Environmental Rules in Bristol County, MA (2026)

1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Bristol County, Massachusetts.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Bristol County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Flood Zones

Bristol County has significant FEMA-designated flood zones along the Taunton River, Buzzards Bay coast, and Mount Hope Bay. New Bedford is protected by the Hurricane Protection Barrier (constructed 1962-1966). All participating communities must enforce floodplain overlay districts as part of the National Flood Insurance Program.

Bristol County Flood Zone Regulations

Some Restrictions

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 131, § 40 – Wetlands Protection Act

No person shall remove, fill, dredge or alter any bank, riverfront area, fresh water wetland, coastal wetland, beach, dune, flat, marsh, meadow or swamp bordering on the ocean or on any estuary, creek, river, stream, pond, or lake, or any land under said waters or any land subject to tidal action, coastal storm flowage, or flooding, other than in the course of maintaining, repairing or replacin...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Environmental Rules by City in Bristol County

3 cities in Bristol County have their own environmental rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

New BedfordPop. 101,079

5 verified rules • Erosion Control, Flood Elevation Requirements

Fall RiverPop. 93,885

3 verified rules • Boat Dock Permits, Erosion Control

TauntonPop. 59,365

4 verified rules • Erosion Control, Flood Elevation Requirements

All Bristol County ordinances

See every category we cover for Bristol County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Bristol County Ordinance Hub →