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.
Bristol County setbacks are governed by each municipality's zoning bylaw adopted under MGL c. 40A (Zoning Act). Typical Fall River R-A residential: 20-25 ft front, 8-15 ft side, 20 ft rear. New Bedford RA/RB zones: 15-25 ft front, 8-10 ft side, 20-25 ft rear. Taunton residential zones: 25 ft front, 10 ft side, 25 ft rear. Dense urban row-house blocks in older Fall River and New Bedford districts may permit 0-lot-line or reduced side yards. Corner lots need increased side setbacks along the street-facing side. Accessory structures (sheds, detached garages) commonly allow reduced rear setbacks of 3 to 10 feet. Variances require a hearing before the local Zoning Board of Appeals under MGL c. 40A §10. Eaves, decks, and bay windows may have specific projection exceptions.
Building within setback: stop-work order from building inspector. Fines $100 to $1,000 per violation. Unpermitted structures may be ordered removed at owner expense under MGL c. 143 §§6-7.
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Fall River, MA
Fall River prohibits all noises that menace health or interrupt sleep between 10 PM and 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 8 AM on Sundays. The city's noise regul...
Fall River, MA
Fall River addresses barking and nuisance dogs under MGL Ch. 140 §157. A dog that is a habitual barker or creates a nuisance may result in a citation with a ...
Fall River, MA
Fall River regulates construction noise under its general noise ordinance provisions. Construction activities that create excessive noise are prohibited duri...
Fall River, MA
Fall River's zoning code Ch. 86 §86-441 requires parking areas to be set back at least 10 feet from front lot lines and from abutting residential property li...
Fall River, MA
Fall River regulates the parking of trailers, semitrailers, and large vehicles on city streets under §70-320. Commercial buses designed to carry 7+ persons m...
Fall River, MA
Fall River enforces street parking regulations under Ch. 70 of the Revised Ordinances. A winter parking ban is declared when 3+ inches of snow are predicted,...
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