Plymouth County, MA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Setback source
- Town zoning bylaw
- Authority
- MGL c.40A Zoning Act
- County power
- None over zoning
- Relief
- ZBA variance
Summary
Plymouth County has no ordinance power over setbacks. Front, side, and rear yards are set by each town's zoning bylaw under the Massachusetts Zoning Act, MGL c.40A. Brockton, Plymouth, and South Shore towns each fix their own minimum yards.
provided, however, that such land or structures may be subject to reasonable regulations concerning the bulk and height of structures and determining yard sizes, lot area, setbacks, open space, parking and building coverage requirements.
Full Breakdown
Massachusetts counties cannot zone, so Plymouth County imposes no setbacks. Yard minimums come from the town zoning bylaw adopted under the Zoning Act, MGL c.40A, which authorizes reasonable regulations determining yard sizes and setbacks. Residential districts across the county commonly require a front setback of 20 to 30 feet, side yards of 10 to 15 feet, and a rear yard of 20 to 30 feet, but the exact figures differ by town and district. Coastal towns like Duxbury, Marshfield, and Scituate add wetlands and velocity-zone limits near the shore. A structure closer than the bylaw allows needs a variance from the town Zoning Board of Appeals under MGL c.40A §10.
Violations & Fines
The town building commissioner enforces setback violations, not the county. Building without required yards draws a stop-work order and a zoning enforcement action; relief requires a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals showing hardship under MGL c.40A §10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Plymouth County set property setbacks?
How do I build closer than the setback allows?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Plymouth County
Compare Plymouth County to another location·View the Massachusetts building setbacks & zoning overview
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