Backyard chickens in Bristol County are regulated by municipal zoning. Urban Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton restrict poultry; rural towns like Rehoboth, Berkley, and Freetown allow hens with setbacks. MA Right-to-Farm protects designated ag areas.
Bristol County spans dense urban centers (Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton) and rural Right-to-Farm towns (Rehoboth, Dighton, Berkley, Freetown, Swansea). Urban zoning generally restricts or bans backyard poultry; where allowed, hen limits are typically 6 to 12, roosters prohibited, and coops must sit 25 to 50 feet from property lines. Rural towns adopt MGL c. 40 §8L Right-to-Farm bylaws protecting agricultural operations from nuisance complaints. Livestock (goats, pigs, horses) are limited to agricultural zones. Board of Health enforcement handles sanitary conditions under 105 CMR 410. Dog-licensing is required statewide under MGL c. 140 §137. MGL c. 129 §26B governs poultry sales. Beekeeping follows MGL c. 128 §§32-36.
Unauthorized livestock: removal order from local animal control or board of health. Nuisance fines: $50 to $500 per day. Sanitary violations under 105 CMR 410 can trigger condemnation.
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