Landscaping Rules in Taunton, MA (2026)
3 verified landscaping rules for Taunton, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Taunton's Zoning Ordinance bars clearing land or clear-cutting trees, along with excavation, gravel removal or filling, before every required approval, permit, variance, license and authorization for the underlying use is issued. Inside required landscaped buffer zones, mature woodlands can't be thinned by more than 50%, and preserved woodland can substitute for new plantings.
Taunton Tree Removal & Buffer Thinning Rules
Some RestrictionsTaunton Code § 440-701A; § 440-702A(6)
§ 440-701. Land clearing. ... Land clearing or clear-cutting of trees and excavation, gravel removal, or filling of earth, in anticipation of any use permitted or authorized by special permit of this chapter, or laws of the commonwealth, is prohibited prior to the issuance of all required approvals, permits, variances, licenses and authorizations. Limited clearing and excavation are allowed for...
Weed Ordinances
Taunton caps yard vegetation at 12 inches within 100 feet of any residence under Code § 350-4(B), because taller growth can shelter rodents and vermin or become a fire hazard. The same subsection bars overgrown, decayed, dead or hazardous trees and shrubs anywhere on a property if they threaten anyone nearby or on an adjoining public way.
Taunton Vegetation Height Limit Near Homes
Some RestrictionsTaunton Code § 350-4(B)
All property in the City of Taunton shall be maintained in accordance with the following property standards: ... Overgrowth within 100 feet of a residence. All property within 100 feet of a residence shall be maintained free of vegetation over 12 inches high that is or may reasonably become infested with rodents, vermin, or other animals or create a fire safety hazard. All property shall be kep...
Water Restrictions
Taunton's Municipal Council can vote to ban lawn watering, car washing and pool filling citywide whenever drought or other conditions require it. The Taunton Police Department enforces the ban, backed by the Water Division when police are stretched thin. A first violation draws a warning, later violations draw escalating fines, and repeat offenders can lose water service entirely.
Taunton Drought Water Use Restrictions
Some Restrictions§ 426-9
A. The Municipal Council may by majority vote institute restrictions on the use of water supplied through the City of Taunton municipal water system in cases of drought or other circumstances which require the placement of restrictions on the use of water. B. Such water use restrictions may include a ban on the watering of lawns, washing of cars, filling of pools and any other restriction which...
Looking for Bristol County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Taunton city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Bristol County →