Worcester County MA vacant lot maintenance is enforced through local bylaws adopted under MGL c. 40, §21 and state nuisance law. Most towns require grass/weeds be maintained below 8-12 inches. The City of Worcester Revised Ordinances Chapter 13 addresses overgrown vegetation and illegal dumping. Fitchburg requires vacant property registration. Municipal abatement (mowing/cleanup) billed to owner with lien under MGL c. 139, §3A. Post-foreclosure vacant properties face specific state and local rules.
Vacant lot regulation in Worcester County uses local bylaws (MGL c. 40, §21), state nuisance abatement (MGL c. 139, §3A), and property-specific ordinances. Overgrown vegetation: most Worcester County towns require grass, weeds, and brush not exceed 8-12 inches in residential areas (some commercial 18 inches). The City of Worcester Revised Ordinances Chapter 13 Article X requires property owners maintain vegetation and prohibits accumulation of junk, debris, or inoperable vehicles. Enforcement via DPW or code enforcement officer. Illegal dumping: MGL c. 270, §16 criminalizes disposing waste on another's property (fines $500-$25,000, plus MGL c. 270, §16A for hazardous waste). MGL c. 139, §3A authorizes municipal abatement: town mows/cleans the property and bills the owner; unpaid costs lien at 14% interest under MGL c. 60. Vacant property registration: Fitchburg Chapter 123, Worcester's Problem Properties program, and similar ordinances in Leominster/Gardner require registration of vacant/foreclosed properties with annual fees ($100-$1,000/unit). Post-foreclosure rules under MGL c. 139, §3A specifically target lender-owned REO properties. Mosquito control — vacant lots with standing water may trigger mosquito control district intervention under MGL c. 252, §5A. Fire hazards (tall dry grass adjacent to structures) may trigger fire department orders under 527 CMR 1.10.3. Weeds classified as noxious (per 333 CMR 10.00) may require removal in some jurisdictions.
Overgrown lot: written notice with 10-14 day compliance; municipal mowing $200-$500+ with lien under MGL c. 139, §3A. Illegal dumping: MGL c. 270, §16 fines $500-$25,000. Vacant property registration failure: local fines $100-$1,000 per occurrence. Fire hazard: 527 CMR enforcement. Liens attach to property and priority over other liens under MGL c. 60.
Worcester, MA
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