Somerset, MA
32 local rules on file · Pop. 18,303 · Bristol County
Showing ordinances that apply to Somerset, MA
Somerset is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 18,303 in Bristol County, Massachusetts. Because Somerset 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.
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🏡 Home & Property
🌿 Yard & Garden
🏠 Renting & Housing
🔊 Noise & Neighbors
🐾 Animals & Farming
🔥 Fire & Safety
🚗 Parking & Streets
💼 Business & Licensing
📋 Permits, Signs & Events
🌎 Environment & Utilities
🚗 Parking Rules
Overnight Parking
Some RestrictionsNew 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…
Commercial & Oversized Vehicles
Some RestrictionsCommercial vehicle parking in Bristol County is regulated at the municipal level. Individual towns may restrict commercial vehicle parking on residential streets or require commercial…
🏠 Short-Term Rentals
Insurance Requirements
Some RestrictionsMassachusetts 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…
Short-Term Rental Parking Rules
Some RestrictionsSTR parking requirements in Bristol County are governed by individual town zoning ordinances and parking regulations. Each municipality sets its own off-street parking requirements…
🧱 Fence Regulations
Material Restrictions
Some RestrictionsFence 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…
Neighbor Fence Rules
Few RestrictionsMassachusetts 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…
🔊 Noise Ordinances
Barking Dogs
Some RestrictionsBarking 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…
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Some RestrictionsAmplified music in Bristol County cities requires entertainment licenses from the local licensing board. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton each regulate outdoor amplification. MGL…
Quiet Hours
Some RestrictionsBristol 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…
💼 Home Business
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
Some RestrictionsHome occupation regulations in Bristol County are governed by individual municipal zoning ordinances under MGL Ch. 40A. Each town defines permitted home business activities in…
Home Daycare
Some RestrictionsHome 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…
Cottage Food Operations
Few RestrictionsMassachusetts Residential Kitchen Operator program under 105 CMR 590 requires registration with local Board of Health. Permitted non-potentially hazardous foods only. Bristol County…
Signage Rules
Heavy RestrictionsHome business signage in Bristol County is restricted by individual municipal zoning ordinances. Most towns prohibit exterior commercial signage for home occupations in residential…
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Some RestrictionsCustomer 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…
🐔 Animal Ordinances
Breed Restrictions
Some RestrictionsBristol County does not impose county-level breed restrictions. Massachusetts has no statewide breed ban preemption, allowing individual municipalities to set their own policies. Most…
Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsDog 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…
🔥 Fire Regulations
Fireworks
Heavy RestrictionsAll 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…
Outdoor Burning
Some RestrictionsMost 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…
🏚️ Property Maintenance
Vacant Lot Maintenance
Some RestrictionsFall 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…
Snow & Sidewalk Clearing
Some RestrictionsProperty 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…
☀️ Solar Energy
HOA Restrictions
Few RestrictionsMassachusetts MGL ch. 184 §23C limits private restrictions on solar energy systems. HOAs and condo associations may impose reasonable aesthetic conditions but cannot effectively…
Panel Permits
Some RestrictionsSolar 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…
🌱 Cannabis Regulations
Dispensary Zoning
Some RestrictionsCannabis 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.
Home Cultivation
Some RestrictionsAdults 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.
🚪 Soliciting & Door-to-Door
Cities in Bristol County
Other Communities in Bristol County
These unincorporated areas are also governed by Bristol County ordinances.