Norfolk County does not enforce vacant lot maintenance. Quincy and Brookline have vacant property registries. Grass/weed limits typically 8-12 inches under each town's BOH rules and 105 CMR 410.600.
Vacant lot maintenance in Norfolk County is handled municipally. MGL c. 111 §122 gives Boards of Health broad nuisance-abatement authority. Quincy Municipal Code Ch. 11.38 requires vacant and foreclosed property registration with annual fees ($100-$500) and designated property manager within 20 miles; grass must be maintained under 10 inches. Brookline General Bylaws Art. 8.26 includes maintenance requirements for vacant rental property; enforcement via the Building Department. Weymouth enforces grass height (typically 12-inch limit) via Board of Health on complaint; Town Ordinance Ch. 21 addresses overgrown lots. 105 CMR 410.600 requires rental-property grounds kept free of overgrowth. Illegal dumping on vacant lots is a state crime under MGL c. 270 §16. If owner fails to abate, the town may mow/clean and assess costs with lien under MGL c. 111 §125. Fire concerns addressed under 527 CMR 1.00.
Notice 7-30 day abatement. Municipal mowing $200-$800 billed to owner plus 12% interest. Vacant registry noncompliance: Quincy up to $300/day, Brookline up to $300. Illegal dumping: MGL c. 270 §16 up to $25,000.
Norfolk County, MA
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Norfolk County, MA
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See how Medfield's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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