Norfolk County has coastal frontage in Quincy, Weymouth, and Cohasset. Coastal development is regulated by MA Coastal Zone Management (CZM), Wetlands Protection Act, and Chapter 91 (tidelands law) — not by the county.
Coastal development in Norfolk County applies to Quincy (Wollaston Beach, Squantum, Hough's Neck), Weymouth (Wessagusset, Great Hill), and Cohasset (full coastal frontage). The county does not regulate. Key authorities: (1) MA Coastal Zone Management under MGL c. 21A §4A — consistency review for federal actions. (2) Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c. 131 §40) — 100 ft buffer from coastal banks, beaches, dunes, and salt marshes via Conservation Commission. (3) Chapter 91 Public Waterfront Act (MGL c. 91, 310 CMR 9.00) — licensing for structures on tidelands and filled tidelands. (4) Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) review for larger projects. (5) ASCE 24 / 780 CMR Appendix G flood-resistant construction. Sea level rise guidance through CZM's SLR-CFRM Viewer. Public beach access protected under Colonial Ordinance of 1641-1647 (low-water mark public trust).
No county enforcement. Wetlands violations: up to $25,000. Chapter 91 unlicensed structure: removal order, $50,000+ fines. Public access obstruction: daily MA AG enforcement.
Norfolk County, MA
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Norfolk County, MA
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Norfolk County, MA
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Bellingham, MA
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Bellingham, MA
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Norfolk County, MA
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See how Bellingham's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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