offered by
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management

Waterways Program (Chapter 91)

Learn about the Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act, the oldest waterways law in the nation.

MassDEP administers the regulatory provisions of the Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act (the oldest waterways law in the United States), commonly called "Chapter 91". The program issues licenses for projects in waterways and ensures that projects meet public-access requirements.

First time? Start here.

Guide:
Waterways Permitting - Frequently Asked Questions 

What would you like to do?

Top tasks

WW 24: General License Certification 
WW 01, 03, 14, 15, 16, 17: Chapter 91 Waterways License 

What you need to know

Overview of Chapter 91 
Chapter 91 - Frequently Asked Questions 
All Chapter 91 & Water Quality Certification Forms 
Waterways Laws, Regulations, and Guidance 
Waterways File Review & Research 
Chapter 91 General Licenses Filed with Registries of Deeds 

Contact Information

Address

1 Winter Street, 5th floor, Boston, MA 02108
directions 

Phone

617-292-5929

Online

DEP.Waterways@mass.gov

Related Services

Additional Resources

310 CMR 9.00: The Massachusetts Waterways Regulation
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