Pop. 59,365 · Bristol County
Taunton has no separate STR insurance ordinance, but Massachusetts MGL c. 175, § 4F (enacted by 2018 Ch. 337) requires every STR operator to maintain at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance per rental, unless the hosting platform (Airbnb, VRBO) provides equal or greater coverage.
Taunton has no local STR occupancy ordinance. State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.400 sets minimum sleeping-room area: 70 sq ft for one occupant, 50 sq ft per additional occupant. Taunton Zoning Ch. 440-710(A) bars use of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) as a short-term rental.
STR properties in Taunton must comply with the city's general parking and zoning regulations. Off-street parking requirements under the zoning ordinance Chapter 440 apply. Guests must follow all street parking rules.
Taunton Zoning § 440-201 lists carports as accessory structures. Under § 440-711, carports must be subordinate to the principal use, with length-to-width ratio not exceeding 3:1. Carports 120 sq ft or less get reduced side and rear setbacks at 2/3 of the underlying district requirement.
Garage conversions in Taunton require building permits and must comply with the zoning ordinance Ch. 440 and 780 CMR building code. Conversions to living space must meet residential code standards. ADU conversions may be allowed 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 statewide, including Taunton. ADUs must have a separate entrance and cannot exceed 900 sq ft or half the principal dwelling area. Building permits are required.
Taunton requires building permits for accessory structures over 200 square feet per the city's Permit FAQ. Any size structure requires Planning Department approval under §440-711. Structures must comply with zoning district setback requirements. Utility sheds and garages limited to 2 car bays require scale plans.
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.
Taunton regulates parking and vehicle storage through its zoning and traffic ordinances. Oversized vehicles must comply with general street parking rules. Specific restrictions may apply in residential districts under the zoning code Chapter 440.
Taunton regulates commercial vehicle parking through traffic and zoning ordinances. Commercial vehicles must comply with general parking rules and zoning district requirements. Parking areas adjacent to residential properties require screening buffers.
Taunton enforces street parking regulations under its traffic ordinances. Parking lot landscaping is required for lots of 10+ spaces under the zoning code. The city enforces general parking rules including hydrant clearance and corner setbacks.
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 lines with evergreen screening to 4.5 feet or a 6-foot wooden fence substitute. Building permits may be required for new driveway construction.
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.
Taunton's noise ordinance Chapter 315 prohibits keeping any animal or bird that causes frequent or long-continued sounds plainly audible within a noise-sensitive zone or at 50 feet from the lot line. Violations are fined up to $100 for the first offense, escalating to $300.
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 permit from the Building Commissioner, granted only for urgent public health/safety necessity for up to 3 days.
Taunton adopted a comprehensive noise ordinance (Chapter 315) on November 2, 2021, prohibiting preventable and unnecessary noise. Noise that annoys or disturbs the quiet, comfort, or repose of normal persons is prohibited at any time or place. Animals or birds plainly audible at 50 feet from the lot line are also prohibited.
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.
Taunton does not impose breed-specific legislation. The city enforces dangerous dog provisions under state law MGL Ch. 140. The Animal Shelter Advisory Commission assists with animal welfare policy. Dogs classified as dangerous must be restrained and muzzled.
Taunton's Chapter 191 requires all dogs to be on a leash of 6 feet or less when off the owner's premises. Dogs must not run at large. A physical or invisible fence sufficient to contain dogs is required on the property. Annual licensing is required once a dog is 6 months old (April 1–March 31 cycle).
Taunton regulates animal keeping through its Board of Health Domestic Animal and Bird Regulations. Massachusetts restricts exotic animal possession under MGL Ch. 131 §23 and 321 CMR 9.01, which lists prohibited species.
Taunton's Board of Health regulates animal and bird keeping under Domestic Animal and Bird Regulations adopted per MGL Ch. 111 §31 and §122. Beekeeping is subject to Board of Health approval and state regulations under 330 CMR 8.00.
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.
Taunton's zoning ordinance Chapter 440 defines fences of 7 feet or less as not constituting a 'building,' meaning they are generally exempt from building regulations. Fences over 7 feet would be treated as structures requiring additional review. MGL Ch. 49 §21 prohibits spite fences over 6 feet if built maliciously.
Taunton requires a permit for fence installation per the city's Permit FAQ. Applications are submitted to the Planning Department per §440-711. Fences must not restrict view to oncoming traffic per §350-3 and must be properly maintained per §350-4.
Massachusetts law under MGL Ch. 49 §21 prohibits spite fences over 6 feet erected maliciously. Massachusetts has no shared-cost statute. Taunton requires fences not to restrict view to oncoming traffic (§350-3) and to be maintained (§350-4).
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.
All consumer fireworks including sparklers are illegal in Massachusetts under MGL Ch. 148 §39. The Taunton Fire Department actively reminds residents of this ban. Only licensed professionals may conduct public displays with proper state and local permits.
Taunton allows open burning during the annual season from January 15 to May 1 with a free permit from the Fire Department. Outside this season, all outdoor burning is prohibited. The Fire Department may impose temporary bans during dry conditions and elevated wildfire risk.
Recreational fire pits in Taunton are subject to MassDEP open burning regulations. Fire pits used for cooking are generally permitted if tended by someone 18+ and burning only clean, dry firewood. The Fire Department may ban all fire pits during dry conditions and elevated wildfire risk.
Taunton 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.
Massachusetts requires a state fire marshal license and local fire chief permit to store flammable gases including propane above specified threshold quantities.
Taunton's water supply is managed through the city water department. Outdoor water use restrictions may be imposed during drought conditions per MassDEP guidelines. Unnecessary waste of water is subject to enforcement.
Removal of public trees in Taunton requires city approval under MGL Ch. 87. Private tree removal generally does not require a city permit unless the tree is on a public way or in a protected area. The zoning ordinance requires tree preservation in landscaping buffer zones.
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.
Taunton enforces property maintenance standards through its code enforcement division. Overgrown vegetation is addressed as a nuisance condition. The Board of Health investigates nuisance complaints related to property conditions. General ordinance penalties of $50/$100/$300 apply.
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.
Taunton regulates home occupations under Chapter 440 (Zoning Ordinance). Home businesses are classified as accessory uses in residential districts. Applications for accessory business uses are submitted to the City Planner. Specific conditions vary by zoning district.
Taunton's zoning ordinance restricts signage for home occupations in residential districts. Home businesses must not alter the residential character of the premises through exterior signs or displays. Sign regulations are enforced by the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
Taunton's zoning ordinance regulates customer traffic for home occupations. Home businesses must not generate traffic beyond what is typical for the residential district. Special permits may be required for home occupations with significant customer 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.
Taunton requires pool barrier fences per Massachusetts Building Code 780 CMR. Barriers must be at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Swimming pools require a building permit per the city's Permit FAQ. Gate latches must be at least 54 inches from ground.
Taunton requires building permits for swimming pool installations. Permit applications must include an accurate plan drawn to scale showing dimensions and location within the lot. All pools must comply with 780 CMR barrier and safety requirements.
Above-ground pools in Taunton require a building permit and must comply with 780 CMR barrier requirements. Pools with sides less than 48 inches high need additional fencing. Ladders must be removable or have a lockable gate to prevent unsupervised access.
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.
Taunton 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.
Taunton has FEMA-designated special flood hazard areas, particularly along the Taunton River and Mill River corridors. The city participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces floodplain regulations through its zoning ordinance. Development in flood zones must comply with FEMA and state requirements.
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 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.