Allows Conservation Commissions to enforce local wetlands ordinances stricter than state law.

This bill amends the Massachusetts General Law to allow Conservation Commissions to enforce local wetlands ordinances or by-laws that are stricter than state law. These local ordinances must have a scientific basis, be recommended best practices, protect unique local resources, and not conflict with the Wetlands Protection Act and its regulations. The Department of Environmental Protection must review and approve any proposed local ordinance before it is adopted by a municipality. Appeals of decisions made under these local ordinances must be made to the 2023-2024 court.

Allows Conservation Commissions to enforce local wetlands ordinances stricter than state law.

This bill amends the Massachusetts General Law to allow Conservation Commissions to enforce local wetlands ordinances or by-laws that are stricter than state law. These local ordinances must have a scientific basis, be recommended best practices, protect unique local resources, and not conflict with the Wetlands Protection Act and its regulations. The Department of Environmental Protection must review and approve any proposed local ordinance before it is adopted by a municipality. Appeals of decisions made under these local ordinances must be made to the 2023-2024 court.