Boston regulates coastal development through Chapter 91 (the Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act), the city's Municipal Harbor Plan, and FEMA flood zone requirements. Development along Boston Harbor must preserve public access and comply with tidelands licensing from MassDEP. Climate Ready Boston has imposed additional resilience standards for coastal projects.
Coastal development in Boston is governed by multiple overlapping regulations. MGL Chapter 91 (the Public Waterfront Act) requires a Waterways License from MassDEP for any fill, structure, or change of use on tidelands and filled former tidelands. Boston's Municipal Harbor Plans, adopted for areas including the South Boston Waterfront, Fort Point, and East Boston, establish design and use standards that substitute for default Chapter 91 requirements. Projects must provide public access to the waterfront, typically through Harborwalk extensions. FEMA designates significant portions of Boston's coastline as AE and VE flood zones requiring flood-resistant construction per the Boston Zoning Code Article 25A. The Coastal Zone Management Act requires federal consistency reviews. Climate Ready Boston, the city's climate adaptation initiative, has led to updated flood resilience standards including elevated first-floor requirements and flood-proofing for critical infrastructure.
Unauthorized construction on tidelands without a Chapter 91 license can result in MassDEP enforcement orders, mandatory restoration, and fines. Building in FEMA flood zones without proper elevation certificates and flood-resistant construction violates the National Flood Insurance Program requirements. Non-compliance with Municipal Harbor Plan standards can result in denial of building permits.
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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