Pop. 45,237 · Bristol County
Attleboro's Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 17 of the City Code) does not set a numeric per-bedroom occupancy cap specifically for short-term rentals. STR operators in Attleboro are bound by the State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410), the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) sleeping-room standards, and the maximum occupancy declared on the operator's MA Department of Revenue STR registration filed under MGL c.64G.
Massachusetts state law preempts this topic. MGL c.175, §4F (added by Chapter 337 of the Acts of 2018) requires every short-term rental operator in Attleboro to maintain at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance per stay, unless the booking platform provides equal or greater coverage. Attleboro has not adopted a separate local insurance ordinance.
Attleboro regulates carports as accessory structures under the City Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 17 of the City Code). Section 17-3.5(7) governs accessory use regulations. Carports must satisfy the dimensional and setback requirements of the underlying residence district (Single Residence SR or General Residence GR) and must sit on the same lot as the principal dwelling. Building permits are issued under 780 CMR (Massachusetts State Building Code) by Attleboro's Building Department.
Under Massachusetts law (Ch. 358 of Acts of 2024, effective Feb 2025), ADUs under 900 sq ft are allowed by right on single-family lots statewide, including Attleboro. ADUs must have a separate entrance and cannot exceed 900 sq ft or half the principal dwelling area. Both attached and detached ADUs are permitted.
Garage conversions in Attleboro require building permits and must comply with the zoning ordinance and 780 CMR building code. Conversions to living space must meet residential code standards. ADU conversions may be allowed by right under the 2025 state law if under 900 sq ft.
Attleboro regulates accessory structures through its zoning ordinance. Building permits may be required depending on size. Structures must comply with zoning district setback requirements. The Planning & Development department handles zoning review.
Foundation-built tiny homes in Bristol County must meet 780 CMR and local minimum dwelling size. Tiny homes on wheels classify as RVs/manufactured homes under MGL ch. 140 §32. MBTA Communities Act (ch. 40A §3A) expanded ADU options statewide.
Attleboro addresses nuisance dogs under its animal control ordinance and state law MGL Ch. 140. Dogs that habitually bark or cause disturbances may result in enforcement action. Animal Control (27A Pond Street North) handles complaints.
Attleboro adopted a noise ordinance giving police the ability to issue citations and fines for excessive noise. Noise plainly audible at 200 feet may trigger enforcement. The MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10 regulation also applies, prohibiting sound exceeding ambient levels by more than 10 dBA at the property line.
Attleboro regulates construction noise under its general noise ordinance and zoning provisions. Any use that is significantly offensive or detrimental to surrounding properties by reason of excessive noise may be restricted. Standard construction hours follow typical Massachusetts municipal practice.
Leaf blowers in Bristol County municipalities operate under local noise bylaws. No countywide rule; Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton each set their own hours. MA has no statewide leaf blower ban.
Amplified music in Bristol County cities requires entertainment licenses from the local licensing board. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton each regulate outdoor amplification. MGL c. 272 §53 disturbing-the-peace is the state backstop.
Massachusetts regulates industrial and commercial noise statewide through the Department of Environmental Protection under the Air Pollution Control regulations, prohibiting noise that creates a condition of air pollution.
Attleboro allows open burning during the annual season from January 15 to May 1, between 10 AM and 4 PM (no fires started after noon). A free burning permit from the Fire Department is required. Burning must be at least 75 feet from all dwellings with a water source nearby.
All consumer fireworks including sparklers are illegal in Massachusetts under MGL Ch. 148 §39. Attleboro strictly enforces this ban. Only licensed professionals may conduct public displays with proper permits from the Fire Department and State Fire Marshal.
Recreational fire pits in Attleboro are subject to MassDEP open burning regulations. Fire pits used exclusively for cooking are allowed year-round. The Fire Department may impose temporary bans during dry conditions and elevated wildfire risk. Contact the Fire Prevention Division for specific requirements.
Attleboro may require vegetation management for fire safety. MA does not have a statewide defensible space mandate. Local property maintenance applies.
Bristol County is not in a high wildfire-hazard zone like western states, but DCR Bureau of Forest Fire Control enforces MGL ch. 48 §13 open-burning rules. Freetown-Fall River State Forest and pine barrens near Lakeville carry elevated brush-fire risk each spring.
Massachusetts requires a state fire marshal license and local fire chief permit to store flammable gases including propane above specified threshold quantities.
Attleboro regulates vehicle parking through Chapter 10 of the Ordinances and the zoning code. Oversized vehicles must comply with general street parking rules. During snow emergencies, all vehicles are prohibited on both sides of all streets.
Attleboro regulates commercial vehicle parking through its traffic ordinances and zoning code. Service zone loading is limited to 15 minutes (30 minutes while actively loading/unloading). Commercial vehicles must comply with all parking regulations.
Attleboro enforces parking regulations under Chapter 10 of the City Ordinances. During snow emergencies per Ordinance 10-5.1(A), parking is prohibited on both sides of all public streets and roadways. Unregistered or uninspected vehicles on public streets are prohibited.
Attleboro's zoning ordinance regulates off-street parking and driveways. Paved parking areas must comply with zoning district setback requirements. Building permits may be required for new driveway construction. The zoning ordinance requires landscape buffers adjacent to residential properties.
MGL ch. 90 §22C defines abandoned vehicles. Bristol County cities tag and tow after 72 hours on public streets. Private property storage of junk vehicles prohibited under local blight ordinances — must be registered and operable or enclosed.
New Bedford and Fall River ban on-street overnight parking during declared winter snow emergencies. Taunton has no blanket overnight ban but enforces posted signs. All three permit resident permit parking in some neighborhoods.
EV charger installations in Bristol County require electrical permit under 527 CMR 12. Massachusetts Stretch Code and Specialized Code (780 CMR Appendix 115.AA) require EV-ready spaces in new construction. Mass Save rebates available.
Attleboro regulates fences through its zoning ordinance. The city requires fences in certain contexts as part of screening and buffer requirements between land uses. MGL Ch. 49 §21 prohibits spite fences over 6 feet if built maliciously. Pool fences must comply with 780 CMR.
Massachusetts law under MGL Ch. 49 §21 prohibits spite fences over 6 feet erected maliciously. Massachusetts has no shared-cost statute. Attleboro's zoning code requires screening buffers between disparate land uses which may involve fencing.
Attleboro may require a building permit for fence installation depending on height and location. The Planning & Development department handles zoning permits. Pool barrier fences must comply with 780 CMR and may require inspection.
780 CMR (Mass Building Code) requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet from footing to top. Walls supporting surcharge or over 4 feet need engineered plans stamped by Mass-licensed PE. Setbacks per local zoning.
Massachusetts 780 CMR Appendix G and 248 CMR 6.00 require 4-foot minimum barriers around all residential pools over 24 inches deep. Self-closing, self-latching gates with latches 54+ inches above grade. Fall River and New Bedford inspect at permit.
Fence materials in Bristol County cities follow local zoning bylaws. Wood, vinyl, and wrought iron are standard. Historic districts in New Bedford and Taunton require HDC approval. MGL c. 49 governs 'legal and sufficient' fences.
Attleboro requires dogs to be restrained with a leash at all times when off the owner's property under city ordinance and MGL Ch. 140. Annual licensing is required (April 1-March 31). Late fee of $25 per dog applies after June 1. Failure to license is a $50 fine.
Attleboro does not impose breed-specific legislation. The city enforces dangerous dog provisions under its ordinance and state law MGL Ch. 140. A dangerous dog is one that attacks causing physical injury or death without justification, or behaves in a manner posing an unjustified imminent threat.
Attleboro regulates animal keeping through Board of Health regulations. Massachusetts restricts exotic animal possession under MGL Ch. 131 §23 and 321 CMR 9.01, which lists prohibited species. The city does not have a specific exotic pet ordinance beyond state law.
Beekeeping in Attleboro is subject to Board of Health regulations and state law under 330 CMR 8.00 governing apiaries. Residents should contact the Board of Health for permit requirements and any local restrictions.
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.
MassWildlife (MGL ch. 131 §5A as amended) prohibits intentional feeding of black bears statewide. Bristol County cities restrict feeding of deer, turkeys, and coyotes. Unsecured trash and outdoor pet food attracting wildlife trigger local nuisance enforcement.
Animal cruelty including hoarding is criminalized statewide under M.G.L. Chapter 272 Section 77. Hoarding triggers welfare investigations and felony charges in severe cases.
Attleboro's mayor proposed a public tree protection ordinance to regulate planting, maintenance, and removal of public trees. The Attleboro Land Trust endorsed a revised wetlands ordinance extending the no-disturb zone from 25 to 50 feet. Property owners may trim branches extending over their property line under MA law.
Removal of public trees in Attleboro is regulated under the proposed/adopted tree protection ordinance. The ordinance governs planting, maintenance, and removal of public trees. Private tree removal generally does not require a city permit unless in wetlands buffer or protected area.
Attleboro's water supply is managed through the city water department. Outdoor water use restrictions may be imposed during drought conditions per MassDEP guidelines. The zoning ordinance requires landscape screening to be opaque year-round.
Attleboro enforces property maintenance standards through its code enforcement division. The zoning ordinance requires all landscaped areas to be properly maintained. Overgrown vegetation may be addressed as a nuisance condition under city ordinances.
Rainwater harvesting is legal and unrestricted in Bristol County. Massachusetts has no state limits on residential collection. Rain barrels and cisterns allowed without special permits.
Native plant landscaping encouraged across Bristol County. MGL ch. 184 §23C protects water-conserving and native landscaping from HOA bans. Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List (333 CMR 13) bars planting of invasive species. State rebates for lawn conversion are limited.
Artificial turf allowed in Bristol County residential yards. No permit unless grading changes. Some Massachusetts communities have restricted synthetic turf fields for PFAS and stormwater concerns. MGL ch. 184 §23C limits HOA bans on water-conserving landscaping.
Bristol County municipalities enforce weed and overgrowth abatement through local property maintenance bylaws. Abatement costs can be liened under MGL c. 139 §3A. Invasive knotweed and phragmites are common concerns.
Attleboro requires building permits for swimming pool installations. All pools must comply with 780 CMR barrier and safety requirements. Electrical permits are required for pool wiring. The Building Inspector enforces pool safety compliance.
Attleboro requires pool barrier fences per Massachusetts Building Code 780 CMR. Barriers must be at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Gate latches must be at least 54 inches from ground. Pool fences within 15 feet of side/rear lot lines must meet additional setback requirements.
Above-ground pools in Attleboro must comply with 780 CMR barrier requirements. Pools holding water deeper than 24 inches require barrier compliance. Pools with sides less than 48 inches need additional fencing. Ladders must be removable or have a lockable gate.
All swimming pools in Bristol County require building permits under 780 CMR (MA State Building Code) and must comply with 105 CMR 435. Code is uniform statewide; municipalities cannot relax requirements.
Hot tubs over 24 inches deep in Bristol County require permit under 780 CMR Appendix G with 48-inch barriers. Electrical permit required under 527 CMR 12 for 240V circuit. Approved locking safety covers may satisfy barrier rules.
Attleboro regulates home occupations under its zoning ordinance. Residential districts (Single Residence SR and General Residence GR) restrict commercial activity. Any use that is significantly hazardous, offensive, or detrimental by reason of excessive noise or nuisance may be restricted or require special permits.
Attleboro's zoning ordinance restricts signage in residential districts. Home occupations must not alter the residential character of the premises. Commercial signage in residential areas is generally prohibited.
Attleboro's zoning ordinance regulates traffic generated by home businesses. Uses that are significantly detrimental to surrounding properties may be restricted or require special permits. Home occupations must not generate traffic incompatible with the residential district.
Home childcare in Massachusetts licensed by EEC (Department of Early Education and Care). Family Child Care licenses allow up to 6 or 10 children. MGL ch. 40A §3 prevents local zoning from barring licensed family childcare.
Massachusetts Residential Kitchen Operator program under 105 CMR 590 requires registration with local Board of Health. Permitted non-potentially hazardous foods only. Bristol County BOHs (Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton) issue permits after inspection.
Attleboro has FEMA-designated special flood hazard areas, particularly along the Ten Mile River corridor. The city participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces floodplain regulations through its zoning ordinance. GIS tools are available through the Planning & Development department.
Grading in Bristol County requires local building/engineering permits and ConCom review near wetlands. Drainage cannot be redirected to neighboring parcels. 780 CMR controls retaining walls over 4 feet.
Coastal development in Bristol County (Fall River, New Bedford, Fairhaven, Dartmouth, Westport, Swansea) requires Conservation Commission review under WPA and MA CZM consistency review. Strict limits near wetlands and flood zones.
Stormwater in Bristol County follows MA Stormwater Handbook under MGL c. 131 §40 and MS4 permits. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton operate under EPA NPDES MS4 permits with illicit discharge bylaws.
Erosion and sediment control is required for all land-disturbing activity in Bristol County. NPDES Construction General Permit applies to 1+ acre sites. Conservation Commission review triggers at wetland buffers.
Attleboro enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.
Bristol County municipal parks close from dusk (or 9 to 11 PM) to dawn. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton post hours at each park. After-hours presence is trespassing under MGL c. 266 §120.
Bristol County landlords must follow MGL ch. 239 summary process for evictions. No-fault evictions require 30-day or rental-period notice; non-payment requires 14-day notice to quit. Self-help eviction is barred by MGL ch. 184 §18.
New Bedford requires rental registration and inspection every 5 years under city ordinance. Fall River requires a rental certificate. Taunton enforces state Sanitary Code inspections. Lead paint disclosure required for pre-1978 units under MGL ch. 111 §197A.
Rent control is banned statewide in Massachusetts under MGL c. 40P (1994 ballot initiative). Bristol County landlords may raise rents with proper notice. Tenant protections under MGL c. 186 apply.
Adults 21+ in Bristol County can grow up to 6 cannabis plants (12 per household) under MGL c. 94G §7. Plants must be enclosed and not visible from public areas.
Cannabis retailers in Bristol County operate under CCC licensing (935 CMR 500). Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton approved retail; some towns opted out under MGL c. 94G §3.
Public shade trees in Bristol County are protected by MGL c. 87 §3 — removal requires Tree Warden approval and public hearing. Private-property tree-removal rules vary by municipality.
Replacement planting is required when permitted public shade trees are removed under MGL c. 87. Some Bristol County municipalities set private-property replacement ratios through local bylaw.
Heritage and specimen trees in Bristol County receive enhanced protection under local bylaws and MGL c. 87. Historic districts and conservation land have added restrictions.
Massachusetts Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410 and local blight ordinances in Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton target deteriorating properties. Vacant property registration required in all three cities. Liens placed on property for uncorrected violations.
Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton require trash/recycling bins be stored out of public view between collection days. Bins placed curbside evening before or morning of pickup and retrieved same day. Overflowing or open-lidded bins violate health code.
Property maintenance codes in Bristol County cities require organized display and same-day cleanup for yard sales. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton enforce blight citations for abandoned items.
Property owners in Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, and most Bristol County cities must clear sidewalks within 24 to 48 hours of snowfall. Papadopoulos (2010) established statewide premises-liability duty.
Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton require vacant lot owners to mow (grass under 8-12 inches), remove trash, and secure the site. Vacant property registration required. Municipal mowing and cleanup billed to owner with lien for non-payment.
Commercial drone work in Bristol County requires FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification. New Bedford and Taunton airport Class D airspace requires LAANC. Municipal filming permits may apply.
Recreational drones in Bristol County follow FAA rules under 49 USC §44809. New Bedford Regional Airport (KEWB) and T.F. Green proximity create Class D/E restricted airspace requiring LAANC authorization.
Several Bristol County municipalities maintain no-knock lists. Posted 'No Soliciting' signs must be honored by permitted commercial canvassers. Political and religious canvassing remain First Amendment protected.
Door-to-door solicitors in Bristol County cities need a local hawker/peddler or canvasser permit, often with CORI background check. State license under MGL c. 101 covers commercial peddlers.
Vending zones in Bristol County cities restrict food trucks by distance from brick-and-mortar restaurants and schools. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton designate approved locations.
Food trucks in Bristol County need a local mobile vendor permit and a 105 CMR 590 mobile food permit from the municipal Board of Health. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton issue separately.
Lot coverage ratios in Bristol County zoning districts typically cap impervious coverage at 40 to 60%. MA Stormwater Standards add post-construction treatment for larger disturbances.
Setback requirements in Bristol County are set by local zoning under MGL c. 40A. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton each have residential districts with distinct front, side, and rear minimums.
Height limits in Bristol County residential zones typically cap at 35 feet or 2.5 stories. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton downtowns allow greater heights. 780 CMR controls construction.
Political signs allowed on private property in Bristol County under First Amendment and Reed v. Town of Gilbert. MGL ch. 54 and local sign codes impose reasonable time/place/manner limits. Signs in state highway ROW prohibited by MassDOT.
Holiday decorations freely allowed on private property across Bristol County. No permits required. Must not block sidewalks or sight triangles, must use outdoor-rated electrical equipment, and must respect noise ordinances for animated/musical displays.
Bristol County cities allow small temporary yard-sale signs on private property. Signs on utility poles, street trees, and public ROW prohibited. Many permits require same-day removal. New Bedford and Fall River actively remove sign clutter.
Massachusetts MGL ch. 184 §23C limits private restrictions on solar energy systems. HOAs and condo associations may impose reasonable aesthetic conditions but cannot effectively prohibit rooftop solar. Bristol County HOAs are uncommon outside newer subdivisions.
Solar installations in Bristol County require building and electrical permits under 780 CMR and 527 CMR. Massachusetts SMART program and net metering apply. MGL ch. 40A §3 limits municipal restrictions on solar access.
Bristol County garage sales typically run 8 AM to 6 PM. Weekend sales (Friday through Sunday) are most common. Early setup before 7 AM may violate local noise bylaws.
Bristol County garage sales are generally limited to 2 to 4 per household per year to distinguish occasional sales from unlicensed retail. Each sale typically runs 2 to 3 days.
Most Bristol County municipalities do not require garage sale permits. A few towns require simple registration. MGL c. 101 hawker/peddler law exempts bona fide occasional yard sales.
Curbside recycling is mandatory in Bristol County cities for paper, cardboard, metal, glass, and plastics #1 and #2. MassDEP 310 CMR 19.017 bans listed recyclables from the trash stream statewide.
Bulk pickup in Bristol County cities requires advance scheduling. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton accept furniture and appliances with appointments. Mattresses must be separated per MassDEP waste ban.
Carts must be placed curbside by 7 AM and removed within 24 hours of pickup. Fall River and New Bedford cite repeat offenders. Carts must be stored out of public view between pickups.
Trash and recycling collection in Bristol County is handled by each municipality. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton provide weekly curbside pickup. MassDEP waste bans prohibit disposal of certain materials.
Bristol County cities prohibit outdoor lighting that trespasses onto neighboring properties. Typical limit: 0.5 to 1.0 foot-candles at the residential property line. Enforcement is complaint-driven.
Bristol County municipalities regulate outdoor lighting through local zoning to reduce light pollution. Fully shielded fixtures are standard for new commercial development. Residential rules vary by town.
Massachusetts sets a statewide minimum wage of $15.00 per hour under MGL Chapter 151, and generally preempts cities from adopting higher local minimum wages.
Massachusetts provides paid family and medical leave through the PFML program under MGL Chapter 175M, plus paid sick time under the Earned Sick Time Law for most employees.
Massachusetts has no statewide predictive scheduling law, leaving most scheduling rules to standard wage and hour law under MGL Chapter 151 with limited reporting-pay protections.
Massachusetts requires a License to Carry under MGL Chapter 140 Section 131 to carry concealed handguns, with applications processed by local police chiefs subject to suitability review.
Massachusetts grants local police chiefs significant licensing authority over firearms while state law sets uniform standards through MGL Chapter 140 for licensing, sales, and possession statewide.
Massachusetts technically permits open carry with a valid License to Carry, but the practice is rare and discouraged, with municipalities and businesses commonly prohibiting visible firearms.
Massachusetts requires a valid License to Carry under MGL Chapter 140 Section 131 to transport loaded handguns in a vehicle, with strict storage rules applying to long guns and unlicensed possession.
Massachusetts protects agricultural land use through MGL Chapter 40A Section 3, exempting agriculture, horticulture, and floriculture from most local zoning restrictions on parcels of five acres or more.
Massachusetts protects commercial agriculture from nuisance lawsuits under MGL Chapter 111 Section 125A, recognizing farms operating consistent with generally accepted practices as not constituting a nuisance.
Massachusetts has no statewide plastic bag ban or preemption, allowing over 160 cities and towns to enact their own single-use plastic bag prohibitions under home-rule authority.
Massachusetts has not enacted a statewide polystyrene ban, but dozens of cities and towns prohibit foam food containers, and state procurement rules limit foam in agency purchases.
Massachusetts does not regulate plastic straws statewide, but several cities and towns require restaurants to provide straws only on request or use compostable alternatives.
Massachusetts requires purchasers of tobacco and vape products to be at least 21 years of age under MGL Chapter 270 Section 6, predating the 2019 federal Tobacco 21 law.
Massachusetts became the first state to ban all flavored tobacco products including menthol cigarettes and flavored vapes under MGL Chapter 270 Section 6, effective June 2020.
Massachusetts heavily restricts vape retail under MGL Chapter 270 Section 6, banning flavored vape products statewide and limiting nicotine vape sales to licensed adult-only smoking bars.