Land use regulations can be a powerful tool to provide climate resilience. From floodplain and wetlands restrictions, to tree protection and water conservation, to design standards and zoning, communities are using their regulatory authority to address the growing impacts of rainstorms, sea level rise, heat, and drought.
Regulatory language and policies specifically crafted to address climate risk are still relatively uncommon. But many communities have adopted language that reduces vulnerability to climate impacts.
To share examples of existing regulations and help inspire new ones, MAPC created a "Climate Resilient Land Use Strategies" web resource. The webpage includes background information and resources like training videos and resilience checklists, but the main focus of the page is to catalogue examples of regulatory language and policy examples from cities and towns across the region and state.
"Climate Resilient Land Use Strategies" provides specific language examples in nine categories:
Each page summarizes key features of regulations, based on a review by MAPC planners, and gives examples of bylaws and ordinances adopted by Massachusetts cities and towns. The resources included do not constitute legal advice. Municipalities should consult legal counsel when adopting new bylaws, ordinances, and policies.
Check out the resource for yourself at www.mapc.org/climate-resilient-land-use-strategies.
Did we miss something? Do you have regulations or policies that should be added to this website? Do you need assistance? For additions, corrections, or questions please contact Senior Environmental Planner Anne Herbst at [email protected].