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.
Each Bristol County city sets fence-material standards through its zoning bylaw. Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, Attleboro, and Dartmouth allow wood, vinyl, composite, wrought iron, aluminum, and chain-link in residential zones, though chain-link is often restricted in front yards. Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited in residential zones countywide. The New Bedford Historic District (whaling-era downtown, Johnny Cake Hill) and Taunton Green Historic District require Historic District Commission review for new fences under MGL c. 40C. New Bedford and Fall River also have National Register districts with federal review triggers. MGL c. 49 §1 defines a 'legal and sufficient' fence as 4+ feet in good repair. Spite fences over 6 feet are barred by MGL c. 49 §21. Finished side must face outward per local bylaws.
Non-compliant materials: code enforcement notice and replacement order. Historic district violations under MGL c. 40C: fines up to $1,000 per offense and removal orders.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford regulates noise through its general ordinance provisions and MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10. Habitual barking or noise that disturbs a neighborhood is decl...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford declares habitual barking dogs a public nuisance under the city ordinance. The keeping of any dog which by habitual howling, yelping, barking or ...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford regulates construction noise under its general ordinance provisions. Construction activities that create excessive noise and disturb the neighbor...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford enforces snow emergency parking bans during winter storms under Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinances. During a snow ban, parking is allowed on th...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford restricts heavy traffic and commercial vehicle parking in designated zones under §23-23 of the Code of Ordinances. Commercial vehicles must compl...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford's zoning ordinance Chapter 9 regulates off-street parking and driveways. Parking in front of public or private driveways is prohibited. Off-stree...
See how New Bedford's material restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.