Land Maintenance

Front Yards
(ZO III--ZO IV)
Seventy-five percent of front yards in Residence A-1, A, and B zones and fifty percent of front yards in Residence C zones shall be planted with grass or landscaped and shall not be parked upon.
Enforcement: Code Enforcement Zoning Department 787-7807
$50 Ticket $100 per day court fine
Swimming Pools
Article 5 Table 5-1
In-ground swimming pools shall be enclosed by a fence at least four feet high. Above-ground swimming pools shall be enclosed by a fence at least four feet high or shall have a ladder which is removed when the pool is not in use.
Enforcement: Code Enforcement Department 787-7801
$50 Ticket $100 per day court fine
Fences
Article 7 Section 7.4.20
Fences in A-1 or A district cannot be constructed between the front line and in the front yard.
Enforcement: Code Enforcement Zoning Department 787-7807
$50 Ticket $100 per day court fine
Front yard fences in residential zones B, B1 or C district cannot be higher than three feet.
Enforcement: Code Enforcement Zoning Department 787-7807
$50 Ticket $100 per day court fine
Signs
Article 9 Section 9.6.11
Signs for professional and home occupation in residential zones shall not exceed one square foot.
Enforcement: Code Enforcement Department 787-6031
$50 Ticket $100 per day court fine
Signs may not be placed in the public way without a permit from Code Enforcement
Overgrowth
(7.16.120 V)
Property must be kept free of grass, grass clippings, weeds, leaves, branches, or yard waste more than six inches high.
Enforcement: Code Enforcement Department 311
$100 Ticket
Refrigerators and Stoves
(7.16.120)
No refrigerator or stove should be stored or discarded outside.
Enforcement: Code Enforcement Department 787-6030
$50 Ticket
Commercial Vehicles
Article 4.4.14-F
Commercial vehicles over 10,000 Lbs. cannot be kept on residential land.
Enforcement: Code Enforcement Zoning Department 787-7807 or 311
$50 Ticket $100 per day court fine
Commercial vehicles exceeding 12,000 lbs. or 24 ft. (excluding recreational vehicles) may not park on city streets for more than one hour. Refer to Rules of the Road, Section 5-14
Enforcement: Police Department 787-6300
$50 Ticket
Unattached trailers cannot be parked on city streets
Enforcement: Police Department 787-6300
$50 Ticket
Significant Trees
368
No tree which is 75 years old and over or which is three feet in diameter and over can be trimmed or cut without written approval of the City Forester.
Enforcement: Police Department 787-6300
$50 Ticket
Information: Parks Department 311
Conservation Land
These city owned parcels under the stewardship of the Conservation Commission protect and preserve our natural resources and open space. Only passive recreation is allowed: hiking, fishing, cross country skiing, picnicking, wildlife observation, and nature study, etc.
Not allowed: motorized vehicles including: snowmobiles, dirt-bikes, and other types of all-terrain vehicles; fires; tree cutting; hunting; trapping; harassing wildlife; removing or damaging plant life; and drinking of alcoholic beverages.
Information: Conservation Commission 787-6234
Dumping
(Massachusetts General Law) MGL 270-16
It is illegal to "dump" on any public or private property. If a vehicle is used, it may be seized. If convicted, the operator may have his/her license suspended. To enforce, file a criminal complaint.
Enforcement: Police Department 787-6300
First Offense: $5,500
Subsequent Offenses: $15,000