Framingham, MA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Chapter 336 of the Framingham City Code, adopted January 5, 2021 by Ord. No. 2021-006, defines NUISANCE to include overgrown vegetation 'which may harbor rats and vermin, conceal pools of stagnant water or other nuisances, or which is otherwise detrimental to neighboring properties or property values' under § 336-2E. The same section separately lists trash, debris or personal property placed for collection in violation of Department of Public Works rubbish policies as a nuisance under § 336-2J, which reaches illegal dumping on vacant or unimproved parcels.

Because the nuisance definition applies to 'private property, land or buildings' generally, it covers vacant, unbuilt lots as well as developed ones. The Building Commissioner enforces the chapter: on receiving a complaint or otherwise learning of a violation, the Commissioner investigates, and if a violation is found, issues written notice to the owner and occupant to cease it immediately. Continued noncompliance can bring a Superior Court injunction and a civil fine of not more than $300 per violation, with each day of the condition treated as a separate offense under § 336-3C.

Owners within 300 feet of the lot, and owners directly across the street, qualify as interested parties entitled to notice of related hearings under § 336-2. Complainants who are not the Building Commissioner are entitled under § 336-4 to advance notice of any hearing or enforcement conference and the right to be heard. If the Building Commissioner will not act, or an interested party disputes the outcome, § 336-6 allows a request for review by the Mayor, who can direct the Building Commissioner and the City Council toward further action.