Brush Clearance: Cambridge vs Lowell
How do brush clearance rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Lowell, MA?
Cambridge and Lowell have similar restriction levels.
Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Cambridge has no wildfire defensible-space rules but requires owners to keep lots free of overgrown brush and combustible debris under the property maintenance ordinance and MA Fire Code.
View full Cambridge rules →Lowell, MA
Middlesex County
Lowell property owners must keep yards and lots free of dead brush, tall grass, and fire hazards under the city nuisance ordinance and state fire code, though there are no wildland-urban interface clearance distances because Lowell is fully urbanized.
View full Lowell rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire zone designation | None in Cambridge | - |
| Applicable code | Cambridge property maintenance ordinance | - |
| Fire Code reference | 527 CMR 1.00 | - |
| Reporting channel | Cambridge iReport/311 | - |
| Non-compliance remedy | Cleanup lien possible | - |
| Wildfire zone | - | Not a WUI jurisdiction |
| Required | - | Remove combustible debris |
| Enforcer | - | Inspectional Services |
| Remedy | - | City cleanup with lien |
| Firewood storage | - | Away from structures |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cambridge FAQ
Does Cambridge require defensible space around homes?
No. Cambridge is not in a wildfire-prone region, so California-style defensible space rules do not apply.
Who do I call about a neighbors overgrown lot?
Use Cambridge iReport/311 or call 617-349-4000 to file a property maintenance complaint with Inspectional Services.
Lowell FAQ
Does Lowell require defensible space clearance?
No. Lowell has no wildfire defensible-space requirements, but property owners must keep lots free of combustible debris and overgrowth.
Who enforces brush removal?
The Department of Inspectional Services and Health Department handle nuisance-lot complaints.
Compare other topics
See how Cambridge and Lowell compare on other ordinance categories.
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