Boston encourages native plantings through Article 37 green building standards and the Grow Boston Greener program. No ordinance mandates native plants on private lots.
Large new developments in Boston subject to BPDA Article 37 green building review are pushed to use regionally appropriate native and adapted plant palettes, with points toward LEED or LEED-equivalent certification. The Parks and Recreation Department Grow Boston Greener tree planting program prioritizes native species like red maple, swamp white oak, and hackberry. For private homeowners no ordinance mandates natives, but the Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List bars sale and planting of invasives. The Boston Conservation Commission reviews plantings in wetland buffer zones (within 100 feet of wetlands or 200 feet of a stream) and generally requires natives in those areas under the Wetlands Protection Act.
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 native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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