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.
Bristol County, MA
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Bristol County, MA
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Bristol County, MA
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Bristol County, MA
MassWildlife (MGL ch. 131 §5A as amended) prohibits intentional feeding of black bears statewide. Bristol County cities restrict feeding of deer, turkeys, an...
Bristol County, MA
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. F...
Bristol County, MA
Artificial turf allowed in Bristol County residential yards. No permit unless grading changes. Some Massachusetts communities have restricted synthetic turf ...
See how Somerset's material restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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