Native Plants: Boston vs Revere
How do native plants rules compare between Boston, MA and Revere, MA?
Boston and Revere have similar restriction levels.
Boston, MA
Suffolk County
Boston encourages native plantings through Article 37 green building standards and the Grow Boston Greener program. No ordinance mandates native plants on private lots.
View full Boston rules →Revere, MA
Suffolk County
MA encourages native plant landscaping through MGL c. 132A (MA Environmental Policy Act) and MassDEP climate guidance. No state law forces or prohibits native landscaping at the residential level. Boston Climate Resiliency design guidelines promote native species for new development. HOAs and condos may regulate landscaping but cannot prohibit drought-tolerant or pollinator plantings that meet reasonable aesthetic standards.
View full Revere rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boston | Revere |
|---|---|---|
| Private Mandate | None | - |
| Large Projects | Article 37 encouragement | - |
| Wetland Buffer | Natives preferred | - |
| Invasive Ban | State Prohibited Plant List | - |
| State Requirement | - | None; encouraged |
| Invasive List | - | 333 CMR 2.00 |
| Boston Plan | - | Urban Forest Plan 2030 |
| Canopy Goal | - | 35% Boston |
| HOA Protection | - | No MA xeriscape law |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boston FAQ
Revere FAQ
Can my condo require a mowed lawn instead of my native meadow?
Possibly, if the rule is reasonable under MGL c. 183A. MA lacks a 'right to xeriscape' law like some other states.
Who enforces native plants rules in Suffolk County?
Suffolk County's code enforcement division is responsible for landscaping ordinances. You can report violations or request information through the Suffolk County government website or by calling the main municipal line.
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