Outdoor burning rules in New Bedford, MA — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
New Bedford is designated by MassDEP as a community where open burning is prohibited at all times under 310 CMR 7.07. No seasonal open burning is permitted. This applies to brush, leaves, and yard waste. The ban reflects the city's density and population.
Massachusetts allows open burning of brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris only from January 15 through May 1 per MGL c.48 §13, with a permit from the local fire department. Outside this window, open burning is generally prohibited. No burning of garbage, leaves, tires, or construction debris at any time. Some municipalities ban all open burning even during the permitted season. Recreational fires in approved containers (fire pits) are regulated separately. Fire departments issue daily burn permits based on conditions.
Burning without permit: $100 to $500. Burning outside season: $100 to $500. Prohibited materials: additional penalties.
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...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Bristol County.
See how other cities in Bristol County handle outdoor burning.
See how New Bedford's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.