Bristol County may require vegetation management for fire safety. MA does not have a statewide defensible space mandate. Local property maintenance applies.
Massachusetts does not have a statewide defensible space mandate. However, Bristol County may require property owners to maintain vegetation under local property maintenance bylaws. MA DCR (Department of Conservation and Recreation) manages forest fire prevention. Spring wildfire season (March to May) presents the highest risk. MGL c.48 §13 open burning season (January 15-May 1) requires permits. Cape Cod and Pine Barrens areas have elevated fire risk.
Property maintenance violation: notice to comply, fines $50 to $300. Negligent fire: criminal charges. Town enforcement.
Bristol County, MA
Amplified music in Bristol County cities requires entertainment licenses from the local licensing board. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton each regulate o...
Bristol County, MA
New Bedford and Fall River ban on-street overnight parking during declared winter snow emergencies. Taunton has no blanket overnight ban but enforces posted ...
Bristol County, MA
EV charger installations in Bristol County require electrical permit under 527 CMR 12. Massachusetts Stretch Code and Specialized Code (780 CMR Appendix 115....
Somerset, MA
Somerset's Zoning By-Law governs fence height. Boundary walls and fences over six (6) feet in height trigger zoning-review requirements. Corner-lot visibilit...
Bristol County, MA
Fence materials in Bristol County cities follow local zoning bylaws. Wood, vinyl, and wrought iron are standard. Historic districts in New Bedford and Taunto...
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...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Bristol County.
See how other cities in Bristol County handle brush clearance.
See how Somerset's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.
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