Although Franklin, Massachusetts has been fortunate to not experience many homes sitting vacant, this issue was still enough of a concern to warrant a newly enacted bylaw by the town council.
Chapter 168-1 "Vacant Properties: Registration and Maintenance" reads: "the purpose ... is to protect the health, safety and welfare of ... its residents by preventing blight, protecting property values..." This bylaw requires all owners of vacant or foreclosed property to register with the town as well as to maintain the property.
Maintenance of the property includes removal of debris, lawn care and repair of broken windows or doors. The Building Commissioner will enforce these regulations and has the authority to periodically inspect properties and issue citations for violations. Penalty for failure to either register a property or properly maintain/secure it will result in steep $300 per week fines. If left unpaid these fines could be become municipal liens on the property that must be paid in order to transfer ownership at the time of a sale.
These new bylaws will benefit the community as a whole in preventing unkempt yards but will also allow Realtors to more easily sell homes that may have been sitting due to a foreclosure or short sale.
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