Norfolk County does not regulate setbacks. Each town's zoning bylaw sets minimum setbacks under MGL c. 40A (Zoning Act). Norfolk County zoning varies widely — dense Brookline requires only 15 ft fronts; rural Dover requires 40+ ft.
Setback requirements in Norfolk County are set by municipal zoning bylaws under MGL c. 40A. The Zoning Act gives each town broad authority to zone. Typical residential setbacks across Norfolk County: front 20-40 ft (15 ft in dense Brookline, 40+ ft in Dover/Sherborn), side 10-20 ft, rear 15-30 ft. Accessory structures like sheds often have reduced rear setbacks (5-10 ft). Corner lots have visibility triangles regulated by town. Variances require a hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals under MGL c. 40A §10 with a finding of hardship. Pre-existing nonconforming lots are protected under MGL c. 40A §6. Eaves, decks, and chimneys may encroach per bylaw-specific rules.
No county enforcement. Municipal building in setback: stop-work order, fines $100-$1,000. May require structure removal. Uncorrected setback violations under MGL c. 40A §7: up to $300/day.
Wellesley, MA
Wellesley allows garage conversions to ADUs under Wellesley Zoning Bylaw §5.13 (as amended April 15, 2025 by Article 40.1) consistent with Section 8 of the M...
Wellesley, MA
Wellesley regulates ADUs under Section 5.13 of the Wellesley Zoning Bylaw. At the April 2025 Annual Town Meeting, Wellesley adopted Article 40.1 to amend its...
Wellesley, MA
Wellesley's Building Department exempts one-story sheds/accessory buildings of 100 square feet or less from a building permit, but they must still comply wit...
See how Wellesley's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
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