Framingham, MA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Framingham City Code § 336-2 defines BLIGHT as any condition that seriously impairs the value, condition, strength, durability or appearance of real property, and defines DILAPIDATED to include deteriorated waterproofing, defective weather protection, broken or dismantled personal property, and hazardous, pothole-ridden parking-lot pavement. NUISANCE covers hazardous or blighted private property that interferes with the public's interest in safe, sanitary structures and neighborhoods, and expressly applies even where the use is otherwise permitted under Chapter 435, Zoning. Under § 336-3, the Building Commissioner investigates complaints, gives written notice to the owner and occupant to cease the violation, and may seek a Superior Court injunction if the order is ignored.

A violator is liable for a fine of not more than $300 for each violation, with each day of continuing violation treated as a separate offense. If the condition instead falls under Board of Health jurisdiction or the State Sanitary Code, the Building Commissioner refers the matter to the Director of Public Health. Section 336-2 defines INTERESTED PARTIES entitled to notice as the owner, abutters, owners directly across the street, and owners within 300 feet of the property line. Under § 336-6, any interested party dissatisfied with the Building Commissioner's decision may seek review by the Mayor, who confers with the Building Commissioner and recommends action to the City Council.

Section 336-7 requires the Building Commissioner to file a monthly report with the Mayor listing every nuisance complaint, its location, and its disposition. If the responsible party does not remedy the nuisance after notice, § 336-5 lets the City Council order the nuisance removed under MGL c. 139. The chapter was adopted January 5, 2021 by Ord. No. 2021-006.