Bristol County municipalities enforce weed and overgrowth abatement through local property maintenance bylaws. Abatement costs can be liened under MGL c. 139 §3A. Invasive knotweed and phragmites are common concerns.
Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, and surrounding towns enforce property maintenance standards through local bylaws referencing 105 CMR 410 (State Sanitary Code) for rental properties and MGL c. 139 §§1-3A for nuisance abatement on all properties. Property owners must maintain lots free of excessive weeds, overgrown grass, and noxious vegetation. Vacant parcels in Fall River's mill districts and New Bedford's South End receive active enforcement. Municipalities may abate and recover costs via property lien under MGL c. 139 §3A. Common invasives include Japanese knotweed (rampant along Taunton River and Quequechan corridors), phragmites (salt marsh edges), and multiflora rose. The MA Prohibited Plant List (333 CMR 1.03) restricts sale of listed invasives.
Notice to abate within 7 to 30 days. Municipality clears and bills owner: $200 to $1,000+ plus administrative fee. Unpaid charges become property liens under MGL c. 139 §3A.
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...
See how Somerset's weed ordinances rules stack up against other locations.
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