Chelsea may require vegetation management for fire safety. MA does not have a statewide defensible space mandate. Local property maintenance applies.
Massachusetts does not have a statewide defensible space mandate. However, Chelsea may require property owners to maintain vegetation under local property maintenance bylaws. MA DCR (Department of Conservation and Recreation) manages forest fire prevention. Spring wildfire season (March to May) presents the highest risk. MGL c.48 §13 open burning season (January 15-May 1) requires permits. Cape Cod and Pine Barrens areas have elevated fire risk.
Property maintenance violation: notice to comply, fines $50 to $300. Negligent fire: criminal charges. Town enforcement.
Chelsea, MA
Construction noise regulated under Chelsea Code Ch. 16 and MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10. Standard hours are Mon–Fri 7 AM–6 PM, Sat 8 AM–5 PM; no construction on Sund...
Chelsea, MA
Barking dogs addressed under Chelsea Code Ch. 4 (Animals) and general nuisance provisions. Excessive barking is a civil nuisance complaint under MGL c. 140. ...
Chelsea, MA
Chelsea enforces noise complaints through Chapter 16 (Miscellaneous Offenses). No single statewide decibel limit applies; the city relies on MassDEP 310 CMR ...
Chelsea, MA
Chelsea is in the flight path of Boston Logan International Airport (about 1 mile west). Aircraft noise is governed by federal FAA regulations and Massport; ...
Chelsea, MA
Chelsea has a citywide residential parking sticker program under Code §13-4.2. The Chelsea Waterfront District requires sticker parking 8 AM–6 PM Mon–Fri. St...
Chelsea, MA
Abandoned vehicles on public ways subject to state law MGL c. 90 §22C (72-hour threshold). Chelsea enforces through its ISD and Police Department. Inoperable...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Suffolk County.
See how other cities in Suffolk County handle brush clearance.
See how Chelsea's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.
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