Carport Rules: New Bedford vs Somerset
How do carport rules rules compare between New Bedford, MA and Somerset, MA?
New Bedford and Somerset have similar restriction levels.
New Bedford, MA
Bristol County
New Bedford regulates carports as accessory structures under Chapter 9 (Comprehensive Zoning), Section 2330. Accessory buildings cannot exceed 18 feet in height (Sec. 2333), must sit at least 30 feet back from the front street line (Sec. 2334), and must keep at least 4 feet from the rear lot line for detached garages (Sec. 2331). Accessory structures may not occupy more than 40 percent of the required rear yard (Sec. 2332). Building permits are issued under 780 CMR.
View full New Bedford rules →Somerset, MA
Bristol County
Carports in Bristol County require a building permit under 780 CMR. Zoning treats them as accessory structures with side/rear setbacks typically 5-10 feet. Lot coverage caps apply. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton require snow-load-rated design.
View full Somerset rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | New Bedford | Somerset |
|---|---|---|
| Zoning Section | Ch. 9 Sec. 2330 | - |
| Height Limit | 18 ft (Sec. 2333) | - |
| Front Setback | 30 ft (Sec. 2334) | - |
| Rear Setback (Detached) | 4 ft (Sec. 2331) | - |
| Rear Yard Coverage Cap | 40% (Sec. 2332) | - |
| Permit | - | Required (780 CMR R105) |
| Side Setback | - | 5 to 10 ft typical |
| Snow Load | - | 30+ psf ground |
| Lot Coverage | - | Counts toward cap |
| Historic Dist. | - | Review required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
New Bedford FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a carport in New Bedford?
Yes for almost all carports. 780 CMR §R105.2 exempts one-story detached accessory structures of 200 square feet or less, but a typical vehicle-sized carport exceeds that threshold, and any carport attached to the dwelling is part of the principal structure. The New Bedford Inspectional Services Department issues the building, electrical, and structural permits, and zoning compliance with Chapter 9, Section 2330 must be confirmed first.
How close can a New Bedford carport be to my property line?
Under Chapter 9, Section 2331, a detached carport must sit at least 4 feet from the rear lot line and meet the principal dwelling's side-yard setback. Section 2334 prohibits any part of the structure from being within 30 feet of the front street line. An attached carport must meet the principal structure's full setbacks. Variances are heard by the New Bedford Zoning Board of Appeals.
Somerset FAQ
Who enforces carport rules rules in Bristol County?
Bristol County's code enforcement division is responsible for accessory structures ordinances. You can report violations or request information through the Bristol County government website or by calling the main municipal line.
What are typical penalties for violating carport rules rules?
Most Bristol County accessory structures violations start with a written warning followed by escalating civil fines for repeat offenses. Specific dollar amounts and any criminal-misdemeanor exposure depend on the section of code; consult Bristol County's municipal code or staff for the current penalty schedule.
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