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.
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. Taunton’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.
Taunton, MA
Taunton adopted a comprehensive noise ordinance (Chapter 315) on November 2, 2021, prohibiting preventable and unnecessary noise. Noise that annoys or distur...
Taunton, MA
Taunton restricts construction, demolition, alteration, and repair of buildings to 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM under Chapter 315. Work outside these hours requires a ...
Taunton, MA
Taunton's noise ordinance Chapter 315 prohibits keeping any animal or bird that causes frequent or long-continued sounds plainly audible within a noise-sensi...
Taunton, MA
Taunton enforces street parking regulations under its traffic ordinances. Parking lot landscaping is required for lots of 10+ spaces under the zoning code. T...
Taunton, MA
Taunton regulates commercial vehicle parking through traffic and zoning ordinances. Commercial vehicles must comply with general parking rules and zoning dis...
Taunton, MA
Taunton's zoning ordinance Chapter 440 regulates off-street parking and driveways. Rear yard parking areas must be at least 5 feet from adjoining property li...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Bristol County.
See how other cities in Bristol County handle tree trimming.
See how Taunton's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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