How Fall River Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide
Fall River maintains 100 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Fall River falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
ADU Rules
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. Fall River Mayor Coogan raised concerns about the law but it applies regardless. ADUs must have a separate entrance and cannot exceed half the principal dwelling's floor area or 900 sq ft.
Key details: State Law: Ch. 358 Acts of 2024: by right. Max Size: 900 sq ft or 50% of principal dwelling. Effective Date: February 2, 2025. Owner Occupancy: Cannot be required by municipality.
Municipalities cannot deny conforming ADU applications. Unpermitted ADU: standard building code enforcement under 780 CMR.
Shed & Carport Rules
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.
Key details: 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.
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.
The Bottom Line
Fall River's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Fall River is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Fall River can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.