Moving to Taunton, MA? Here Are the Local Rules You Should Know

Taunton, Massachusetts may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 40 tracked ordinances across 12 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Short-Term Rentals

Insurance Requirements: Taunton has no separate STR insurance ordinance, but Massachusetts MGL c. 175, § 4F (enacted by 2018 Ch.

Also covered: Occupancy Limits (moderate), Parking Rules (moderate), Permit Requirements (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Taunton for details.

Accessory Structures

Carport Rules: Taunton Zoning § 440-201 lists carports as accessory structures. Under § 440-711, carports must be subordinate to the principal use, with length-to-width ratio not exceeding 3:1.

Also covered: Garage Conversions (moderate), ADU Rules (moderate), Shed Rules (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Taunton for details.

Parking Rules

RV & Boat Parking: Taunton regulates parking and vehicle storage through its zoning and traffic ordinances. Oversized vehicles must comply with general street parking rules.

Also covered: Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate), Street Parking Limits (moderate), Driveway Rules (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Taunton for details.

Noise Ordinances

Construction Hours: Taunton restricts construction, demolition, alteration, and repair of buildings to 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM under Chapter 315. Work outside these hours requires a permit from the Building Commissioner, granted only for urgent public health/safety necessity for up to 3 days..

Also covered: Barking Dogs (moderate), Quiet Hours (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Taunton for details.

Animal Ordinances

Dog Leash Laws: Taunton's Chapter 191 requires all dogs to be on a leash of 6 feet or less when off the owner's premises. Dogs must not run at large.

Also covered: Breed Restrictions (moderate), Exotic Pets (moderate), Beekeeping (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Taunton for details.

Fence Regulations

Height Limits: Taunton's zoning ordinance Chapter 440 defines fences of 7 feet or less as not constituting a 'building,' meaning they are generally exempt from building regulations. Fences over 7 feet would be treated as structures requiring additional review.

Also covered: Permit Requirements (moderate), Neighbor Fence Rules (permissive). See the full fence regulations guide for Taunton for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: All consumer fireworks including sparklers are illegal in Massachusetts under MGL Ch. 148 §39.

Also covered: Outdoor Burning (moderate), Fire Pit Rules (moderate), Brush Clearance (permissive). See the full fire regulations guide for Taunton for details.

Landscaping Rules

Water Restrictions: Taunton's water supply is managed through the city water department. Outdoor water use restrictions may be imposed during drought conditions per MassDEP guidelines.

Also covered: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (moderate), Tree Trimming (moderate), Grass Height Limits (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Taunton for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Taunton's zoning ordinance restricts signage for home occupations in residential districts. Home businesses must not alter the residential character of the premises through exterior signs or displays.

Also covered: Zoning Restrictions (moderate), Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for Taunton for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Taunton requires pool barrier fences per Massachusetts Building Code 780 CMR. Barriers must be at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates.

Also covered: Safety Rules (moderate), Above-Ground Pools (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Taunton for details.

Curfew Laws

Juvenile Curfew: Taunton 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..

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Taunton has FEMA-designated special flood hazard areas, particularly along the Taunton River and Mill River corridors. The city participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces floodplain regulations through its zoning ordinance.

What to Do With This Information

If you are moving to Taunton, buying a home, or starting a project, use this as a starting point. Each category links to detailed pages with the full text, penalties, and FAQs. Verify anything time-sensitive with Taunton's city hall or code enforcement office.