Boston property owners must keep grass and weeds below 10 inches under City Code Ch. 16 and the Public Health Commission sanitary code. ISD Environmental Services enforces with 30-day notice and fines.
The City of Boston treats overgrown lots as a sanitary nuisance because tall grass harbors rats, Norway rats being a persistent citywide issue. ISD Environmental Services Division inspects complaints filed through Boston 311 and issues a notice to cut giving 7 to 14 days for correction. If not cut the city contracts a vendor to mow and liens the cost back to the property, typically $150 to $400 per cut plus administrative fees. Vacant lots owned by absentee landlords and the Boston Planning and Development Agency are common complaint targets. Naturalized meadow plantings can be permitted if documented as an intentional native landscape.
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 grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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