Code Enforcement Division
The Code Enforcement Division's primary function is to maintain and enhance the quality of life
for Boston's residents by enforcing the State and City sanitary codes related to illegal dumping,
improper storage of trash, illegal vending and advertising.The Code Enforcement Division is comprised of 15 men and women who maintain a strong presence in the City by patrolling the streets of Boston on foot, bike or car. During the past 5 years, CEP has been responsible for catching over 100 illegal dumpers in the City of Boston. CEP participates in numerous citywide initiatives including Boston Shines, the Illegal Dumping Taskforce and the Neighborhood Response Teams. where officers team up with other City agencies such as Public Works, the Public Health Commission and the Department of Environmental Protection.
Report any problems to 617 635 4896
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 7am - 5pm
Mayor's Abandoned Vehicle Program
Responding to a rise in complaints of abandoned vehicles on our streets, Mayor Menino directed Officers
to tag all abandoned vehicles on the streets of Boston. This program was implemented in 2001 and with the
help of the Department of Transportation the program has been responsible for the removal of over 700 abandoned cars and trucks per year. Although abandoned vehicles are an eyesore they can also be a hazard if small children play in them.Bikes on the Beat
At the direction of Mayor Thomas M. Menino the "Bikes On The Beat" program was developed in August 2003. This innovative program was designed to allow Officers to facilitate a quick and timely response to densely populated areas. The bicycles allow officers to circumvent heavy traffic areas at a faster pace than a car would allowing increased visibility of the Code Enforcement Police.Illegal Dumping Taskforce
In the summer of 2004 Code Enforcement Officers AKA the "Trash Police" developed a multi-agency taskforce, The "Illegal Dumping Taskforce" which was designed to combat illegal dumping in the city of Boston. The taskforce is a combined effort in which various city agencies such as Public Works, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Environmental Affairs joined forces to combat illegal dumping on our city streets. Focusing on chronic dumping areas the group began enforcement action with 24-hour surveillance, including day and night patrol and installation of surveillance cameras and equipment. As a result of their hard work and great efforts the taskforce was able to monitor and clean up over 35 problematic areas. Remember, those found in violation can face fines of $1000 to $25,000 depending on the type and amount of debris.Counterfeit Cops
CEP Officers are also responsible for maintaining order on our streets in and around Yawkey Way, City Hall Plaza, Downtown Crossing, North Station and any other areas known to be hot spots for illegal vendors. Mayor Menino has issued a zero tolerance policy for illegal vendors that take away business from those that own and operate a legal business in Boston.News Box Ordinance
Officers are also responsible for enforcing the City of Boston news box ordinance 16-38.1Section 1.0 - Violations for placement and regulatory non-compliance which states a news box may be non-conforming and subject to the enforcement process such as:
Failure of the publisher/box operator to acquire a Certificate of Compliance.
- This violation will only be acted upon after a written communication/confirmation from the Public Works Department which states that the owner does not have a valid certificate on file
All boxes found to be in the following location or condition are considered in violation:
- Less than 18" or more than 24" from the curb,
- More than 6" from a wall
- Within 5 ft. of a fire hydrant, lane or call box, mail box, public telephone or any emergency facility, curb return ramp, driveway, traffic control signal, sign or bicycle rack.
- Within 5 ft. ahead or 15 ft. to the rear of any designated bus stop, taxi, or valet stand, loading zone or fire lane,
- Protruding onto the street,
- Any box located in the Back bay Architectural District
- Chained or tied to any light, sign post or tree
- Posted with advertising
- Boxes in disrepair, dirty, graffiti, rust and outdated material
- Not found in an upright secure position
- Not enclosed
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©2008 The City of Boston