2 rules for unincorporated Bristol County, Massachusetts.
Verified from official government sources
Solar installations in Bristol County require building and electrical permits under 780 CMR and 527 CMR. Massachusetts SMART program and net metering apply. MGL ch. 40A §3 limits municipal restrictions on solar access.
MGL c. 40A §3 — Subjects which zoning may not regulate (solar energy systems)
Section 3. [...] No zoning ordinance or by-law shall prohibit or unreasonably regulate the installation of solar energy systems or the building of structures that facilitate the collection of solar energy, except where necessary to protect the public health, safety or welfare. No zoning ordinance or by-law shall prohibit the construction or use of an antenna structure by a federally licensed am...
Massachusetts MGL ch. 184 §23C limits private restrictions on solar energy systems. HOAs and condo associations may impose reasonable aesthetic conditions but cannot effectively prohibit rooftop solar. Bristol County HOAs are uncommon outside newer subdivisions.
MGL c. 40A §3 — Zoning preemption protecting solar energy systems
Section 3. [...] No zoning ordinance or by-law shall prohibit or unreasonably regulate the installation of solar energy systems or the building of structures that facilitate the collection of solar energy, except where necessary to protect the public health, safety or welfare. [...] No dimensional lot requirement of a zoning ordinance or by-law, including but not limited to, set back, front yar...
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