Boston has no general ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statues, or yard decorations on private residential property. Decorations must stay within property lines and not encroach on sidewalks. Boston Landmarks Commission districts may regulate visible front-yard decorations on historic properties. HOAs and condo associations commonly restrict yard items through bylaws.
Boston imposes no general restrictions on lawn ornaments, garden statues, religious displays, or seasonal yard decorations on private residential property. Items must remain within the property line and may not encroach on sidewalks or the public right-of-way under Boston Code Section 16-12. Boston Landmarks Commission districts including Beacon Hill, Back Bay, Bay Village, South End, and Mission Hill encourage front-yard treatments consistent with the historic streetscape and may review highly visible permanent installations. Massachusetts G.L. c. 184 § 23B protects the right to display religious symbols on private property notwithstanding many private restrictions. Condo associations and HOAs frequently regulate front-yard decorations, fences, and ornaments through master deed and bylaws. Free-standing structures over 100 sq ft or that exceed height limits become accessory structures requiring ISD permits. Decorations creating safety hazards (sharp edges near sidewalks) may be cited.
Lawn ornaments themselves are not subject to specific Boston fines. Items encroaching on sidewalks may be removed by Public Works. HOA violations are enforced through master deed provisions. Religious display protections under G.L. c. 184 § 23B limit private restrictions on faith-based ornaments.
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