Springfield, MA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- none set numerically
- Trigger
- ragweed / noxious growth
- Order type
- written, by Health Commissioner
- Noncompliance window
- 5 days, then City removes it
Summary
Springfield, Massachusetts sets no numeric grass-height limit; instead the Commissioner of Public Health can declare ragweed or other noxious growth a nuisance and order it removed from any property.
Whenever there shall be growing on any property ragweed or other species of weed, plant or growth which is noxious or detrimental to the public health, or the seed, pollen or other emanation whereof, when carried through the air or otherwise dispersed, is noxious or detrimental to the public health, the Commissioner of Public Health may take and file upon his records what he shall regard as sufficient proof to authorize a declaration that the existence of any such growth is a nuisance or is dangerous to the public health, and may thereupon enter the same upon his records as a nuisance and order the same to be removed, destroyed or otherwise abated on any property wherever found.
B. The Commissioner of Public Health shall notify, in writing, the owner, lessee, occupant of, or principal person or persons interested in such property of the nuisance created by such weeds, plants or growth, and order them, in writing, to remove, destroy or otherwise abate such nuisance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4680006; v21 updated 2025-12-15; through 12-15-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 327, Article IV of the Springfield City Code doesn't cap lawn or weed height in inches or feet. It instead lets the Commissioner of Public Health investigate ragweed or other growth whose plant matter, seed or pollen is noxious or harmful to public health, formally declare it a nuisance, and order the owner, lessee or occupant in writing to remove, destroy or otherwise abate it. If the order isn't followed within five days, § 327-28 lets the Commissioner enter the property and remove the growth directly, using the Park Department as agent under § 327-29. This is Springfield, Hampden County ordinance text, part of the chapter adopted 11-25-2024.
Violations & Fines
Article IV sets no fixed dollar fine; noncompliance with a written abatement order within 5 days lets the Commissioner of Public Health enter the property and remove the growth directly under § 327-28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Springfield, MA set a maximum grass or weed height?
What happens if I ignore a Springfield weed abatement notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
How Springfield compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Springfield to another location·View the Massachusetts landscaping rules overview
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