The North River Commission is moving forward on developing a new float bylaw aimed at regulating dock and float structures along the North River, with a strong emphasis on achieving consistency and enforceability across the six towns it serves.
The proposed float bylaw aims to establish clear, consistent guidelines for the size, placement, and design of docks and floats along the North River. Intended to address inconsistencies in past permitting decisions and reduce environmental impact, the bylaw would set regional standards—such as limiting floats to dimensions like Marshfield’s 10-by-20-foot model—and restrict encroachment into the open water channel. It also emphasizes environmental restraint, navigational safety, and coordination with local permitting authorities. While still in draft form, the bylaw is designed to align with the North River Protective Order and will undergo public and town review before final adoption.
Stephen Lynch, chair of the bylaw subcommittee, encouraged fellow members to continue providing written input. Lynch noted that once the commission agrees on a working draft, the plan is to shop the proposal around to local boards—including select boards, conservation commissions, zoning boards, and harbormasters—for feedback before releasing it to the public.
Maryanne Leonard of Marshfield emphasized the need to communicate with conservation commissions early so they have the opportunity to weigh in on it during their upcoming hearings. Lynch noted that the process varies by town and the commissioners agreed it would be helpful to compile a guide describing each town’s approval process to avoid confusion and ensure cooperation when the bylaw is implemented.
Enforcement of the proposed bylaw was a central concern during the meeting, with commissioners expressing uncertainty about whether the North River Commission has legal authority to impose penalties or compel compliance.
Chair Willard “Bill” Boulter argued that enforcement mechanisms are essential if the commission is to adopt new regulations, while others, including Hanover Alternate Andrew Butler, emphasized the need to remain within the commission’s advisory role. Commissioners discussed potential avenues such as referring violations to the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), using deed restrictions to delay property sales, or coordinating with town officials.
Several members stressed the importance of being transparent about the limits of the commission’s authority. “We are not an enforcement group. We are an advisory group who doesn’t have enforcement entitlement,” Butler said. Ultimately, members agreed that the bylaw should clearly define what the commission can and cannot enforce, and how enforcement—if any—would be carried out.
The commission does not plan to rush the process. Lynch estimated that public hearings and a vote on the bylaw would likely take place later this year.
For now, commission members have two more meetings to submit comments. After that, the document will be shared with town officials for feedback, followed by public review and a formal commission vote.
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