Accessory Structures in Fall River, MA (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Fall River, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Under Massachusetts law (Ch. 358 of Acts of 2024, effective Feb 2025), ADUs under 900 sq ft are allowed by right on single-family lots statewide. Fall River Mayor Coogan raised concerns about the law but it applies regardless. ADUs must have a separate entrance and cannot exceed half the principal dwelling's floor area or 900 sq ft.
Fall River ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules
Some RestrictionsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 40A, Sec. 3 (Accessory Dwelling Units Allowed As-of-Right in Single-Family Zoning Districts)
No zoning ordinance or by-law shall prohibit, unreasonably restrict or require a special permit or other discretionary zoning approval for the use of land or structures for a single accessory dwelling unit, or the rental thereof, in a single-family residential zoning district; provided, that the use of land or structures for such accessory dwelling unit under this paragraph may be subject to re...
Shed Rules
Fall River's Zoning Code Ch. 86 regulates sheds as accessory structures. Unattached sheds must be set back 20 feet from the street line, 6 feet from any building, and 4 feet from side and rear lot lines. Maximum shed size is 200 square feet. Maximum height for unattached structures is 18 feet.
Fall River Shed & Outbuilding Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions in Fall River require compliance with the zoning code and building permits. Attached garages must maintain a 20-foot street setback and 4-foot side/rear setback or the minimum district setback, whichever is greater. Conversions to living space must meet 780 CMR building code requirements.
Fall River Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Fall River regulates carports under Chapter 86 (Zoning) of the City Code, with accessory-structure setbacks set out in Section 86-446 (garages and sheds) and the General Regulations of Article VI. A detached private garage or shed must sit at least 20 feet from the street line, 6 feet from any building, and 4 feet from side and rear lot lines. Maximum height is 18 feet and a detached garage foundation may not exceed 750 square feet or 12% of the lot area, whichever is less. Building permits are issued by Fall River Inspectional Services under 780 CMR.
Carport Rules in Fall River
Some RestrictionsLooking for Bristol County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fall River city rules.
Accessory Structures in Bristol County →