Model coastal resiliency bylaw to be presented at annual environmental conference

The Cape Cod Commission has developed a model coastal resiliency bylaw in partnership with the Urban Harbors Institute (UHI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston; Noble, Wickersham, and Heart, LLP; Woods Hole Group; and the towns of Bourne, Sandwich, Brewster, and Eastham. The bylaw serves as a resource to towns seeking to improve coastal resilience.  

“Responding to Climate Change: Promoting Resilient Local Action” was funded by a Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Planning Assistance Grant.    

Cape Cod Commission Natural Resources Program Manager Heather McElroy will present the bylaw during the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions annual virtual environmental conference. Heather will be joined by Kristin Uiterwyk of the Urban Harbors Institute, Barbara Landau of Noble Wickersham and Heart, LLP, and Shannon Hulst of the Barnstable County Cooperative Extension and Woods Hole Sea Grant. Shannon will present a companion zoning bylaw developed in concert with the coastal resiliency bylaw. They will present on the first day of the conference, March 1, 2022.   

 The model bylaw identifies natural resource protection, flood protection, and land use strategies that provide coastal and climate resiliency through mitigation and adaption to protect the natural, built, and community systems of Cape Cod.    

The model bylaw has been drafted to be included within an existing local wetlands bylaw. Towns can adapt the bylaw to fit their needs, and Conservation Commissions may adopt certain elements (such as performance standards) as Local Regulations rather than as part of the bylaw.   

Learn more about the coastal resiliency bylaw and other resources by visiting www.capecodcommission.org/our-work/coastal-resiliency-bylaw