New Bedford, MA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Section 2700's dimensional-requirements table, Appendix B, sets a 45-foot maximum building height in both the RA and RB residence districts, rising to 60 feet if the building is used for religious, educational, or institutional purposes. The RC district allows 60 feet outright, and RAA, the lowest-density residential district, caps height at 35 feet, again with a 60-foot allowance for religious, educational or institutional buildings. The mixed single/two-family district, MUB, allows 45 feet for one- and two-family homes but up to 100 feet for a three-family building or other permitted use, while the more permissive districts near downtown and the industrial districts allow up to 100 feet.

Section 2780 clarifies that these height limits also govern chimneys, cooling towers, flagpoles, elevator bulkheads, skylights, ventilators, domes, stacks, spires and wireless communications facilities mounted on a roof, not just the main structure. Section 2730 lets the Board of Appeals grant a dimensional variance from the height limit, along with frontage, lot area and sideline requirements, if the applicant shows the property's soil, shape or topography creates a hardship a literal reading of the ordinance would impose, and that relief would not harm the public good or undercut the ordinance's intent.