Maps and GIS
The Mandatory Shoreland Zoning Act (MSZA) requires municipalities to adopt, administer, and enforce local ordinances that regulate land use activities in the shoreland zone. The shoreland zone is comprised of all land areas within 250 feet, horizontal distance, of the normal high-water line of any great pond or river; upland edge of a coastal wetland, including all areas affected by tidal action, and upland edge of defined freshwater wetlands; and all land areas within 75 feet, horizontal distance, of the normal high-water line of certain streams.
The purposes of the Shoreline Zoning are as follows:
- to prevent and control water pollution;
- to protect fish spawning grounds, bird and wildlife habitat;
- to protect buildings and lands from flooding and accelerated erosion;
- to protect archeological and historic resources;
- to protect commercial fishing and maritime industries;
- to protect freshwater and coastal wetlands;
- to control building sites, placement of structures and land uses;
- to conserve shore cover, and visual as well as actual points of access to inland and coastal waters;
- to conserve natural beauty and open space; and
- to anticipate and respond to the impacts of development in shoreland areas.
Other maps: