Fall River, MA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Fall River, MA, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Setback
- 20 ft street / 6 ft building
- Setback
- 4 ft side/rear yard
- Max height
- 18 feet
- Max shed size
- 200 square feet
- Variance path
- ZBA special permit can exceed caps
Summary
Detached garages and sheds in Fall River must sit at least 20 feet from the street, 6 feet from any building, and 4 feet from side/rear lot lines, capped at 18 feet tall, with sheds limited to 200 square feet.
Any private unattached garage or shed in any district shall be placed at least 20 feet from the street line, six feet from any building and four feet from the side and rear line of the lot. The maximum height of an unattached garage or shed shall not exceed 18 feet. The maximum size of an unattached garage foundation shall not exceed 750 square feet or 12% of the lot area, whichever is less. The maximum size of a shed shall not exceed 200 square feet. Any private attached garage in any district shall be placed at least 20 feet from the street line and four feet from the side and rear line of the lot or meet the minimum setbacks for the district in which it is located, whichever is greater. The Zoning Board of Appeals may grant a special permit for the construction of a garage or shed in excess of the maximum size, provided the Board finds that the scale of the proposed structure is consistent with neighboring structures and that the proposed structure will not impact the use and enjoyment of the abutting properties.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4739915; v14 updated 2025-12-23; through 12-23-2025).
Full Breakdown
Division 5 of the General Regulations article sets citywide dimensional standards for detached accessory buildings. An unattached garage or shed must sit at least 20 feet from the street line, 6 feet from any building, and 4 feet from side and rear lot lines, topping out at 18 feet tall. A detached garage foundation is capped at 750 square feet or 12% of the lot, whichever is smaller, and a shed can't exceed 200 square feet. Attached garages instead follow a 20-foot street and 4-foot side/rear setback, or the district minimum if greater. The Zoning Board of Appeals can permit larger structures if the scale fits the neighborhood.
Violations & Fines
A shed or detached garage that breaches the § 86-466 setback, height, or size limits without a Zoning Board of Appeals special permit is a zoning violation subject to a stop-work or removal order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can my backyard shed be in Fall River?
Can I build a bigger shed than the code allows?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fall River
How Fall River compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Fall River to another location·View the Massachusetts accessory structures overview
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Shed & Carport Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bristol County handle shed & carport rules.