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

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Plymouth County, Massachusetts.

Verified from official government sources

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

Setback Rules

Plymouth County has no ordinance power over setbacks. Front, side, and rear yards are set by each town's zoning bylaw under the Massachusetts Zoning Act, MGL c.40A. Brockton, Plymouth, and South Shore towns each fix their own minimum yards.

Plymouth County Property Setback Requirements

Some Restrictions

MGL c.40A §3

provided, however, that such land or structures may be subject to reasonable regulations concerning the bulk and height of structures and determining yard sizes, lot area, setbacks, open space, parking and building coverage requirements.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Structure Height Limits

Plymouth County sets no height limit. Building height is capped by each town's zoning bylaw under the Zoning Act, MGL c.40A. Most residential districts across Brockton, Plymouth, and the South Shore limit homes to about 35 feet or 2.5 stories.

Plymouth County Structure Height Limits

Some Restrictions

MGL c.40A §3

provided, however, that such land or structures may be subject to reasonable regulations concerning the bulk and height of structures and determining yard sizes, lot area, setbacks, open space, parking and building coverage requirements.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Lot Coverage Limits

Plymouth County has no lot-coverage rule. Building coverage and impervious limits are set by each town's zoning bylaw under the Zoning Act, MGL c.40A. Coastal towns add wetlands and stormwater limits under the state Wetlands Protection Act.

Plymouth County Maximum Lot Coverage Limits

Some Restrictions

MGL c.40A §3

provided, however, that such land or structures may be subject to reasonable regulations concerning the bulk and height of structures and determining yard sizes, lot area, setbacks, open space, parking and building coverage requirements.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Building Setbacks & Zoning by City in Plymouth County

1 cities in Plymouth County have their own building setbacks & zoning rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

BrocktonPop. 105,643

3 verified rules • Lot Coverage Limits, Setback Rules

All Plymouth County ordinances

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