3 rules for unincorporated Essex County, Massachusetts.
Verified from official government sources
Essex County has no county government, so setback minimums come from each town's zoning bylaw adopted under the Massachusetts Zoning Act. Front, side, and rear yard distances are set district by district.
MGL c.40A §3
provided, however, that such land or structures may be subject to reasonable regulations concerning the bulk and height of structures and determining yard sizes, lot area, setbacks, open space, parking and building coverage requirements.
Building height caps come from each Essex town's zoning bylaw under the Massachusetts Zoning Act, not a county code. A 35-foot maximum in residential districts is the standard across the North Shore.
MGL c.40A §3
provided, however, that such land or structures may be subject to reasonable regulations concerning the bulk and height of structures and determining yard sizes, lot area, setbacks, open space, parking and building coverage requirements.
Maximum lot coverage and minimum open space are fixed by each Essex town's zoning bylaw under the Massachusetts Zoning Act. There is no countywide figure; each district sets its own limit.
MGL c.40A §3
provided, however, that such land or structures may be subject to reasonable regulations concerning the bulk and height of structures and determining yard sizes, lot area, setbacks, open space, parking and building coverage requirements.
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Essex County Ordinance Hub →