Cambridge, MA Invasive Plant Rules: Bamboo Restrictions (2026)

Cambridge Municipal Code (General Code) Chapter 8.69, the Running Bamboo Ordinance (Ord. 1395, adopted June 26, 2017), targets any monopodial (running) tropical or semi-tropical bamboo grasses or species, and presumes any bamboo found to have spread onto a neighboring or City-owned parcel is Running Bamboo unless the owner proves otherwise (§ 8.69.030(B)). Every 'Running Bamboo Owner,' meaning any property owner where Running Bamboo is found, must confine it so it cannot encroach onto any other private or City property or right-of-way (§ 8.69.050(A)). The ordinance specifies what counts as an adequate barrier: a seamless high-density polypropylene, polyethylene, or metal barrier with sealed and reinforced seams, or a joint-free concrete barrier, extending at least 36 inches below grade and at least 2 inches above grade along the entire installation, engineered so the bamboo cannot flank it, or alternatively a fully enclosed above-ground pot or planter (§ 8.69.050(A)(1)-(2)).

Any bamboo planted or already growing within four feet of a property line must have that barrier in place (§ 8.69.050(B)). If bamboo encroaches onto City property or a City right-of-way, the Commissioner of Public Works sends the owner a written notice by certified mail ordering removal and barrier installation; if the owner does not comply, the City can remove the bamboo and build the barrier itself and bill the owner for the full cost (§ 8.69.060). A property owner can avoid Running Bamboo Owner status for a specific neighbor's encroachment by proving the bamboo was not planted by them and giving that neighbor written certified-mail notice of objection within a year of discovering the encroachment, copied to the Commissioner within five days (§ 8.69.030(C)).