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.
Newton, MA
Industrial and commercial noise in Newton must meet property-line decibel limits by zoning district, with mechanical equipment, HVAC, and loading docks close...
Newton, MA
Newton follows the state stretch energy code requiring EV-ready wiring in new construction. Residential Level 2 chargers need electrical permits; commercial ...
Newton, MA
Under MGL c.90 s.22D, Newton can tow vehicles left on public ways for more than 72 hours. Unregistered or inoperable vehicles on private property must be sto...
Newton, MA
Newton requires curb cut permits from DPW for new driveways, with maximum widths of 20 feet for single-family homes. Impervious surface coverage is limited b...
Newton, MA
Massachusetts MGL Chapter 49 governs boundary fences between neighbors, establishing shared maintenance where fences are mutual and providing fence viewer pr...
Newton, MA
Retaining walls in Newton over 4 feet in height measured from footing to top require a building permit and engineered design per 780 CMR.
See how Newton's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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