Dock, pier and float rules in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cambridge's Zoning Ordinance doesn't regulate private docks, piers or floats. Any work in or next to Fresh Pond, the Charles River, Alewife Brook or other water bodies falls under the Conservation Commission and state law (Wetlands Protection Act and, where it applies, a Chapter 91 license).
No local dock rules
We searched Cambridge's Zoning Ordinance for docks, piers, wharves, floats and boats and found no rules for residential docks. The only references are to "docking facilities" in the floodplain definitions, commercial loading docks, and boating clubs in the Open Space district. The documents we reviewed include no harbor or mooring rules.
What still applies
The Conservation Commission administers the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act in Cambridge, and Fresh Pond, the Charles River, Alewife Brook, Blair Pond, Jerry's Pond and the land around them are within its jurisdiction. Any work within 100 feet of an area under its jurisdiction needs a permit from the Commission. Structures in great ponds or navigable waters may also need a Chapter 91 license from MassDEP and federal approval; see the state rules section.
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Next steps
- Contact the Cambridge Conservation Commission (147 Hampshire St; DPW 617-349-4800) before placing any dock or float.
- Ask MassDEP whether the water body requires a Chapter 91 license.
Common questions
- Does Cambridge, MA regulate private docks?
- No. Cambridge's Zoning Ordinance doesn't regulate private docks, piers or floats. Work in or next to Fresh Pond, the Charles River, Alewife Brook or other water bodies falls under the Conservation Commission and state law.
- Do I need a permit for a dock on the Charles River in Cambridge, Massachusetts?
- Likely from the Conservation Commission and state. Any work within 100 feet of an area under the Commission's jurisdiction needs its permit, and structures in great ponds or navigable waters may need a MassDEP Chapter 91 license and federal approval.
- Who do I contact about a dock or float in Cambridge, MA?
- Contact the Cambridge Conservation Commission before placing any dock or float, and ask MassDEP whether the water body requires a Chapter 91 license.
Massachusetts state rules for docks and piers
A private dock in Massachusetts usually needs several layers of approval beyond local zoning.
Chapter 91 waterways license (MassDEP): any structure, regardless of size, permanent or seasonal, in tidal waters, in a great pond (a pond over 10 acres in its natural state), or in certain navigable rivers needs Chapter 91 authorization (M.G.L. c. 91; 310 CMR 9.00). For small residential docks there are simpler routes:
- a General License certification for pile-supported residential docks, piers, ramps and floats with no fill or dredging, outside ACECs and Designated Port Areas (310 CMR 9.29)
- a Simplified License for residential docks up to 600 sq ft below the high-water line (310 CMR 9.10)
Licenses must be recorded at the Registry of Deeds, and Chapter 91 protects public rights to fish, fowl and navigate.
Conservation Commission: dock work in or near wetlands, banks or land under water needs an Order of Conditions under the Wetlands Protection Act (c. 131, §40).
Harbormaster: bottom-anchored moorings, floats and rafts (no pilings) can be authorized by an annual permit from the local harbormaster instead of a Chapter 91 license (c. 91, §10A). Mooring fees can't discriminate based on residence.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: work in navigable waters may also need federal approval. Small private piers and floats are often covered by the Corps' Massachusetts General Permits, which can involve self-verification or pre-construction notification.