Carport Rules: Attleboro vs Taunton
How do carport rules rules compare between Attleboro, MA and Taunton, MA?
Attleboro and Taunton 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 →Taunton, MA
Bristol County
Taunton Zoning § 440-201 lists carports as accessory structures. Under § 440-711, carports must be subordinate to the principal use, with length-to-width ratio not exceeding 3:1. Carports 120 sq ft or less get reduced side and rear setbacks at 2/3 of the underlying district requirement.
View full Taunton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Attleboro | Taunton |
|---|---|---|
| Zoning Section | Sec. 17-3.5(7) - Accessory Uses | - |
| Districts | SR and GR dimensional standards apply | - |
| Permit Authority | Attleboro Building Department | - |
| Building Code | 780 CMR (10th Ed.) | - |
| Permit Threshold | >200 sf or attached | - |
| Definition | - | Carport = accessory structure (§ 440-201) |
| Code Section | - | § 440-711 |
| Length:Width Cap | - | 3:1 maximum |
| Reduced Setback | - | 2/3 of district (≤120 sq ft) |
| Building Permit | - | Required if >200 sq ft (780 CMR 105) |
| Subordinate Use | - | Required |
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.
Taunton FAQ
Does Taunton allow carports on residential lots?
Yes. Taunton Zoning § 440-201 lists carports as a permitted accessory structure type, and § 440-711 sets the dimensional rules: subordinate to the principal use, length-to-width ratio not exceeding 3:1, and meeting underlying district setbacks.
How close can my carport be to the property line in Taunton?
If the carport is 120 sq ft or smaller, side and rear setbacks are 2/3 of the underlying district requirement under § 440-711. Carports larger than 120 sq ft must meet the full district setback.
Do I need a permit for a carport in Taunton?
The zoning ordinance treats accessory structures as not needing a zoning building permit at small sizes, but the Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR § 105 requires a building permit for any one-story accessory structure larger than 200 sq ft, and any electrical wiring needs an electrical permit under 527 CMR.
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