Carport Rules: Attleboro vs Fall River
How do carport rules rules compare between Attleboro, MA and Fall River, MA?
Attleboro and Fall River have similar restriction levels.
Attleboro, MA
Bristol County
Attleboro regulates carports as accessory structures under the City Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 17 of the City Code). Section 17-3.5(7) governs accessory use regulations. Carports must satisfy the dimensional and setback requirements of the underlying residence district (Single Residence SR or General Residence GR) and must sit on the same lot as the principal dwelling. Building permits are issued under 780 CMR (Massachusetts State Building Code) by Attleboro's Building Department.
View full Attleboro rules →Fall River, MA
Bristol County
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.
View full Fall River rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Attleboro | Fall River |
|---|---|---|
| Zoning Section | Sec. 17-3.5(7) - Accessory Uses | Ch. 86, Sec. 86-446 |
| Districts | SR and GR dimensional standards apply | - |
| Permit Authority | Attleboro Building Department | - |
| Building Code | 780 CMR (10th Ed.) | - |
| Permit Threshold | >200 sf or attached | - |
| Street Line Setback | - | 20 ft |
| Side/Rear Setback | - | 4 ft (detached) |
| Max Height | - | 18 ft (detached) |
| Max Foundation | - | 750 sf or 12% lot |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Attleboro FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a carport in Attleboro?
Yes for almost all carports. 780 CMR §R105.2 exempts one-story detached accessory structures of 200 square feet or less, but a typical carport sized to fit a vehicle exceeds that, and any carport attached to the dwelling is part of the principal structure. Attleboro's Building Department issues the building, electrical, and structural permits, and zoning compliance with Section 17-3.5(7) must be confirmed first.
How close can an Attleboro carport be to my property line?
Attleboro's Section 17-3.5(7) (accessory use regulations) requires compliance with the side and rear setback of the underlying residence district - the exact distance varies by zone (SR Single Residence or GR General Residence). An attached carport must meet the principal structure's setbacks. Confirm the figure for your lot with the Building Department or apply for a variance through the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Fall River FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a carport in Fall River?
Yes, in almost all cases. 780 CMR §R105.2 exempts one-story detached accessory structures of 200 square feet or less, but a typical carport sized for a vehicle exceeds that, and any carport attached to the dwelling is part of the principal structure. Fall River Inspectional Services issues the building, electrical, and structural permits, and zoning compliance with Section 86-446 must be confirmed before construction begins.
How close can a Fall River carport be to my property line?
Under Section 86-446, a detached carport (treated as an unattached 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, with a maximum height of 18 feet. An attached carport must be at least 20 feet from the street line and 4 feet from side/rear lines, or meet the principal-structure setbacks of the underlying zone, whichever is greater. Variances are heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals under MGL c.40A, §10.
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