Bristol County, MA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Grass Limit
- 8 to 12 inches
- Debris
- Must be removed
- Secure
- Structures + openings
- Abatement
- City bills $200-$500+
- Lien
- Under MGL ch. 139
Summary
Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton require vacant lot owners to mow (grass under 8-12 inches), remove trash, and secure the site. Vacant property registration required. Municipal mowing and cleanup billed to owner with lien for non-payment.
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 condition, or to comply with the regulations set forth in said code which are not being complied with or to comply with the rules and regulations adopted by the board of health as being necessary
Full Breakdown
Bristol County vacant-lot maintenance is enforced under local blight and nuisance ordinances plus 105 CMR 410. Grass and weed height limits are typically 8 to 12 inches in Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton: taller growth triggers a mow-or-be-mowed notice. Trash, demolition debris, tires, and illegal dumping must be removed by the owner. Open foundations and structures must be secured against trespass. Vacant property registration (addressed under the broader blight program) requires annual fees and updated owner/agent contact. Non-compliant lots are abated by municipal contractors, with all costs ($200 to $500+ per mowing or cleanup) billed to the owner and attached as a lien on the property under MGL ch. 139 and local charter authority. Lots adjacent to schools, parks, or densely occupied streets see priority enforcement.
Violations & Fines
Written notice with 7 to 14 day compliance typical. Municipal abatement: $200 to $500+ per occurrence billed to owner. Unpaid costs: lien on property. Repeat violations: higher fines and increased registration fees.
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 Bristol County
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