Pop. 101,079 · Bristol County
New Bedford may require vegetation management for fire safety. MA does not have a statewide defensible space mandate. Local property maintenance applies.
Recreational wood-burning fire pits are prohibited in New Bedford due to the year-round open burning ban under 310 CMR 7.07. Fire pits used strictly for cooking may be allowed if tended by someone 18+ and burning only clean, dry firewood. Gas or propane fire pits may be permitted.
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.
New Bedford regulates short-term rentals through Chapter 9 (Comprehensive Zoning), Section 3400 of the Code of Ordinances. The local ordinance caps overnight occupancy at no more than nine guests at any one time and limits a host to renting no more than three bedrooms. Operators are also bound by the Massachusetts STR registry under MGL c.64G and the State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410).
Massachusetts state law preempts STR insurance. MGL c.175, §4F (added by Chapter 337 of the Acts of 2018) requires every short-term rental operator in New Bedford to maintain at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance per stay, unless the booking platform provides equal or greater coverage. New Bedford's Section 3400 STR ordinance separately requires hosts to demonstrate adequate insurance as part of the local registration package.
New Bedford requires short-term rental operators to register their property with the city and obtain a rental permit with yearly renewal through a zoning permit. Hosts must provide proof of residency, insurance, a business certificate, and neighbor notification. A property maintenance plan is also required.
STR guests in New Bedford must comply with the city's noise ordinance. Excessive noise that disturbs any considerable number of persons or a neighborhood is prohibited. Hosts are responsible for including noise rules in their property maintenance plan and providing a local contact for complaints.
New Bedford STR operators must pay a 5.7% state room occupancy excise tax under MGL Ch. 64G, plus applicable local option taxes up to 6% and a community impact fee up to 3%. All operators must register with MassTaxConnect. Platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit taxes on behalf of hosts.
New Bedford's STR ordinance requires property maintenance plans to include parking information for guests. Street parking during snow emergencies is restricted. Off-street parking availability must be disclosed in the STR registration.
New Bedford regulates carports as accessory structures under Chapter 9 (Comprehensive Zoning), Section 2330. Accessory buildings cannot exceed 18 feet in height (Sec. 2333), must sit at least 30 feet back from the front street line (Sec. 2334), and must keep at least 4 feet from the rear lot line for detached garages (Sec. 2331). Accessory structures may not occupy more than 40 percent of the required rear yard (Sec. 2332). Building permits are issued under 780 CMR.
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. New Bedford's Planning Department has prepared an ADU zoning ordinance update. ADUs must have a separate entrance and cannot exceed 900 sq ft or half the principal dwelling area.
In New Bedford, one-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft (tool/storage sheds, playhouses) are generally exempt from building permit requirements. Larger structures require permits at $0.15 per sq ft with a $50 minimum. Structures must comply with zoning setbacks.
Garage conversions in New Bedford require building permits and must comply with the zoning ordinance and 780 CMR building code. Conversions to living space must meet residential code standards for egress, insulation, and fire safety. ADU conversions may be allowed by right under the 2025 state law if under 900 sq ft.
Foundation-built tiny homes in Bristol County must meet 780 CMR and local minimum dwelling size. Tiny homes on wheels classify as RVs/manufactured homes under MGL ch. 140 §32. MBTA Communities Act (ch. 40A §3A) expanded ADU options statewide.
New Bedford restricts heavy traffic and commercial vehicle parking in designated zones under §23-23 of the Code of Ordinances. Commercial vehicles must comply with all general parking regulations including snow emergency bans. Specific streets may have posted commercial vehicle restrictions.
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 the north side of east-west streets and the east side of north-south streets. Violations result in $50 tickets plus towing.
New Bedford's zoning ordinance Chapter 9 regulates off-street parking and driveways. Parking in front of public or private driveways is prohibited. Off-street parking must comply with zoning district setback requirements. Building permits may be required for new driveway construction.
New Bedford regulates vehicle parking under Chapter 23 (Traffic) of the Code of Ordinances. Heavy traffic vehicles are restricted in certain zones under §23-23. Oversized vehicles including RVs must comply with general street parking rules and snow emergency restrictions.
MGL ch. 90 §22C defines abandoned vehicles. Bristol County cities tag and tow after 72 hours on public streets. Private property storage of junk vehicles prohibited under local blight ordinances — must be registered and operable or enclosed.
New Bedford and Fall River ban on-street overnight parking during declared winter snow emergencies. Taunton has no blanket overnight ban but enforces posted signs. All three permit resident permit parking in some neighborhoods.
EV charger installations in Bristol County require electrical permit under 527 CMR 12. Massachusetts Stretch Code and Specialized Code (780 CMR Appendix 115.AA) require EV-ready spaces in new construction. Mass Save rebates available.
New Bedford requires all dogs to be on a leash not exceeding 7 feet in any street or public place. Dogs may not run at large or enter private property without the owner's permission. Dog licensing is required annually through the City Clerk's office.
Beekeeping in New Bedford is regulated through the city's animal ordinance Chapter 4 and Board of Health regulations. Residents should contact the Board of Health for permit requirements. Massachusetts state regulations under 330 CMR 8.00 also apply to beekeepers.
New Bedford does not impose breed-specific legislation. The city enforces dangerous dog provisions under state law. Dogs that inflict injury or repeatedly run at large may be classified as dangerous and subject to additional restraint requirements.
New Bedford regulates animal keeping under Chapter 4 of the Code of Ordinances. Massachusetts restricts exotic animal possession under MGL Ch. 131 §23 and 321 CMR 9.01, which lists prohibited species. Local Board of Health approval may also be required.
Backyard chickens in Bristol County are regulated by municipal zoning. Urban Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton restrict poultry; rural towns like Rehoboth, Berkley, and Freetown allow hens with setbacks. MA Right-to-Farm protects designated ag areas.
MassWildlife (MGL ch. 131 §5A as amended) prohibits intentional feeding of black bears statewide. Bristol County cities restrict feeding of deer, turkeys, and coyotes. Unsecured trash and outdoor pet food attracting wildlife trigger local nuisance enforcement.
Animal cruelty including hoarding is criminalized statewide under M.G.L. Chapter 272 Section 77. Hoarding triggers welfare investigations and felony charges in severe cases.
New Bedford's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Chapter 9 regulates home occupations. Home businesses must be conducted by a resident, be secondary to residential use, and not alter the residential character of the premises. Specific requirements vary by zoning district.
New Bedford's zoning ordinance restricts signage for home occupations. Home businesses may not display exterior signs or make external changes that alter the residential character of the premises. Sign regulations are enforced by the Building Department.
New Bedford's zoning ordinance regulates customer traffic for home occupations. Home businesses must not generate traffic beyond what is typical for a residential area. Requirements vary by district and may require a special permit for home occupations with client visits.
Home childcare in Massachusetts licensed by EEC (Department of Early Education and Care). Family Child Care licenses allow up to 6 or 10 children. MGL ch. 40A §3 prevents local zoning from barring licensed family childcare.
Massachusetts Residential Kitchen Operator program under 105 CMR 590 requires registration with local Board of Health. Permitted non-potentially hazardous foods only. Bristol County BOHs (Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton) issue permits after inspection.
New Bedford regulates construction noise under its general ordinance provisions. Construction activities that create excessive noise and disturb the neighborhood are subject to enforcement. The city follows Massachusetts building code standards and MassDEP noise regulations.
New Bedford regulates noise through its general ordinance provisions and MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10. Habitual barking or noise that disturbs a neighborhood is declared a public nuisance. The city's waterfront and fishing port generate continuous harbor activity in the South End.
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 other noise disturbs any considerable number of persons is unlawful. Three confirmed complaints in a calendar year result in a $100 fine.
Leaf blowers in Bristol County municipalities operate under local noise bylaws. No countywide rule; Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton each set their own hours. MA has no statewide leaf blower ban.
Amplified music in Bristol County cities requires entertainment licenses from the local licensing board. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton each regulate outdoor amplification. MGL c. 272 §53 disturbing-the-peace is the state backstop.
Massachusetts regulates industrial and commercial noise statewide through the Department of Environmental Protection under the Air Pollution Control regulations, prohibiting noise that creates a condition of air pollution.
New Bedford follows Massachusetts state law for fence height. MGL Ch. 49 §21 prohibits spite fences over 6 feet erected maliciously. The city's zoning ordinance Chapter 9 may contain additional fence requirements for specific districts. Pool fences must comply with 780 CMR barrier standards.
New Bedford requires a building permit for fence installation, with a fee of $30. The permit is obtained through the Inspectional Services Department. Pool barrier fences must also meet 780 CMR requirements and may require additional inspection.
Massachusetts law under MGL Ch. 49 §21 prohibits spite fences — fences over 6 feet erected maliciously to annoy a neighbor. Massachusetts has no shared-cost statute. Boundary line disputes are resolved through civil court action.
780 CMR (Mass Building Code) requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet from footing to top. Walls supporting surcharge or over 4 feet need engineered plans stamped by Mass-licensed PE. Setbacks per local zoning.
Massachusetts 780 CMR Appendix G and 248 CMR 6.00 require 4-foot minimum barriers around all residential pools over 24 inches deep. Self-closing, self-latching gates with latches 54+ inches above grade. Fall River and New Bedford inspect at permit.
Fence materials in Bristol County cities follow local zoning bylaws. Wood, vinyl, and wrought iron are standard. Historic districts in New Bedford and Taunton require HDC approval. MGL c. 49 governs 'legal and sufficient' fences.
New Bedford requires property owners to keep lawns trimmed to no more than 3 inches in height under §22-18 of the Code of Ordinances (enacted July 21, 2003). After an initial 72-hour grace period following notice, violators face a $20 fine plus $5 per additional week of non-compliance.
New Bedford's water supply is managed through the city's water utility. Outdoor water use restrictions may be imposed during drought conditions per MassDEP guidelines. Unnecessary waste of water is subject to enforcement under city regulations.
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.
Removal of public trees in New Bedford requires approval from the Department of Public Infrastructure. Private tree removal generally does not require a city permit unless the tree is in a protected area or historic district. Massachusetts law protects trees on public ways.
Rainwater harvesting is legal and unrestricted in Bristol County. Massachusetts has no state limits on residential collection. Rain barrels and cisterns allowed without special permits.
Native plant landscaping encouraged across Bristol County. MGL ch. 184 §23C protects water-conserving and native landscaping from HOA bans. Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List (333 CMR 13) bars planting of invasive species. State rebates for lawn conversion are limited.
Artificial turf allowed in Bristol County residential yards. No permit unless grading changes. Some Massachusetts communities have restricted synthetic turf fields for PFAS and stormwater concerns. MGL ch. 184 §23C limits HOA bans on water-conserving landscaping.
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.
New Bedford requires building permits for pools deeper than 24 inches. Electrical permits ($45 per inspection for residential pools) are also required. All pools must comply with 780 CMR barrier requirements. The Inspectional Services Department handles pool permits.
New Bedford requires pool barrier fences per Massachusetts Building Code 780 CMR. Barriers must be at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Gate latches must be at least 54 inches from ground. Pools within 10 feet of a lot line require a 6-foot concealing fence.
Above-ground pools in New Bedford deeper than 24 inches require a building permit. Pool barrier requirements under 780 CMR apply. Pools with sides less than 48 inches high need additional fencing. Ladders must be removable or have a lockable gate.
All swimming pools in Bristol County require building permits under 780 CMR (MA State Building Code) and must comply with 105 CMR 435. Code is uniform statewide; municipalities cannot relax requirements.
Hot tubs over 24 inches deep in Bristol County require permit under 780 CMR Appendix G with 48-inch barriers. Electrical permit required under 527 CMR 12 for 240V circuit. Approved locking safety covers may satisfy barrier rules.
New Bedford has FEMA-designated flood zones and is protected by the New Bedford Hurricane Protection Barrier, constructed 1962-1966 across New Bedford and Fairhaven Harbor. The barrier protects approximately 1,400 acres from tidal flooding. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (effective July 16, 2014) designate special flood hazard areas.
Grading in Bristol County requires local building/engineering permits and ConCom review near wetlands. Drainage cannot be redirected to neighboring parcels. 780 CMR controls retaining walls over 4 feet.
Coastal development in Bristol County (Fall River, New Bedford, Fairhaven, Dartmouth, Westport, Swansea) requires Conservation Commission review under WPA and MA CZM consistency review. Strict limits near wetlands and flood zones.
Stormwater in Bristol County follows MA Stormwater Handbook under MGL c. 131 §40 and MS4 permits. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton operate under EPA NPDES MS4 permits with illicit discharge bylaws.
Erosion and sediment control is required for all land-disturbing activity in Bristol County. NPDES Construction General Permit applies to 1+ acre sites. Conservation Commission review triggers at wetland buffers.
New Bedford enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.
Bristol County municipal parks close from dusk (or 9 to 11 PM) to dawn. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton post hours at each park. After-hours presence is trespassing under MGL c. 266 §120.
Bristol County landlords must follow MGL ch. 239 summary process for evictions. No-fault evictions require 30-day or rental-period notice; non-payment requires 14-day notice to quit. Self-help eviction is barred by MGL ch. 184 §18.
New Bedford requires rental registration and inspection every 5 years under city ordinance. Fall River requires a rental certificate. Taunton enforces state Sanitary Code inspections. Lead paint disclosure required for pre-1978 units under MGL ch. 111 §197A.
Rent control is banned statewide in Massachusetts under MGL c. 40P (1994 ballot initiative). Bristol County landlords may raise rents with proper notice. Tenant protections under MGL c. 186 apply.
Adults 21+ in Bristol County can grow up to 6 cannabis plants (12 per household) under MGL c. 94G §7. Plants must be enclosed and not visible from public areas.
Cannabis retailers in Bristol County operate under CCC licensing (935 CMR 500). Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton approved retail; some towns opted out under MGL c. 94G §3.
Public shade trees in Bristol County are protected by MGL c. 87 §3 — removal requires Tree Warden approval and public hearing. Private-property tree-removal rules vary by municipality.
Replacement planting is required when permitted public shade trees are removed under MGL c. 87. Some Bristol County municipalities set private-property replacement ratios through local bylaw.
Heritage and specimen trees in Bristol County receive enhanced protection under local bylaws and MGL c. 87. Historic districts and conservation land have added restrictions.
Massachusetts Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410 and local blight ordinances in Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton target deteriorating properties. Vacant property registration required in all three cities. Liens placed on property for uncorrected violations.
Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton require trash/recycling bins be stored out of public view between collection days. Bins placed curbside evening before or morning of pickup and retrieved same day. Overflowing or open-lidded bins violate health code.
Property maintenance codes in Bristol County cities require organized display and same-day cleanup for yard sales. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton enforce blight citations for abandoned items.
Property owners in Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, and most Bristol County cities must clear sidewalks within 24 to 48 hours of snowfall. Papadopoulos (2010) established statewide premises-liability duty.
Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton require vacant lot owners to mow (grass under 8-12 inches), remove trash, and secure the site. Vacant property registration required. Municipal mowing and cleanup billed to owner with lien for non-payment.
Commercial drone work in Bristol County requires FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification. New Bedford and Taunton airport Class D airspace requires LAANC. Municipal filming permits may apply.
Recreational drones in Bristol County follow FAA rules under 49 USC §44809. New Bedford Regional Airport (KEWB) and T.F. Green proximity create Class D/E restricted airspace requiring LAANC authorization.
Several Bristol County municipalities maintain no-knock lists. Posted 'No Soliciting' signs must be honored by permitted commercial canvassers. Political and religious canvassing remain First Amendment protected.
Door-to-door solicitors in Bristol County cities need a local hawker/peddler or canvasser permit, often with CORI background check. State license under MGL c. 101 covers commercial peddlers.
Vending zones in Bristol County cities restrict food trucks by distance from brick-and-mortar restaurants and schools. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton designate approved locations.
Food trucks in Bristol County need a local mobile vendor permit and a 105 CMR 590 mobile food permit from the municipal Board of Health. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton issue separately.
Lot coverage ratios in Bristol County zoning districts typically cap impervious coverage at 40 to 60%. MA Stormwater Standards add post-construction treatment for larger disturbances.
Setback requirements in Bristol County are set by local zoning under MGL c. 40A. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton each have residential districts with distinct front, side, and rear minimums.
Height limits in Bristol County residential zones typically cap at 35 feet or 2.5 stories. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton downtowns allow greater heights. 780 CMR controls construction.
Political signs allowed on private property in Bristol County under First Amendment and Reed v. Town of Gilbert. MGL ch. 54 and local sign codes impose reasonable time/place/manner limits. Signs in state highway ROW prohibited by MassDOT.
Holiday decorations freely allowed on private property across Bristol County. No permits required. Must not block sidewalks or sight triangles, must use outdoor-rated electrical equipment, and must respect noise ordinances for animated/musical displays.
Bristol County cities allow small temporary yard-sale signs on private property. Signs on utility poles, street trees, and public ROW prohibited. Many permits require same-day removal. New Bedford and Fall River actively remove sign clutter.
Massachusetts MGL ch. 184 §23C limits private restrictions on solar energy systems. HOAs and condo associations may impose reasonable aesthetic conditions but cannot effectively prohibit rooftop solar. Bristol County HOAs are uncommon outside newer subdivisions.
Solar installations in Bristol County require building and electrical permits under 780 CMR and 527 CMR. Massachusetts SMART program and net metering apply. MGL ch. 40A §3 limits municipal restrictions on solar access.
Bristol County garage sales typically run 8 AM to 6 PM. Weekend sales (Friday through Sunday) are most common. Early setup before 7 AM may violate local noise bylaws.
Bristol County garage sales are generally limited to 2 to 4 per household per year to distinguish occasional sales from unlicensed retail. Each sale typically runs 2 to 3 days.
Most Bristol County municipalities do not require garage sale permits. A few towns require simple registration. MGL c. 101 hawker/peddler law exempts bona fide occasional yard sales.
Curbside recycling is mandatory in Bristol County cities for paper, cardboard, metal, glass, and plastics #1 and #2. MassDEP 310 CMR 19.017 bans listed recyclables from the trash stream statewide.
Bulk pickup in Bristol County cities requires advance scheduling. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton accept furniture and appliances with appointments. Mattresses must be separated per MassDEP waste ban.
Carts must be placed curbside by 7 AM and removed within 24 hours of pickup. Fall River and New Bedford cite repeat offenders. Carts must be stored out of public view between pickups.
Trash and recycling collection in Bristol County is handled by each municipality. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton provide weekly curbside pickup. MassDEP waste bans prohibit disposal of certain materials.
Bristol County cities prohibit outdoor lighting that trespasses onto neighboring properties. Typical limit: 0.5 to 1.0 foot-candles at the residential property line. Enforcement is complaint-driven.
Bristol County municipalities regulate outdoor lighting through local zoning to reduce light pollution. Fully shielded fixtures are standard for new commercial development. Residential rules vary by town.
Massachusetts sets a statewide minimum wage of $15.00 per hour under MGL Chapter 151, and generally preempts cities from adopting higher local minimum wages.
Massachusetts provides paid family and medical leave through the PFML program under MGL Chapter 175M, plus paid sick time under the Earned Sick Time Law for most employees.
Massachusetts has no statewide predictive scheduling law, leaving most scheduling rules to standard wage and hour law under MGL Chapter 151 with limited reporting-pay protections.
Massachusetts requires a License to Carry under MGL Chapter 140 Section 131 to carry concealed handguns, with applications processed by local police chiefs subject to suitability review.
Massachusetts grants local police chiefs significant licensing authority over firearms while state law sets uniform standards through MGL Chapter 140 for licensing, sales, and possession statewide.
Massachusetts technically permits open carry with a valid License to Carry, but the practice is rare and discouraged, with municipalities and businesses commonly prohibiting visible firearms.
Massachusetts requires a valid License to Carry under MGL Chapter 140 Section 131 to transport loaded handguns in a vehicle, with strict storage rules applying to long guns and unlicensed possession.
Massachusetts protects agricultural land use through MGL Chapter 40A Section 3, exempting agriculture, horticulture, and floriculture from most local zoning restrictions on parcels of five acres or more.
Massachusetts protects commercial agriculture from nuisance lawsuits under MGL Chapter 111 Section 125A, recognizing farms operating consistent with generally accepted practices as not constituting a nuisance.
Massachusetts has no statewide plastic bag ban or preemption, allowing over 160 cities and towns to enact their own single-use plastic bag prohibitions under home-rule authority.
Massachusetts has not enacted a statewide polystyrene ban, but dozens of cities and towns prohibit foam food containers, and state procurement rules limit foam in agency purchases.
Massachusetts does not regulate plastic straws statewide, but several cities and towns require restaurants to provide straws only on request or use compostable alternatives.
Massachusetts requires purchasers of tobacco and vape products to be at least 21 years of age under MGL Chapter 270 Section 6, predating the 2019 federal Tobacco 21 law.
Massachusetts became the first state to ban all flavored tobacco products including menthol cigarettes and flavored vapes under MGL Chapter 270 Section 6, effective June 2020.
Massachusetts heavily restricts vape retail under MGL Chapter 270 Section 6, banning flavored vape products statewide and limiting nicotine vape sales to licensed adult-only smoking bars.