Suffolk County yard-sale maintenance rules are municipal. Boston Municipal Code §16-12 applies general property maintenance and blight standards — items must be cleaned up daily, signs removed within 24 hours, no commercial-scale displays.
Boston applies its general Property Maintenance Code (Boston Municipal Code §16-12 and §7-2) to yard sales — merchandise must be displayed in an organized manner (not scattered), tables/racks removed or stored out of public view at end of sale day, unsold items not left at curb between sale days or after the sale concludes. Signs must be removed within 24 hours of sale end per Boston Zoning Article 11. Properties developing a pattern of front-yard clutter (ongoing permanent "yard sale" appearance) receive blight citations. Boston Inspectional Services enforces; 311 complaints trigger response. Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop each apply similar local property maintenance codes. The MA State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410) applies to rental properties where the tenant or landlord runs a sale — grounds must remain free of debris. Historic districts (Beacon Hill, Back Bay, South End Landmark) enforce stricter visual standards through Boston Landmarks Commission. Inventory in driveways and side yards is generally acceptable during sale hours but must not block sidewalks, fire hydrants, or neighboring property access.
Boston items left out after sale: $50-$200 blight citation under §16-12. Signs not removed in 24 hours: $25-$50 plus removal by Public Works. Habitual violations trigger escalating fines and potential Problem Property designation. Historic district visual violations: up to $5,000 under §7-4.10.
Suffolk County, MA
Amplified music in Suffolk County is regulated at the city level. Boston requires Entertainment Licenses from the Mayor's Office of Consumer Affairs & Licens...
Suffolk County, MA
Driveway rules in Suffolk County are set by each city. Boston requires a curb-cut permit from the Public Improvement Commission, and blocking a Boston sidewa...
Suffolk County, MA
Massachusetts has a spite fence statute (MGL c.49 §21) but no shared fence cost law. Each owner is responsible for their own fence.
Suffolk County, MA
Massachusetts does not ban specific dog breeds statewide. Some municipalities have attempted BSL with mixed results. Dangerous dog provisions are behavior-ba...
Suffolk County, MA
Suffolk County requires dogs under control at all times (MGL c.140 §157). Dog licensing required through city/town clerk (MGL c.140 §155). Rabies vaccination...
Suffolk County, MA
MA prohibits intentional feeding of black bears (MGL c. 131, §75A) and regulates feeding of white-tailed deer. Boston Health Code §2-2.8 prohibits feeding of...
See how Suffolk County's garage sale rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.