Before You Build in Taunton, MA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Taunton's zoning ordinance Chapter 440 defines fences of 7 feet or less as not constituting a 'building,' meaning they are generally exempt from building regulations. Fences over 7 feet would be treated as structures requiring additional review. MGL Ch. 49 §21 prohibits spite fences over 6 feet if built maliciously.

Taunton requires a permit for fence installation per the city's Permit FAQ. Applications are submitted to the Planning Department per §440-711. Fences must not restrict view to oncoming traffic per §350-3 and must be properly maintained per §350-4.

Massachusetts law under MGL Ch. 49 §21 prohibits spite fences over 6 feet erected maliciously. Massachusetts has no shared-cost statute. Taunton requires fences not to restrict view to oncoming traffic (§350-3) and to be maintained (§350-4).

Taunton requires pool barrier fences per Massachusetts Building Code 780 CMR. Barriers must be at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Swimming pools require a building permit per the city's Permit FAQ. Gate latches must be at least 54 inches from ground.

Taunton requires building permits for swimming pool installations. Permit applications must include an accurate plan drawn to scale showing dimensions and location within the lot. All pools must comply with 780 CMR barrier and safety requirements.

Above-ground pools in Taunton require a building permit and must comply with 780 CMR barrier requirements. Pools with sides less than 48 inches high need additional fencing. Ladders must be removable or have a lockable gate to prevent unsupervised access.

Garage conversions in Taunton require building permits and must comply with the zoning ordinance Ch. 440 and 780 CMR building code. Conversions to living space must meet residential code standards. ADU conversions may be allowed by right under the 2025 state law if under 900 sq ft.

Under Massachusetts law (Ch. 358 of Acts of 2024, effective Feb 2025), ADUs under 900 sq ft are allowed by right on single-family lots statewide, including Taunton. ADUs must have a separate entrance and cannot exceed 900 sq ft or half the principal dwelling area. Building permits are required.

Taunton Zoning § 440-201 lists carports as accessory structures. Under § 440-711, carports must be subordinate to the principal use, with length-to-width ratio not exceeding 3:1. Carports 120 sq ft or less get reduced side and rear setbacks at 2/3 of the underlying district requirement.

Taunton requires building permits for accessory structures over 200 square feet per the city's Permit FAQ. Any size structure requires Planning Department approval under §440-711. Structures must comply with zoning district setback requirements. Utility sheds and garages limited to 2 car bays require scale plans.

Taunton allows open burning during the annual season from January 15 to May 1 with a free permit from the Fire Department. Outside this season, all outdoor burning is prohibited. The Fire Department may impose temporary bans during dry conditions and elevated wildfire risk.

Recreational fire pits in Taunton are subject to MassDEP open burning regulations. Fire pits used for cooking are generally permitted if tended by someone 18+ and burning only clean, dry firewood. The Fire Department may ban all fire pits during dry conditions and elevated wildfire risk.

Taunton's water supply is managed through the city water department. Outdoor water use restrictions may be imposed during drought conditions per MassDEP guidelines. Unnecessary waste of water is subject to enforcement.

Removal of public trees in Taunton requires city approval under MGL Ch. 87. Private tree removal generally does not require a city permit unless the tree is on a public way or in a protected area. The zoning ordinance requires tree preservation in landscaping buffer zones.

Taunton manages public trees through the Department of Public Works. Property owners must maintain trees to prevent hazards to public ways. Massachusetts law (MGL Ch. 87) protects public shade trees. Property owners may trim branches extending over their property line.