Taunton's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Taunton, Massachusetts, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Taunton's Zoning Ordinance bars clearing land or clear-cutting trees, along with excavation, gravel removal or filling, before every required approval, permit, variance, license and authorization for the underlying use is issued. Inside required landscaped buffer zones, mature woodlands can't be thinned by more than 50%, and preserved woodland can substitute for new plantings.

Key details: Land clearing: Barred until all permits and approvals issue. Woodland thinning cap: No more than 50% in buffer zones. Buffer planting ratio: 2 canopy + 5 understory trees per 500 sq ft. Certification deadline: Written proof to City Planner within 30 days. Enforcing office: Zoning Enforcement Officer.

Clearing land or removing trees before permits issue, or violating the 50% woodland-thinning cap or buffer planting requirements, is a Chapter 440 zoning violation under § 440-301B: a fine of up to $300 per offense, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense, or escalating noncriminal fines of $50, $100 and $300 for a first, second and third violation. The Zoning Enforcement Officer inspects buffer compliance and can require corrective planting before signing off on a site plan.

Water Restrictions

Taunton's Municipal Council can vote to ban lawn watering, car washing and pool filling citywide whenever drought or other conditions require it. The Taunton Police Department enforces the ban, backed by the Water Division when police are stretched thin. A first violation draws a warning, later violations draw escalating fines, and repeat offenders can lose water service entirely.

Key details: Enforcing agency: Taunton Police Department, backed by Water Division. First offense: Written warning only. Second offense fine: $100. Third+ offense fine: $200 per day. Shutoff trigger: After fourth violation.

A first water-restriction violation is a warning only. The second costs $100, and every violation after that costs $200, with each day of noncompliance treated as a separate offense. A fourth violation can trigger a full water shutoff, restored only after every fine and fee is paid by bank check or money order. Watering in the rain under an unmaintained sprinkler system carries its own $300 fine starting with the second offense.

Weed Ordinances

Taunton caps yard vegetation at 12 inches within 100 feet of any residence under Code § 350-4(B), because taller growth can shelter rodents and vermin or become a fire hazard. The same subsection bars overgrown, decayed, dead or hazardous trees and shrubs anywhere on a property if they threaten anyone nearby or on an adjoining public way.

Key details: Height limit: 12 inches within 100 feet of a residence. Trigger: Rodent/vermin risk or fire hazard. Amended: 11-18-2014. Notice-to-cure: 10 days after written notice. First-offense fine: $50, rising to $300.

A property owner who ignores a § 350-5 notice to cut back overgrown vegetation faces escalating fines under § 350-6: $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second, $200 for a third, and $300 for the fourth and each later offense, with every day of noncompliance treated as a separate violation. The city can also send crews onto the property to cut the vegetation and bill the owner for the cost.

The Bottom Line

Taunton's landscaping rules 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 Taunton is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Taunton's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.