Vacant lots must be kept free of trash, overgrown vegetation, and safety hazards. Most Middlesex County cities require registration of vacant buildings and lots with inspectional services.
Middlesex County municipalities require owners of vacant lots and buildings to maintain them in a safe, sanitary condition under local property maintenance bylaws and the State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410. Common requirements include mowing grass over 8 to 12 inches, removing trash and debris, securing open foundations, fencing hazardous excavations, and preventing rodent harborage. Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 6.20 establishes a Vacant Property Registration program requiring registration within 90 days of vacancy with annual fees scaling up based on duration. Somerville, Newton, and Lowell have adopted similar vacant building ordinances. Fees fund inspection and abatement. Owners who fail to maintain may have the city perform mowing or cleanup with costs assessed as a municipal lien under MGL c.40 s.58. Accumulated trash on vacant lots can also trigger Board of Health nuisance orders.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Middlesex County, MA
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Middlesex County, MA
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Middlesex County, MA
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Middlesex County, MA
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Middlesex County, MA
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Middlesex County, MA
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See how Middlesex County's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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