Norfolk County, MA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- County Rule?
- None
- Grass Limit
- 8-12 in. per town
- Quincy
- Vacant reg. Ch. 11.38
- Abatement
- MGL c. 111 §125 lien
- Dumping
- MGL c. 270 §16 crime
Summary
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.
Section 127B. Upon a determination by the board of health, or, in the cities of Boston, Worcester and Cambridge, by the commissioner of housing inspection, after examination as provided in said code, that a building, tenement, room, cellar, mobile dwelling place or any other structure (a) is unfit for human habitation, (b) is or may become a nuisance, or (c) is or may be a cause of sickness or home accident to the occupants or to the public, it may issue a written order to the owner or occupant or any of them thereof, requiring the owner or occupant to vacate, to put the premises in a clean co
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical penalties for violating vacant lots rules?
Sources & Official References
- [1]Source
- [2]MGL c. 139, §3A
Other rules in Norfolk County
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