Fall River, MA Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit authority
- Zoning Board of Appeals
- Legal basis
- MGL c. 40A, § 9A
- Parking/loading setback
- 750 ft from residential structures
- Closed hours
- 1:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Summary
Fall River requires a Zoning Board of Appeals special permit for any adult use in districts that allow one, plus a 750-foot parking/loading setback from residential structures and restricted operating hours.
In those districts which permit adult use, a special permit shall be required for any such adult use, to be granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals pursuant to MGL c. 40A, § 9A.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4739915; v14 updated 2025-12-23; through 12-23-2025).
Full Breakdown
In districts where adult use is permitted, Fall River's zoning code requires a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals under MGL c. 40A, § 9A before an adult bookstore, club, theater, or similar establishment can operate. Applicants must disclose ownership, management, and security details and pass a criminal-history check tied to specific state obscenity/minor-protection statutes. Parking and loading areas must sit at least 750 feet from any residential structure, and the business cannot operate between 1:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Violations & Fines
Operating an adult use without the required ZBA special permit, placing parking/loading within 750 feet of a residential structure, or staying open between 1:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. violates Division 7 and can trigger permit revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an adult business open anywhere it's zoned commercial in Fall River?
How far must adult-business parking be from homes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fall River
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Adult Entertainment in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bristol County handle adult entertainment.