations include peeling paint, broken windows, and abandoned buildings.
View full Arlington rules →Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Cambridge enforces state and local property maintenance codes that prohibit blighted conditions including overgrown vegetation, accumulated debris, peeling paint, and unsecured structures.
View full Cambridge rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| State Sanitary Code | 105 CMR 410 | - |
| Unsafe Buildings | MGL c.143 | - |
| Cambridge Vacant Fee | Up to 5,000 dollars | - |
| Enforcement | Inspectional Services | - |
| Liens | Allowed for unpaid fines | - |
| Enforcer | - | Cambridge ISD |
| Code | - | 105 CMR 410 and local ordinances |
| Grass limit | - | 10 inches height trigger |
| Correction window | - | 7 to 30 days |
| Report | - | iReport app or (617) 349-6100 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
How do I report a blighted property?
Contact your city Inspectional Services department or submit a 311 complaint. Include address, description of the condition, and photos if possible.
Can the city demolish an unsafe building?
Yes. Under MGL c.143 the building inspector may order repair or demolition of unsafe structures and charge costs to the owner as a lien on the property.
Cambridge FAQ
What counts as blight in Cambridge?
Overgrown vegetation, accumulated debris, broken windows, unsecured buildings, and peeling paint on pre-1978 homes.
How do I report a blighted property?
Use the Cambridge iReport app or call ISD at (617) 349-6100.
Compare other topics
See how Arlington and Cambridge compare on other ordinance categories.
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