New Bedford manages public trees through the Department of Public Infrastructure. Property owners are responsible for maintaining trees on their property to prevent hazards to public ways. Massachusetts law allows property owners to trim branches extending over their property line.
Massachusetts has strong public shade tree protections under MGL c.87 §§1 to 12. Public shade trees along roads require tree warden consent for removal or significant trimming. New Bedford’s tree warden manages public trees. Some municipalities have additional protected tree bylaws for significant private trees. Routine trimming generally doesn’t require permits. Trees overhanging property lines: owner can trim branches to the property line. Development projects must address tree impacts.
Unauthorized removal of public shade tree: $500 to $5,000+ (MGL c.87 §6). Replacement planting may be required.
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 tree trimming.
See how New Bedford's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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