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Zoning Restrictions: Fall River vs Somerset

How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Fall River, MA and Somerset, MA?

Somerset has fewer restrictions than Fall River.

Fall River, MA

Bristol County

Heavy Restrictions

Fall River's Zoning Code Ch. 86 permits home occupations as an accessory use with strict conditions. The occupation must be carried on wholly within the building, limited to 20% of floor area, with no clients or customers on premises. Maximum 2 employees who must reside in the building.

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Somerset, MA

Bristol County

Some Restrictions

Home occupation regulations in Bristol County are governed by individual municipal zoning ordinances under MGL Ch. 40A. Each town defines permitted home business activities in residential districts. Most require the business to be incidental to residential use and operated by a resident.

View full Somerset rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactFall RiverSomerset
Floor Area20% maximum of residence-
Clients on SiteNot permitted-
EmployeesMax 2, must reside in building-
Occupations Per Home1 maximum-
State Law-MGL Ch. 40A (zoning enabling act)
Authority-Individual town zoning ordinances
General Standard-Incidental to residential use
Operator-Must be resident of dwelling

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Fall River FAQ

Can I run a business from my home in Fall River?

Fall River's Zoning Code Ch. 86 permits home occupations as an accessory use with strict conditions. The occupation must be carried on wholly within the building, limited to 20% of floor area, with no clients or customers on premises. Maximum 2 employees who must reside in the building.

What zoning restrictions apply to home businesses in Fall River?

Floor Area: 20% maximum of residence. Clients on Site: Not permitted. Employees: Max 2, must reside in building. Occupations Per Home: 1 maximum.

Somerset FAQ

Can I run a business from my home in Bristol County?

Home occupation regulations in Bristol County are governed by individual municipal zoning ordinances under MGL Ch. 40A. Each town defines permitted home business activities in residential districts. Most require the business to be incidental to residential use and operated by a resident.

What zoning restrictions apply to home businesses in Bristol County?

State Law: MGL Ch. 40A (zoning enabling act). Authority: Individual town zoning ordinances. General Standard: Incidental to residential use. Operator: Must be resident of dwelling.

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