Norfolk County does not regulate trees. Public shade trees statewide are protected under MGL c. 87. Private tree removal permits exist in some Norfolk County towns (Brookline, Milton, Newton-adjacent) but not most.
Tree removal rules vary sharply across Norfolk County. The key statewide law is MGL c. 87 (Public Shade Tree Law), which protects any tree in or within 20 ft of a public way: removal requires a hearing before the town's Tree Warden. MGL c. 87 §3 criminalizes unauthorized cutting of shade trees. For private trees on private property, most Norfolk County towns have NO permit requirement — owners may remove trees at will. Exceptions with private tree ordinances include Brookline (General Bylaws Article 8.39 regulates removal of trees ≥18" DBH), Milton, and some wetland-adjacent parcels where tree removal triggers Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c. 131 §40) Conservation Commission review. Scenic Road Law (MGL c. 40 §15C) protects trees along designated scenic roads.
No county enforcement. MGL c. 87 public shade tree violations: criminal under §6, up to $500/tree. Brookline Article 8.39: $300-$2,000/tree. Wetlands violations: up to $25,000.
Quincy, MA
Quincy Code Article III (Animal Control) prohibits owners or keepers from allowing animals to disturb the quiet of any person by barking, howling, biting, or...
Quincy, MA
Under Quincy Code Chapter 215, permitted construction may begin no earlier than 7:00 AM and must finish by 6:00 PM. Contractors must prepare a written noise-...
Quincy, MA
Quincy regulates noise under Chapter 215 of the City Code, adopted June 7, 2010 (Order No. 2010-114). Residential zones may not exceed 75 dBA from 7 AM–5 PM ...
Quincy, MA
Quincy regulates on-street parking under its traffic ordinances and a resident permit system. Time limits are enforced daily; a vehicle that moves to an adja...
Quincy, MA
Quincy's ordinance broadly prohibits commercial vehicles from parking on public streets. Commercial vehicles are defined as any vehicle over one ton, with 5+...
Quincy, MA
Quincy's zoning and traffic codes regulate driveway use. Blocking a private road or driveway on public streets is prohibited. Resident parking permits are on...
See how Quincy'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.