Cape Cod Commission
Model Bylaws
The following models were prepared to assist Cape Cod towns in adopting regulations that address a wide variety of land use topics. The goal is to help each town avoid "reinventing" a proven approach to land use management.
The bylaws were developed as models and are not intended for adoption without specific tailoring for each community. They can serve as appropriate starting points, however, for towns seeking to adopt regulations. It is strongly advised that towns pursuing the use of these bylaws seek advice from counsel during the drafting and adoption process.
Some of the topic areas discussed below are already covered by existing town regulations. It is important to note, however, that a principle purpose of the model regulations is to encourage towns to review and perhaps update their current regulations to comply with recent changes in statutory law or planning practice and to make their regulations consistent with local and regional plans. To that end, it is recommended that towns review the model bylaws even though their current regulations may appear to address the particular topic.
For more information, contact Cape Cod Commission Chief Planner Sharon Rooney or Chief Regulatory Officer Kristy Senatori, (508) 362-3828.