8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Norfolk County, Massachusetts.
Verified from official government sources
Norfolk County has no county-level grass height ordinance. Grass and weed height limits are set by each municipality through local public health and nuisance bylaws, typically enforced by the Board of Health.
Norfolk County does not regulate tree trimming. Rules governing tree work near roads and utility lines are set by state law, each municipality's tree warden, and utility companies.
Tree removal in Norfolk County is governed by state law (MGL c. 87 for public trees) and municipal bylaws. Public shade trees require a Tree Warden permit. Many Norfolk County towns also require permits to remove large private trees.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 131, § 40 (Wetlands Protection Act — Restrictions on Removing or Altering Lands Bordering Waters) (Massachusetts General Laws; applies to all cities/towns within the county)
Section 40. No person shall remove, fill, dredge or alter any bank, riverfront area, fresh water wetland, coastal wetland, beach, dune, flat, marsh, meadow or swamp bordering on the ocean or on any estuary, creek, river, stream, pond, or lake, or any land under said waters or any land subject to tidal action, coastal storm flowage, or flooding, other than in the course of maintaining, repairing...
Norfolk County does not enforce weed abatement. Individual municipalities enforce property maintenance under MGL c. 111 §122 (nuisance) and the State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410) for rental property.
Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List - MA Department of Agricultural Resources
Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List. Following is a list of plants, including all cultivars, varieties and hybrids, for which the sale, import, trade, purchase, distribution, propagation, and related activities are currently prohibited within the state of Massachusetts [...] *Phase-out period for newly listed prohibited species: When a species is added to the Prohibited Plant List, nursery agen...
Norfolk County has no county-level water restriction program. Outdoor watering restrictions are set by each municipality's water department and the MA Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Water Management Act permits.
Norfolk County does not restrict rainwater harvesting. MA has no statewide restrictions on residential rain barrel or cistern use. Many Norfolk County towns offer rain barrel rebate programs.
Norfolk County has no native plant rule. MA Pollinator Plan and Stretch Code encourage natives. Brookline and Quincy offer climate-resilient landscape guidance. MA prohibits sale of listed invasive species.
Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List - MA Department of Agricultural Resources
Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List. Following is a list of plants, including all cultivars, varieties and hybrids, for which the sale, import, trade, purchase, distribution, propagation, and related activities are currently prohibited within the state of Massachusetts [...] *Phase-out period for newly listed prohibited species: When a species is added to the Prohibited Plant List, nursery agen...
Brookline enacted the first MA town-wide ban on new artificial turf on town property (2023 Town Meeting Art. 14). Other Norfolk County towns allow turf residentially. State regulations on PFAS in turf evolving.
4 cities in Norfolk County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
4 verified rules • Grass Height Limits, Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
4 verified rules • Grass Height Limits, Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
4 verified rules • Grass Height Limits, Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
1 verified rule • Water Restrictions
See every category we cover for Norfolk County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Norfolk County Ordinance Hub →