Norfolk County does not set height limits. Each town's zoning bylaw caps building heights. Residential zones typically allow 35 ft or 2.5 stories. 780 CMR building code enforces construction standards.
Height limits in Norfolk County are municipal. Typical residential zones across Norfolk County allow 35 ft or 2.5 stories (whichever is less), measured from average finished grade to highest ridge per 780 CMR definitions. Brookline's multifamily zones allow up to 55 ft in some districts; Quincy's urban core allows 65+ ft. Commercial and mixed-use districts vary — Quincy Center redevelopment allows 150-250 ft per master plan. Chimneys, antennas, rooftop mechanicals, and elevator headhouses typically exempt up to 10-15 ft above limit. Height variances require ZBA approval under MGL c. 40A §10. MBTA Communities zoning (MGL c. 40A §3A) affects many Norfolk County towns with transit stations (Canton, Dedham, Needham, Norwood, Westwood, Weymouth, Quincy), allowing higher density.
No county enforcement. Municipal exceeding height: stop-work order, required reduction or variance, fines $250-$2,000. Ongoing violations: $300/day under MGL c. 40A §7.
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 structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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