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.
Taunton, MA
Taunton adopted a comprehensive noise ordinance (Chapter 315) on November 2, 2021, prohibiting preventable and unnecessary noise. Noise that annoys or distur...
Taunton, MA
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 ...
Taunton, MA
Taunton's noise ordinance Chapter 315 prohibits keeping any animal or bird that causes frequent or long-continued sounds plainly audible within a noise-sensi...
Taunton, MA
Taunton enforces street parking regulations under its traffic ordinances. Parking lot landscaping is required for lots of 10+ spaces under the zoning code. T...
Taunton, MA
Taunton regulates commercial vehicle parking through traffic and zoning ordinances. Commercial vehicles must comply with general parking rules and zoning dis...
Taunton, MA
Taunton's zoning ordinance Chapter 440 regulates off-street parking and driveways. Rear yard parking areas must be at least 5 feet from adjoining property li...
See how Taunton's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
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