Taunton, MA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Taunton's property-maintenance code sets a specific numeric trigger for uncontrolled yard growth: under § 350-4(B), any property within 100 feet of a residence has to be kept free of vegetation taller than 12 inches if that growth is, or could reasonably become, infested with rodents, vermin or other animals, or if it creates a fire safety hazard. The rule reaches beyond that 100-foot zone too. Everywhere on a property, § 350-4(B) requires trees, shrubs and other vegetation to be kept free of overgrowth, decay, or dead or hazardous condition whenever that vegetation poses a hazard to the health and safety of anyone nearby, including pedestrians or drivers on an adjacent public way, or to a neighboring property.

This is one of several property standards listed in § 350-4, alongside requirements that structures stay structurally sound and weatherproofed and that property stay free of accumulated litter, rubbish and debris. A related section, § 350-3, separately bars any plant growth or obstruction on a lot from blocking a driver's view of oncoming traffic when exiting a private driveway onto a public way, a distinct sightline rule enforced alongside the height standard. Any failure to meet the § 350-4 standards, including the 12-inch overgrowth limit, is defined as a public nuisance under § 350-5, giving the Trash Enforcement Officer, Building Commissioner, Board of Health, Building Inspector, Zoning Enforcement Officer, Fire Chief or Police Chief authority to declare the violation and order the property owner to cut the vegetation back within 10 days of written notice.