Massachusetts regulates all tidelands and coastal development statewide under Chapter 91 (MGL c.91) and 310 CMR 9.00, requiring state licenses for structures and fill in tidelands regardless of municipality.
MGL c.91, the Public Waterfront Act, requires a state license from MassDEP for any fill, structure, or change of use in tidelands, Great Ponds, and navigable waters. Implementing regulations at 310 CMR 9.00 establish uniform standards for water-dependent uses, public access, and historic public rights. The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management provides federal consistency review under the Coastal Zone Management Act. Local approvals do not substitute for required Chapter 91 licenses.
Unlicensed structures or fill can be ordered removed at the owner's expense, with fines up to $25,000 per day under MGL c.21A §16 and Chapter 91 enforcement.
Middlesex County, MA
Middlesex County has no operational county government - it was abolished July 11, 1997 under M.G.L. c. 34B - so there is no countywide noise ordinance. Massa...
Middlesex County, MA
Middlesex County treats persistent barking as a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. Dog licensing required statewide (MGL c.140 §155).
Middlesex County, MA
Middlesex County has no unified leaf blower ordinance. Regulations are set by individual cities and towns such as Cambridge, Newton, Arlington, and Lexington...
Middlesex County, MA
Middlesex County restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight and size limits apply. Overnight storage of heavy trucks prohibited.
Middlesex County, MA
Driveway rules are set by each Middlesex County city or town zoning bylaw. Cambridge, Somerville, Lowell, and Framingham regulate curb cuts, width, paving, a...
Middlesex County, MA
Winter parking bans are the dominant rule across Middlesex County. Most cities prohibit overnight on-street parking from November through April to allow snow...
See how Ayer's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.