Height limits in Bristol County residential zones typically cap at 35 feet or 2.5 stories. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton downtowns allow greater heights. 780 CMR controls construction.
Each Bristol County municipality sets building height limits in its zoning bylaw under MGL c. 40A. Typical residential caps: 35 feet or 2.5 stories, whichever is less, measured from average finished grade to the highest roof point. Fall River downtown B-3 and waterfront districts permit 60+ feet. New Bedford's CBD zone allows 55-75 feet. Taunton downtown mixed-use zones vary by overlay. Chimneys, antennas, elevator bulkheads, and HVAC equipment generally exempt up to 10-15 feet above the limit. Mill-building adaptive reuse projects in Fall River and New Bedford frequently require height variances from the ZBA. 780 CMR (State Building Code) governs structural construction regardless of zoning height. Height variances require ZBA review under MGL c. 40A §10.
Exceeding height: stop-work order. Required reduction or variance. Fines $250 to $2,000 per violation. Removal possible under MGL c. 143 §§6-7.
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See how New Bedford's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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