Suffolk County tree rules are municipal. Boston's Public Shade Tree Law (MGL c. 87) protects all street trees — removal requires Tree Warden approval and public hearing. Private-property tree removal in Boston has limited regulation.
Massachusetts' Public Shade Tree Law (MGL c. 87 §§1-14) gives the municipal Tree Warden authority over all street trees and public trees within the public way — a strong statewide protection across Suffolk County. In Boston, the Tree Warden (housed in Parks & Recreation) must approve any removal of a public shade tree, and removals generally require a public hearing with 7+ day notice posted on the tree. Emergency removals for hazardous trees allowed. Private-property tree protection in Boston is limited — Boston does not have a comprehensive private-property tree ordinance covering backyard trees by trunk diameter, unlike some suburban MA towns (Brookline, Wellesley). However, tree removal on properties subject to Boston Article 80 large project review must include tree inventory and mitigation. The Boston Conservation Commission reviews tree removal within 100 feet of wetlands or 200 feet of perennial streams under MGL c. 131 §40 (Wetlands Protection Act). Historic districts (Beacon Hill, Back Bay, Bay Village) require Boston Landmarks Commission approval for significant tree changes visible from public way. Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop follow MGL c. 87 for street trees; none have comprehensive private-property tree ordinances. The MA Scenic Road Act (MGL c. 40 §15C) adds protection along designated scenic roads.
Boston unauthorized public shade tree removal: up to $500 per tree under MGL c. 87 §6 plus triple damages in civil action under MGL c. 242 §7 (timber trespass). Wetlands buffer violations: MassDEP Enforcement Order plus fines up to $25,000/day. Historic district removal: up to $5,000 under §7-4.10.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Chelsea, MA
Construction noise regulated under Chelsea Code Ch. 16 and MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10. Standard hours are Mon–Fri 7 AM–6 PM, Sat 8 AM–5 PM; no construction on Sund...
Chelsea, MA
Barking dogs addressed under Chelsea Code Ch. 4 (Animals) and general nuisance provisions. Excessive barking is a civil nuisance complaint under MGL c. 140. ...
Chelsea, MA
Chelsea enforces noise complaints through Chapter 16 (Miscellaneous Offenses). No single statewide decibel limit applies; the city relies on MassDEP 310 CMR ...
Chelsea, MA
Chelsea is in the flight path of Boston Logan International Airport (about 1 mile west). Aircraft noise is governed by federal FAA regulations and Massport; ...
Chelsea, MA
Chelsea has a citywide residential parking sticker program under Code §13-4.2. The Chelsea Waterfront District requires sticker parking 8 AM–6 PM Mon–Fri. St...
Chelsea, MA
Abandoned vehicles on public ways subject to state law MGL c. 90 §22C (72-hour threshold). Chelsea enforces through its ISD and Police Department. Inoperable...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Suffolk County.
See how Chelsea's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.