Massachusetts protects all trees within public ways as public shade trees, requiring tree warden hearing and posted notice before removal statewide.
G.L. c. 87 establishes that all trees within a public way or on the boundaries are public shade trees under the control of the local tree warden. No public shade tree larger than one and one-half inches in diameter at breast height may be cut, trimmed, or removed without written permission from the tree warden after a public hearing held under c. 87 Section 3. Notice must be posted on the tree at least seven days in advance, and the warden may impose conditions including replacement.
Unauthorized cutting of a public shade tree is punishable by fines up to $500 per tree and treble damages under G.L. c. 242 Section 7.
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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.
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