Lowell, MA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Lowell Code sec. 227-3(L) (Overgrowth)
- Height limit
- Weeds may not reach 18 inches or more
- Where it applies
- Developed lots; within 150 ft of a building/way on undeveloped lots
- Status
- Declared a public nuisance
- Penalty
- $100 per offense (sec. 227-4), each day separate
Summary
Lowell Code of Ordinances section 227-3(L) (Overgrowth) makes it unlawful to allow weeds to reach 18 or more inches on any developed lot, or within 150 feet of a building, street, sidewalk, or right-of-way on an undeveloped lot, and declares such growth a public nuisance. Violations carry a $100 fine per offense under section 227-4, with each day a separate offense.
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any parcel of real estate to allow weeds to reach a height of 18 or more inches, where such weeds are located on any developed lot or parcel in the City, or on that portion of any undeveloped lot or parcel in the City which is within 150 feet of any building, street, sidewalk or public right-of-way.
Full Breakdown
Lowell does not use the word 'grass' but caps weed/overgrowth height in its property-maintenance code. Under City of Lowell Code section 227-3(L), within Chapter 227 (Property Maintenance), Article I (Minimum Exterior Standards), it is unlawful for an owner to allow weeds to reach a height of 18 or more inches where those weeds are on any developed lot, or on the portion of an undeveloped lot that lies within 150 feet of any building, street, sidewalk, or public right-of-way. Any weeds existing in violation are declared a public nuisance. The same subsection requires owners to keep hedges, shrubs, and trees from overhanging public ways. Section 227-3(N) further requires vacant lots to be kept free of noxious weeds and overgrowth, and section 227-3(M) requires commercial/industrial property to be kept free from weeds. Enforcement is by the Division of Development Services; the city may notify the owner to cut and, on failure, abate the condition and bill the owner.
Violations & Fines
Any person or owner who violates Chapter 227, Article I is subject to a fine of $100 for each violation under section 227-4, with each day or part of a day the violation continues constituting a separate offense, enforceable by noncriminal disposition under MGL c. 40, sec. 21D. The City may also cut or remove the offending growth and recover its costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lowell
How Lowell compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Lowell to another location·View the Massachusetts landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle weed ordinances.