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Manchester, NH Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Rule
No litter on vacant or open land
Owner duty
Keep property free of litter
First offense fine
$500
Repeat offense
Court appearance required
City authority
Notice by mail, then removal

Summary

Manchester prohibits depositing litter on vacant or open private property and lets the Health Authority order owners to clean it up or face city removal.

No person shall deposit or throw litter on any vacant or open private property whether or not owned by that person. […] The Health Authority may require the owner of any vacant or open private property, or the agent of such owner, to properly dispose of any litter on the property which is dangerous to public health, safety, or welfare. Notice of any such requirement shall be given by registered mail to the last-known address of the owner or agent.

Source: Municode Library - ManchesterView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-25: current through Ord. passed 6-3-2025).

Full Breakdown

Manchester's Code of Ordinances bars anyone from dumping or throwing litter on vacant or open private land, whether they own it or not (§ 91.70). Owners and agents of vacant parcels also carry an affirmative duty under § 91.69 to keep the property free of litter at all times. If litter on a vacant lot threatens public health, safety, or welfare, the Health Authority can order the owner to clean it up by registered mail; if the owner ignores the notice, the city can remove the litter itself under R.S.A. 147:7-b (§ 91.71). A first citation for dumping on vacant land runs $500, with a court appearance required for repeat offenses.

Violations & Fines

First offense for depositing litter on vacant land: $500 fine, second offense requires a court appearance. Ignoring a cleanup notice lets the city remove the litter itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be fined for litter on a vacant lot I don't own?
Yes, § 91.70 bars dumping litter on vacant or open private property regardless of who owns it, so anyone who dumps there, not just the owner, can be cited.
What happens if I ignore the city's cleanup notice for my vacant lot?
Under § 91.71, the Health Authority can remove the litter itself, acting under R.S.A. 147:7-b, once notice by registered mail goes unanswered.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Manchester

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsProperty BlightSignificant RestrictionsSnow & Sidewalk ClearingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome Restrictions

All Manchester rules

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