Building Setbacks & Zoning in Norfolk County, MA (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated Norfolk County, Massachusetts.

Verified from official government sources

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

Setback Rules

Norfolk County does not regulate setbacks. Each town's zoning bylaw sets minimum setbacks under MGL c. 40A (Zoning Act). Norfolk County zoning varies widely — dense Brookline requires only 15 ft fronts; rural Dover requires 40+ ft.

building-setbacks/setback-rules

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Structure Height Limits

Norfolk County does not set height limits. Each town's zoning bylaw caps building heights. Residential zones typically allow 35 ft or 2.5 stories. 780 CMR building code enforces construction standards.

building-setbacks/structure-height-limits

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Lot Coverage Limits

Norfolk County does not regulate lot coverage. Each town's zoning bylaw sets maximum coverage and Floor Area Ratio (FAR). Residential typically 25-50% coverage. Stormwater rules may apply above thresholds.

building-setbacks/lot-coverage

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Norfolk County ordinances

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

Norfolk County Ordinance Hub →