Property Maintenance in Bristol County, MA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Bristol County, Massachusetts.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Bristol County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton require vacant lot owners to mow (grass under 8-12 inches), remove trash, and secure the site. Vacant property registration required. Municipal mowing and cleanup billed to owner with lien for non-payment.

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Some Restrictions

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 111, § 127B – Buildings unfit for habitation

Upon a determination by the board of health, or, in the cities of Boston, Worcester and Cambridge, by the commissioner of housing inspection, after examination as provided in said code, that a building, tenement, room, cellar, mobile dwelling place or any other structure (a) is unfit for human habitation, (b) is or may become a nuisance, or (c) is or may be a cause of sickness or home accident ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Property owners in Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, and most Bristol County cities must clear sidewalks within 24 to 48 hours of snowfall. Papadopoulos (2010) established statewide premises-liability duty.

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Some Restrictions

MGL c. 85 §5 — Removal of snow and ice from sidewalks by abutting landowners; penalties

Section 5. Cities by ordinance and towns by by-laws may provide for the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks within such portions of the city or town as they consider expedient by the owner or occupant of land abutting upon such sidewalks. Such ordinances and by-laws shall determine the time and manner of removal and shall affix penalties, not exceeding fifty dollars in the case of a city or ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Property Maintenance by City in Bristol County

3 cities in Bristol County have their own property maintenance rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

New BedfordPop. 101,079

2 verified rules • Property Blight, Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Fall RiverPop. 93,885

3 verified rules • Property Blight, Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

TauntonPop. 59,365

3 verified rules • Property Blight, Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

All Bristol County ordinances

See every category we cover for Bristol County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Bristol County Ordinance Hub →