Shed Rules: Bellingham vs Holbrook
How do shed rules rules compare between Bellingham, MA and Holbrook, MA?
Bellingham has fewer restrictions than Holbrook.
Bellingham, MA
Norfolk County
Shed rules in Norfolk County are set by individual municipalities through local zoning bylaws. Norfolk County has no county-level shed ordinance. Permit requirements, setbacks, and size limits vary by town.
View full Bellingham rules →Holbrook, MA
Norfolk County
Holbrook applies the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR, 10th edition) and the Holbrook Zoning Bylaw. Under 780 CMR, sheds up to 200 square feet typically do not require a state building permit, but zoning setbacks still apply. The Holbrook Building Department issues permits for larger structures and confirms setback compliance.
View full Holbrook rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellingham | Holbrook |
|---|---|---|
| County Rule? | None — municipal zoning jurisdiction | - |
| Permit Trigger | Often required above 100–200 sq ft (varies by town) | - |
| Typical Setback | 5–10 ft from property lines (varies by town) | - |
| Where to Check | Town zoning bylaw and building department | - |
| State Permit Trigger | - | Over 200 sq ft (780 CMR R105.2) |
| Typical Side/Rear Setback | - | 10 ft (verify zone) |
| Authority | - | Holbrook Building Department |
| ADU Law | - | MA statewide ADU law (2025) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellingham FAQ
Do I need a permit for a shed in Norfolk County?
Shed rules in Norfolk County are set by individual municipalities through local zoning bylaws. Norfolk County has no county-level shed ordinance. Permit requirements, setbacks, and size limits vary by town.
How big can a shed be without a permit in Norfolk County?
County Rule?: None — municipal zoning jurisdiction. Permit Trigger: Often required above 100–200 sq ft (varies by town). Typical Setback: 5–10 ft from property lines (varies by town). Where to Check: Town zoning bylaw and building department.
Holbrook FAQ
Do I need a permit for a shed in Holbrook, MA?
Not under the state building code if the shed is 200 sq ft or less and one story. You still must comply with Holbrook's zoning setbacks (typically 10 ft from side and rear lot lines) and the local zoning bylaw.
How big can my shed be without a permit in Holbrook?
Up to 200 square feet, one story, under Massachusetts State Building Code section R105.2. Anything larger needs a building permit from the Holbrook Building Department.
Compare other topics
See how Bellingham and Holbrook compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool