Boston is a dense urban city with no designated wildfire hazard zones. State and Commonwealth forest-fire mapping does not identify WUI areas within the city limits.
Boston's urban density, extensive paved cover, and limited contiguous wildland mean the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Bureau of Forest Fire Control does not place any Boston neighborhoods on a wildfire hazard map. Franklin Park, Stony Brook Reservation, and the Arnold Arboretum carry some brushfire risk in dry Julys, and the Boston Fire Department (BFD) responds to grassfires in these parks, but there are no defensible-space or Class A roof rules for homeowners. Residents in Hyde Park, Mattapan, and West Roxbury near the Blue Hills Reservation should clear brush voluntarily. The state ban on open burning from January through May applies citywide.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Boston code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Boston, MA
Boston has no general ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statues, or yard decorations on private residential property. Decorations must stay within proper...
Boston, MA
Boston has no specific ordinance regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must not encroach on sidewalks, block pu...
Boston, MA
Boston does not have a dedicated ordinance regulating holiday lighting on private residential property. General nuisance, electrical safety, and historic dis...
Boston, MA
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Boston require Inspectional Services Department permits when they include gas, plumbing, electrical, or structural work. Built-...
Boston, MA
Boston treats smokers and solid-fuel grills (wood, pellet, charcoal) the same as charcoal grills under Massachusetts Fire Code 527 CMR 1.00. Use on balconies...
Boston, MA
Boston's Fire Prevention Code (527 CMR 1.00, Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code) prohibits the use or storage of LP-gas grills and propane cylinder...
See how Boston's wildfire zones rules stack up against other locations.
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