Brockton, MA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Chapter 4, Article IV of the Revised Ordinances defines a "dangerous building" as any unoccupied building that has been neglected and deteriorated, or abandoned, vacated, unused or open to the weather to such an extent that it is a danger or potential danger to life or property (Sec. 4-42(c)). The inspector of buildings or a local inspector evaluates suspected vacant or abandoned buildings and issues a written determination, served by certified and first-class mail, that starts the clock under Sec. 4-43. Once a building is determined vacant, abandoned, or dangerous, the owner has 90 days to register it with the building department (Sec.

4-44) and must pay an annual registration fee that climbs with the length of vacancy: $150 within the first 90 days, $300 for under a year, $500 for one to two years, $1,000 for two to three years, and $1,500 for three years or more (Sec. 4-45). Owners can appeal a fee assessment to the Building Department within 15 days by filing a written application with a $50 filing fee; a municipal hearing officer must decide within 30 days of the hearing (Sec. 4-48). Under Sec.

4-50, the local owner or property manager must inspect and maintain the property for the duration of the abandonment; if they fail to, the city may correct the deficiencies itself and place the cost, fees, and fines as a lien on the property. Failing to register, pay the fee, or otherwise comply with Article IV is punishable under Sec. 5.