Pop. 93,885 · Bristol County
Fall River adopted Ordinance No. 2025-07 (codified in Chapter 86 of the City Code via eCode360) to regulate short-term rentals. The local rule caps each STR at a maximum of eight (8) guests, or two (2) guests per bedroom, whichever is less, and prohibits renting separate bedrooms to different parties. State sleeping-room minimums under 105 CMR 410 also apply.
Fall River STR operators must carry property liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence. The figure mirrors the statewide mandate in MGL c.175, §4F (added by Chapter 337 of the Acts of 2018), which requires every short-term rental operator to maintain $1M in liability coverage per stay unless the booking platform provides equal or greater coverage. Proof of insurance must be submitted to Fall River Inspectional Services as part of registration.
Fall River regulates carports under Chapter 86 (Zoning) of the City Code, with accessory-structure setbacks set out in Section 86-446 (garages and sheds) and the General Regulations of Article VI. A detached private garage or shed must sit at least 20 feet from the street line, 6 feet from any building, and 4 feet from side and rear lot lines. Maximum height is 18 feet and a detached garage foundation may not exceed 750 square feet or 12% of the lot area, whichever is less. Building permits are issued by Fall River Inspectional Services under 780 CMR.
Under Massachusetts law (Ch. 358 of Acts of 2024, effective Feb 2025), ADUs under 900 sq ft are allowed by right on single-family lots statewide. Fall River Mayor Coogan raised concerns about the law but it applies regardless. ADUs must have a separate entrance and cannot exceed half the principal dwelling's floor area or 900 sq ft.
Garage conversions in Fall River require compliance with the zoning code and building permits. Attached garages must maintain a 20-foot street setback and 4-foot side/rear setback or the minimum district setback, whichever is greater. Conversions to living space must meet 780 CMR building code requirements.
Fall River's Zoning Code Ch. 86 regulates sheds as accessory structures. Unattached sheds must be set back 20 feet from the street line, 6 feet from any building, and 4 feet from side and rear lot lines. Maximum shed size is 200 square feet. Maximum height for unattached structures is 18 feet.
Foundation-built tiny homes in Bristol County must meet 780 CMR and local minimum dwelling size. Tiny homes on wheels classify as RVs/manufactured homes under MGL ch. 140 §32. MBTA Communities Act (ch. 40A §3A) expanded ADU options statewide.
Fall River's Zoning Code Ch. 86 permits home occupations as an accessory use with strict conditions. The occupation must be carried on wholly within the building, limited to 20% of floor area, with no clients or customers on premises. Maximum 2 employees who must reside in the building.
Fall River's zoning code prohibits all signage for home occupations. There shall be no interior or exterior signs, exterior display, exterior storage, or any other indication of the home occupation that varies from the residential character of the premises.
Fall River's zoning code explicitly prohibits customer or client visits to home occupations. The home occupation shall not serve clients, customers, pupils, salespersons, or the like on premises. This is one of the strictest home business regulations among Massachusetts cities.
Home childcare in Massachusetts licensed by EEC (Department of Early Education and Care). Family Child Care licenses allow up to 6 or 10 children. MGL ch. 40A §3 prevents local zoning from barring licensed family childcare.
Massachusetts Residential Kitchen Operator program under 105 CMR 590 requires registration with local Board of Health. Permitted non-potentially hazardous foods only. Bristol County BOHs (Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton) issue permits after inspection.
Beekeeping in Fall River requires a permit from the Board of Health under the Keeping of Animals Regulation (adopted 2/18/2021). The Board evaluates permit applications for public health impact. Permit holders must demonstrate the activity will not be detrimental to public welfare.
Fall River requires dogs to be on a leash no more than 6 feet long or confined to a fenced area when off the owner's premises. Dogs found 'at large' (off premises without leash control) are subject to citation. Annual dog licensing is required under MGL Ch. 140 §137.
Fall River does not impose breed-specific bans but enforces dangerous dog provisions. A dog that inflicts severe injury without provocation or is found unrestrained 3 times in 12 months may be classified as dangerous. Dangerous dogs must be muzzled and restrained at all times.
Fall River regulates the keeping of animals through its Board of Health Keeping of Animals Regulation. Exotic or non-traditional pets require a permit. Massachusetts also regulates wildlife possession under MGL Ch. 131 §23 and CMR 321 9.01, which lists prohibited species.
Backyard chickens in Bristol County are regulated by municipal zoning. Urban Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton restrict poultry; rural towns like Rehoboth, Berkley, and Freetown allow hens with setbacks. MA Right-to-Farm protects designated ag areas.
MassWildlife (MGL ch. 131 §5A as amended) prohibits intentional feeding of black bears statewide. Bristol County cities restrict feeding of deer, turkeys, and coyotes. Unsecured trash and outdoor pet food attracting wildlife trigger local nuisance enforcement.
Animal cruelty including hoarding is criminalized statewide under M.G.L. Chapter 272 Section 77. Hoarding triggers welfare investigations and felony charges in severe cases.
Fall River follows Massachusetts state law for fence height regulation. MGL Ch. 49 §21 addresses spite fences, prohibiting maliciously erected fences over 6 feet. The city's zoning code Ch. 86 excludes fences from the building definition. Pool fences near property lines must be at least 6 feet if within 10 feet of a lot line.
Fall River generally does not require a permit for standard residential fences under 7 feet per Massachusetts state building code. Fences over 7 feet may require a building permit. Pool barrier fences require compliance with 780 CMR and may need inspection.
Massachusetts law under MGL Ch. 49 §21 prohibits spite fences — fences over 6 feet erected maliciously to annoy a neighbor. Massachusetts has no shared-cost statute requiring neighbors to split fence expenses. Boundary disputes are resolved through civil court.
780 CMR (Mass Building Code) requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet from footing to top. Walls supporting surcharge or over 4 feet need engineered plans stamped by Mass-licensed PE. Setbacks per local zoning.
Massachusetts 780 CMR Appendix G and 248 CMR 6.00 require 4-foot minimum barriers around all residential pools over 24 inches deep. Self-closing, self-latching gates with latches 54+ inches above grade. Fall River and New Bedford inspect at permit.
Fence materials in Bristol County cities follow local zoning bylaws. Wood, vinyl, and wrought iron are standard. Historic districts in New Bedford and Taunton require HDC approval. MGL c. 49 governs 'legal and sufficient' fences.
Fall River requires building permits for all swimming pool installations per 780 CMR. Pools holding water deeper than 24 inches must comply with barrier requirements. Smoke and CO detectors are required in pool houses. The Building Inspector enforces pool safety compliance.
Fall River follows Massachusetts state building code 780 CMR for pool barrier requirements. All swimming pools must be enclosed by a fence at least 48 inches high with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Pools within 10 feet of a lot line require a 6-foot concealing fence.
Above-ground pools in Fall River must comply with 780 CMR barrier requirements if they hold water deeper than 24 inches. A building permit is required. Pools with sides less than 48 inches high need additional fencing. Ladders must be removable or have a lockable gate.
All swimming pools in Bristol County require building permits under 780 CMR (MA State Building Code) and must comply with 105 CMR 435. Code is uniform statewide; municipalities cannot relax requirements.
Hot tubs over 24 inches deep in Bristol County require permit under 780 CMR Appendix G with 48-inch barriers. Electrical permit required under 527 CMR 12 for 240V circuit. Approved locking safety covers may satisfy barrier rules.
Recreational wood-burning fire pits are prohibited in Fall River because the city is on the MassDEP list of communities that ban open burning at all times. Gas or propane fire pits may be permitted with proper clearances. Contact the Fall River Fire Prevention Division for specific guidance.
All consumer fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal in Massachusetts under MGL Ch. 148 §39. Fall River strictly enforces this prohibition. Possession, use, or sale of fireworks by private citizens is a criminal offense.
Fall River is designated by MassDEP as a community where open burning is prohibited at all times under 310 CMR 7.07. This includes backyard fire pits used for recreational purposes. The ban applies year-round with no seasonal exceptions.
Fall River may require vegetation management for fire safety. MA does not have a statewide defensible space mandate. Local property maintenance applies.
Bristol County is not in a high wildfire-hazard zone like western states, but DCR Bureau of Forest Fire Control enforces MGL ch. 48 §13 open-burning rules. Freetown-Fall River State Forest and pine barrens near Lakeville carry elevated brush-fire risk each spring.
Massachusetts requires a state fire marshal license and local fire chief permit to store flammable gases including propane above specified threshold quantities.
Fall River prohibits all noises that menace health or interrupt sleep between 10 PM and 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 8 AM on Sundays. The city's noise regulations are enforced by the Fall River Police Department under the general nuisance provisions of the Revised Ordinances.
Fall River addresses barking and nuisance dogs under MGL Ch. 140 §157. A dog that is a habitual barker or creates a nuisance may result in a citation with a $25 fine. The Animal Control Officer and Fall River PD enforce the provision.
Fall River regulates construction noise under its general noise ordinance provisions. Construction activities that create excessive noise are prohibited during quiet hours (10 PM to 7 AM weekdays, 10 PM to 8 AM Sundays). The city follows Massachusetts building code standards for construction site noise management.
Leaf blowers in Bristol County municipalities operate under local noise bylaws. No countywide rule; Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton each set their own hours. MA has no statewide leaf blower ban.
Amplified music in Bristol County cities requires entertainment licenses from the local licensing board. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton each regulate outdoor amplification. MGL c. 272 §53 disturbing-the-peace is the state backstop.
Massachusetts regulates industrial and commercial noise statewide through the Department of Environmental Protection under the Air Pollution Control regulations, prohibiting noise that creates a condition of air pollution.
Fall River enforces street parking regulations under Ch. 70 of the Revised Ordinances. A winter parking ban is declared when 3+ inches of snow are predicted, with a $65 violation fine. General parking violations carry a $25 fine. Parking meters are enforced downtown.
Fall River regulates the parking of trailers, semitrailers, and large vehicles on city streets under §70-320. Commercial buses designed to carry 7+ persons may not be stored on city streets overnight. Violations may result in towing at the owner's expense.
Fall River prohibits overnight street parking of commercial vehicles under §70-319. Commercial buses (7+ passengers) cannot be stored on city streets. The Chief of Police may order towing of non-compliant commercial vehicles at the owner's expense.
Fall River's zoning code Ch. 86 §86-441 requires parking areas to be set back at least 10 feet from front lot lines and from abutting residential property lines. Driveway parking for 3 or fewer vehicles may extend to within 1 foot of the side lot line. No backing onto streets is permitted except for single/two-family dwellings.
MGL ch. 90 §22C defines abandoned vehicles. Bristol County cities tag and tow after 72 hours on public streets. Private property storage of junk vehicles prohibited under local blight ordinances — must be registered and operable or enclosed.
New Bedford and Fall River ban on-street overnight parking during declared winter snow emergencies. Taunton has no blanket overnight ban but enforces posted signs. All three permit resident permit parking in some neighborhoods.
EV charger installations in Bristol County require electrical permit under 527 CMR 12. Massachusetts Stretch Code and Specialized Code (780 CMR Appendix 115.AA) require EV-ready spaces in new construction. Mass Save rebates available.
Fall River's Watuppa Water Board regulates water usage. Unnecessary waste of water is prohibited, with fines of $25 for a first breach and $50 for a second breach in the same year. A third breach results in water shutoff. Seasonal outdoor watering restrictions may be imposed during drought conditions.
Fall River enforces property maintenance standards through its code enforcement division. Overgrown vegetation and tall grass are addressed as nuisance/blight conditions under the property maintenance code (Ch. 10, Art. VII). Violations are subject to penalties of $100/$200/$300 for first/second/subsequent offenses.
Removal of city trees in Fall River requires approval from the Park Board and Urban Tree Commission through the Tree Warden. Violators who destroy public trees must replace them on-site or pay into the city's planting fund. Private tree removal does not require a city permit unless the tree poses a public hazard.
Fall River's Urban Tree Commission and Park Board oversee public tree management under the Parks and Trees ordinance. Property owners must maintain trees on their property to prevent hazards to public areas. All work on city trees must comply with ANSI A300 pruning standards and be supervised by a Massachusetts certified arborist.
Rainwater harvesting is legal and unrestricted in Bristol County. Massachusetts has no state limits on residential collection. Rain barrels and cisterns allowed without special permits.
Native plant landscaping encouraged across Bristol County. MGL ch. 184 §23C protects water-conserving and native landscaping from HOA bans. Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List (333 CMR 13) bars planting of invasive species. State rebates for lawn conversion are limited.
Artificial turf allowed in Bristol County residential yards. No permit unless grading changes. Some Massachusetts communities have restricted synthetic turf fields for PFAS and stormwater concerns. MGL ch. 184 §23C limits HOA bans on water-conserving landscaping.
Bristol County municipalities enforce weed and overgrowth abatement through local property maintenance bylaws. Abatement costs can be liened under MGL c. 139 §3A. Invasive knotweed and phragmites are common concerns.
Fall River's Floodplain Overlay District includes all FEMA-designated special flood hazard areas (Zones A, AE, AO, VE) on the city's Flood Insurance Rate Map. The Inspector of Buildings serves as the Floodplain Administrator. Floodplain regulations take precedence over any less restrictive local laws.
Grading in Bristol County requires local building/engineering permits and ConCom review near wetlands. Drainage cannot be redirected to neighboring parcels. 780 CMR controls retaining walls over 4 feet.
Coastal development in Bristol County (Fall River, New Bedford, Fairhaven, Dartmouth, Westport, Swansea) requires Conservation Commission review under WPA and MA CZM consistency review. Strict limits near wetlands and flood zones.
Stormwater in Bristol County follows MA Stormwater Handbook under MGL c. 131 §40 and MS4 permits. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton operate under EPA NPDES MS4 permits with illicit discharge bylaws.
Erosion and sediment control is required for all land-disturbing activity in Bristol County. NPDES Construction General Permit applies to 1+ acre sites. Conservation Commission review triggers at wetland buffers.
Fall River enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.
Bristol County municipal parks close from dusk (or 9 to 11 PM) to dawn. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton post hours at each park. After-hours presence is trespassing under MGL c. 266 §120.
Bristol County landlords must follow MGL ch. 239 summary process for evictions. No-fault evictions require 30-day or rental-period notice; non-payment requires 14-day notice to quit. Self-help eviction is barred by MGL ch. 184 §18.
New Bedford requires rental registration and inspection every 5 years under city ordinance. Fall River requires a rental certificate. Taunton enforces state Sanitary Code inspections. Lead paint disclosure required for pre-1978 units under MGL ch. 111 §197A.
Rent control is banned statewide in Massachusetts under MGL c. 40P (1994 ballot initiative). Bristol County landlords may raise rents with proper notice. Tenant protections under MGL c. 186 apply.
Adults 21+ in Bristol County can grow up to 6 cannabis plants (12 per household) under MGL c. 94G §7. Plants must be enclosed and not visible from public areas.
Cannabis retailers in Bristol County operate under CCC licensing (935 CMR 500). Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton approved retail; some towns opted out under MGL c. 94G §3.
Public shade trees in Bristol County are protected by MGL c. 87 §3 — removal requires Tree Warden approval and public hearing. Private-property tree-removal rules vary by municipality.
Replacement planting is required when permitted public shade trees are removed under MGL c. 87. Some Bristol County municipalities set private-property replacement ratios through local bylaw.
Heritage and specimen trees in Bristol County receive enhanced protection under local bylaws and MGL c. 87. Historic districts and conservation land have added restrictions.
Massachusetts Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410 and local blight ordinances in Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton target deteriorating properties. Vacant property registration required in all three cities. Liens placed on property for uncorrected violations.
Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton require trash/recycling bins be stored out of public view between collection days. Bins placed curbside evening before or morning of pickup and retrieved same day. Overflowing or open-lidded bins violate health code.
Property maintenance codes in Bristol County cities require organized display and same-day cleanup for yard sales. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton enforce blight citations for abandoned items.
Property owners in Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, and most Bristol County cities must clear sidewalks within 24 to 48 hours of snowfall. Papadopoulos (2010) established statewide premises-liability duty.
Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton require vacant lot owners to mow (grass under 8-12 inches), remove trash, and secure the site. Vacant property registration required. Municipal mowing and cleanup billed to owner with lien for non-payment.
Commercial drone work in Bristol County requires FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification. New Bedford and Taunton airport Class D airspace requires LAANC. Municipal filming permits may apply.
Recreational drones in Bristol County follow FAA rules under 49 USC §44809. New Bedford Regional Airport (KEWB) and T.F. Green proximity create Class D/E restricted airspace requiring LAANC authorization.
Several Bristol County municipalities maintain no-knock lists. Posted 'No Soliciting' signs must be honored by permitted commercial canvassers. Political and religious canvassing remain First Amendment protected.
Door-to-door solicitors in Bristol County cities need a local hawker/peddler or canvasser permit, often with CORI background check. State license under MGL c. 101 covers commercial peddlers.
Vending zones in Bristol County cities restrict food trucks by distance from brick-and-mortar restaurants and schools. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton designate approved locations.
Food trucks in Bristol County need a local mobile vendor permit and a 105 CMR 590 mobile food permit from the municipal Board of Health. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton issue separately.
Lot coverage ratios in Bristol County zoning districts typically cap impervious coverage at 40 to 60%. MA Stormwater Standards add post-construction treatment for larger disturbances.
Setback requirements in Bristol County are set by local zoning under MGL c. 40A. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton each have residential districts with distinct front, side, and rear minimums.
Height limits in Bristol County residential zones typically cap at 35 feet or 2.5 stories. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton downtowns allow greater heights. 780 CMR controls construction.
Political signs allowed on private property in Bristol County under First Amendment and Reed v. Town of Gilbert. MGL ch. 54 and local sign codes impose reasonable time/place/manner limits. Signs in state highway ROW prohibited by MassDOT.
Holiday decorations freely allowed on private property across Bristol County. No permits required. Must not block sidewalks or sight triangles, must use outdoor-rated electrical equipment, and must respect noise ordinances for animated/musical displays.
Bristol County cities allow small temporary yard-sale signs on private property. Signs on utility poles, street trees, and public ROW prohibited. Many permits require same-day removal. New Bedford and Fall River actively remove sign clutter.
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.
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.
Bristol County garage sales typically run 8 AM to 6 PM. Weekend sales (Friday through Sunday) are most common. Early setup before 7 AM may violate local noise bylaws.
Bristol County garage sales are generally limited to 2 to 4 per household per year to distinguish occasional sales from unlicensed retail. Each sale typically runs 2 to 3 days.
Most Bristol County municipalities do not require garage sale permits. A few towns require simple registration. MGL c. 101 hawker/peddler law exempts bona fide occasional yard sales.
Curbside recycling is mandatory in Bristol County cities for paper, cardboard, metal, glass, and plastics #1 and #2. MassDEP 310 CMR 19.017 bans listed recyclables from the trash stream statewide.
Bulk pickup in Bristol County cities requires advance scheduling. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton accept furniture and appliances with appointments. Mattresses must be separated per MassDEP waste ban.
Carts must be placed curbside by 7 AM and removed within 24 hours of pickup. Fall River and New Bedford cite repeat offenders. Carts must be stored out of public view between pickups.
Trash and recycling collection in Bristol County is handled by each municipality. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton provide weekly curbside pickup. MassDEP waste bans prohibit disposal of certain materials.
Bristol County cities prohibit outdoor lighting that trespasses onto neighboring properties. Typical limit: 0.5 to 1.0 foot-candles at the residential property line. Enforcement is complaint-driven.
Bristol County municipalities regulate outdoor lighting through local zoning to reduce light pollution. Fully shielded fixtures are standard for new commercial development. Residential rules vary by town.
Massachusetts sets a statewide minimum wage of $15.00 per hour under MGL Chapter 151, and generally preempts cities from adopting higher local minimum wages.
Massachusetts provides paid family and medical leave through the PFML program under MGL Chapter 175M, plus paid sick time under the Earned Sick Time Law for most employees.
Massachusetts has no statewide predictive scheduling law, leaving most scheduling rules to standard wage and hour law under MGL Chapter 151 with limited reporting-pay protections.
Massachusetts requires a License to Carry under MGL Chapter 140 Section 131 to carry concealed handguns, with applications processed by local police chiefs subject to suitability review.
Massachusetts grants local police chiefs significant licensing authority over firearms while state law sets uniform standards through MGL Chapter 140 for licensing, sales, and possession statewide.
Massachusetts technically permits open carry with a valid License to Carry, but the practice is rare and discouraged, with municipalities and businesses commonly prohibiting visible firearms.
Massachusetts requires a valid License to Carry under MGL Chapter 140 Section 131 to transport loaded handguns in a vehicle, with strict storage rules applying to long guns and unlicensed possession.
Massachusetts protects agricultural land use through MGL Chapter 40A Section 3, exempting agriculture, horticulture, and floriculture from most local zoning restrictions on parcels of five acres or more.
Massachusetts protects commercial agriculture from nuisance lawsuits under MGL Chapter 111 Section 125A, recognizing farms operating consistent with generally accepted practices as not constituting a nuisance.
Massachusetts has no statewide plastic bag ban or preemption, allowing over 160 cities and towns to enact their own single-use plastic bag prohibitions under home-rule authority.
Massachusetts has not enacted a statewide polystyrene ban, but dozens of cities and towns prohibit foam food containers, and state procurement rules limit foam in agency purchases.
Massachusetts does not regulate plastic straws statewide, but several cities and towns require restaurants to provide straws only on request or use compostable alternatives.
Massachusetts requires purchasers of tobacco and vape products to be at least 21 years of age under MGL Chapter 270 Section 6, predating the 2019 federal Tobacco 21 law.
Massachusetts became the first state to ban all flavored tobacco products including menthol cigarettes and flavored vapes under MGL Chapter 270 Section 6, effective June 2020.
Massachusetts heavily restricts vape retail under MGL Chapter 270 Section 6, banning flavored vape products statewide and limiting nicotine vape sales to licensed adult-only smoking bars.