Taunton, MA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

The STRUCTURE definition in § 440-201 of the Taunton Code lists what counts as a regulated structure under Chapter 440, Zoning: buildings, towers, masts, sheds, roofed storage areas, retaining walls more than four feet, and fences more than seven feet in height, language amended May 21, 2024. Anything meeting that definition triggers § 440-301(A)(1)'s permit requirement: no building or structure may be erected, altered or moved in Taunton without a written permit, and no permit can issue unless the plans and intended use fulfill every provision of the zoning chapter, except where an appeal, special permit or variance specifically authorizes otherwise.

Practically, that means a retaining wall of four feet or less is not a 'structure' for zoning purposes and doesn't trigger this permit chain, but the moment a wall exceeds four feet it is treated exactly like a shed, tower or building: the plans go to the City Planner's office, and where the associated construction exceeds 30,000 cubic feet, the application must include drawings endorsed by a Massachusetts-licensed architect, engineer or land surveyor under § 440-301(A)(3). The Zoning Enforcement Officer enforces the chapter and the Director of Planning and Conservation, the City Planner, administers it, keeping a record of every zoning determination, decision and enforcement action. A written zoning determination or compliance letter, useful for confirming whether a proposed wall needs a permit, costs $30 under § 440-301D.