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Springfield, MA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

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

Key Facts

Applies to
open or vacant property citywide
Duty
owner keeps it litter/overgrowth-free
Enforcer
Commissioner of Housing
Process
notice, then City may abate

Summary

Springfield requires owners of vacant or open lots to keep them free of litter and overgrowth at all times, enforceable by the Commissioner of Housing.

Litter and overgrowth on vacant lots. No person shall throw or deposit or cause to have thrown or deposited any litter on any open or vacant property within the City, whether owned by such person or not. The owner or person in control of any such vacant property shall at all times maintain the premises free from litter and overgrowth.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4680006; v21 updated 2025-12-15; through 12-15-2025).

Full Breakdown

Section 327-13(L)(2) bars anyone from dumping litter on open or vacant property in Springfield, Massachusetts (Hampden County) and places an affirmative duty on the owner or person in control of a vacant lot to keep it free of litter and overgrowth at all times, regardless of who caused the mess. If an owner does not comply, the Commissioner of Housing can serve written notice to remove it, and if that notice goes unheeded, the City may enter under Chapter 139 and Chapter 111 of the Massachusetts General Laws to clear the property itself.

Violations & Fines

Failing to keep a vacant lot free of litter and overgrowth after notice from the Commissioner of Housing lets the City enter and abate the condition, charging removal costs back to the owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has to clear weeds and litter from a vacant lot in Springfield?
The owner or person in control of the vacant property, at all times, under § 327-13(L)(2).
What happens if a vacant lot owner doesn't clean it up?
The Commissioner of Housing sends written notice to remove the litter and overgrowth, and if it's ignored the City can enter and clear the property itself under § 327-13(L)(3).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Springfield

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsSnow & Sidewalk ClearingSome RestrictionsProperty BlightSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Springfield rules

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