Waltham property owners must maintain vegetation to prevent fire hazards under the city property maintenance code. The Fire Department can order removal of dead brush near structures or abutting properties.
While Waltham is not in a designated high-risk wildfire zone, the Fire Department has authority under 527 CMR 1.00 and the Waltham property maintenance ordinance to require removal of dead brush, dry grass, and combustible vegetation that presents a fire hazard. This is especially relevant for properties abutting the Cambridge Reservoir watershed, Beaver Brook Reservation, Prospect Hill Park, and wooded areas near the Mount Feake Cemetery. Property owners should maintain a defensible perimeter around structures by clearing dead vegetation within 10-30 feet of buildings, keeping gutters free of leaves, and removing fallen branches. The Fire Department may issue abatement orders following complaints or inspections, and failure to comply can result in daily fines and the city performing work at the owner's expense.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
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