101 local rules on file · Pop. 2,677 · Bristol County
Showing ordinances that apply to Norton Center, MA
Norton Center is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 2,677 in Bristol County, Massachusetts. Because Norton Center is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal government or city code. Instead, Bristol County ordinances apply directly to residential and commercial properties here. The rules below are the county-level regulations that govern your area. Nearby incorporated cities in Bristol County may have different rules.
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.
These unincorporated areas are also governed by Bristol County ordinances.
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.
Bristol County may require vegetation management for fire safety. MA does not have a statewide defensible space mandate. Local property maintenance applies.
Bristol County is not in a high wildfire-hazard zone like western states, but DCR Bureau of Forest Fire Control enforces MGL ch. 48 §13 open-burning rules. Freetown-Fall River State Forest and pine barrens near Lakeville carry elevated brush-fire risk each spring.
All consumer fireworks including sparklers are illegal throughout Massachusetts under MGL Ch. 148 §39. This applies to all of Bristol County. Only licensed professionals may conduct public displays with permits from the local fire department and State Fire Marshal.
Most Bristol County towns allow open burning from January 15 to May 1 with a free fire department permit under 310 CMR 7.07. However, Fall River and New Bedford are on the MassDEP list of communities where open burning is permanently banned due to population density.
Fire pit regulations in Bristol County vary by municipality. In towns with seasonal open burning, recreational fire pits are subject to MassDEP regulations. In Fall River and New Bedford (permanent ban), only cooking-purpose fire pits may be allowed. Gas and propane fire pits are generally treated differently.
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.
Above-ground pools throughout Bristol County must comply with 780 CMR barrier requirements if holding water deeper than 24 inches. Pools with sides less than 48 inches need additional fencing. Building permits are required by local building departments.
Swimming pool safety in Bristol County is regulated under 780 CMR (Massachusetts Building Code). Building permits are required for pool installation in all municipalities. Pools holding water deeper than 24 inches must comply with barrier requirements. Local building inspectors enforce compliance.
All swimming pools throughout Bristol County must comply with Massachusetts Building Code 780 CMR barrier requirements. Barriers must be at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Gate latches at least 54 inches from ground. This is a statewide standard enforced by local building departments.
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.
Beekeeping in Bristol County is regulated at the municipal level through town Boards of Health under MGL Ch. 111. State regulations under 330 CMR 8.00 govern apiaries statewide. Individual towns may require permits for beekeeping.
Bristol County does not impose county-level breed restrictions. Massachusetts has no statewide breed ban preemption, allowing individual municipalities to set their own policies. Most Bristol County towns enforce dangerous dog provisions under MGL Ch. 140 rather than breed-specific bans.
Exotic pet regulations in Bristol County follow Massachusetts state law. MGL Ch. 131 §23 and 321 CMR 9.01 list prohibited species statewide. Individual town Boards of Health may impose additional restrictions on animal keeping.
Dog leash laws in Bristol County are enforced at the municipal level under MGL Ch. 140. Most towns require dogs to be leashed (typically 6-7 ft) when off the owner's property. Annual dog licensing is required statewide through the local City or Town Clerk.
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.
Water restrictions in Bristol County are managed at the municipal level by individual town water departments and Boards of Health. MassDEP may impose outdoor water use restrictions during drought conditions. Individual water suppliers set their own conservation measures.
Tree removal regulations in Bristol County are handled at the municipal level. Public tree removal requires approval from the local Tree Warden under MGL Ch. 87. Private tree removal generally does not require a permit unless in wetlands or protected areas.
Grass height and property maintenance in Bristol County are regulated at the municipal level. Individual towns set their own standards through property maintenance codes and nuisance ordinances. New Bedford enforces a 3-inch maximum. Most towns address overgrown vegetation through Board of Health nuisance provisions.
Tree management in Bristol County is handled at the municipal level. Each town has a Tree Warden responsible for public shade trees under MGL Ch. 87. Property owners may trim branches extending over their property line. Some towns like Attleboro have adopted specific tree protection ordinances.
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.
Bristol County does not impose county-level construction hour restrictions. Construction hours are regulated at the municipal level by individual towns. The state noise regulation 310 CMR 7.10 provides baseline protection against excessive construction noise at property lines.
Bristol County unincorporated areas follow Massachusetts state noise regulations under 310 CMR 7.10, which prohibits sound exceeding ambient levels by more than 10 dBA at the property line. Individual towns within the county may adopt their own noise ordinances. The Board of Health in each town has authority under MGL Ch. 111 §31C to regulate noise.
Barking dog enforcement in Bristol County falls to individual town animal control officers and police departments under MGL Ch. 140 §157. Dogs deemed a nuisance due to habitual barking may be subject to municipal fines. Each town sets its own fine structure.
STR occupancy in Bristol County follows 105 CMR 410 Sanitary Code minimum square-footage rules (150 sq ft first occupant + 100 sq ft each additional). Local STR ordinances often cap at 2 per bedroom plus 2. New Bedford and Fall River enforce via complaint.
Massachusetts STR law MGL ch. 64G §15 requires hosts to carry minimum $1,000,000 liability insurance. Platform-provided coverage (Airbnb AirCover, Vrbo) satisfies requirement if it meets the $1M floor. Proof required at DOR registration.
Massachusetts imposes a 5.7% state room occupancy excise tax on all short-term rentals under MGL Ch. 64G. Towns in Bristol County may impose additional local option taxes up to 6% plus a community impact fee up to 3%. All operators must register with MassTaxConnect.
STR parking requirements in Bristol County are governed by individual town zoning ordinances and parking regulations. Each municipality sets its own off-street parking requirements. Snow emergency parking bans are declared at the municipal level.
STR guests in Bristol County must comply with applicable town noise ordinances and state noise regulations. The MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10 standard applies countywide. Individual towns may have specific quiet hours and nuisance provisions.
Bristol County does not impose county-level STR registration. All Massachusetts STR operators must register with the Department of Revenue via MassTaxConnect under MGL Ch. 64G. Individual towns may adopt their own STR ordinances with additional requirements.
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.
Massachusetts law under MGL Ch. 49 §21 prohibits spite fences over 6 feet erected maliciously throughout Bristol County. There is no state shared-cost statute. Boundary disputes are resolved through civil court.
Bristol County does not impose county-level fence height limits. Massachusetts state law MGL Ch. 49 §21 prohibits spite fences over 6 feet erected maliciously to annoy neighbors. Individual towns may have additional height requirements in their zoning codes.
Fence permits in Bristol County are issued at the municipal level. Most towns require permits for fence installation, with fees varying by municipality. Pool barrier fences must comply with 780 CMR and may require separate inspection.
Carports in Bristol County require a building permit under 780 CMR. Zoning treats them as accessory structures with side/rear setbacks typically 5-10 feet. Lot coverage caps apply. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton require snow-load-rated design.
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.
Shed and accessory structure regulations in Bristol County are governed by individual municipal zoning ordinances. Most towns require building permits for structures over 200 square feet. Setback requirements vary by municipality and zoning district.
Garage conversions throughout Bristol County require building permits and must comply with local zoning ordinances and 780 CMR building code. Conversions to living space must meet residential standards. ADU conversions may be 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 in all Bristol County municipalities. Towns cannot prohibit ADUs or impose owner-occupancy requirements. Both attached and detached ADUs are permitted under the state framework.
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.
Home occupation regulations in Bristol County are governed by individual municipal zoning ordinances under MGL Ch. 40A. Each town defines permitted home business activities in residential districts. Most require the business to be incidental to residential use and operated by a resident.
Home business signage in Bristol County is restricted by individual municipal zoning ordinances. Most towns prohibit exterior commercial signage for home occupations in residential districts to maintain neighborhood character.
Customer traffic for home businesses in Bristol County is regulated by individual municipal zoning ordinances. Most towns restrict or prohibit client visits to home occupations in residential districts. Some require special permits for home businesses with customer traffic.
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.
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.
Bristol County has significant FEMA-designated flood zones along the Taunton River, Buzzards Bay coast, and Mount Hope Bay. New Bedford is protected by the Hurricane Protection Barrier (constructed 1962-1966). All participating communities must enforce floodplain overlay districts as part of the National Flood Insurance Program.
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 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 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 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.