Taunton Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Taunton Zoning Overview
Taunton is the seat of Bristol County, known as the Silver City for its former silver industry. The city has a mix of urban core neighborhoods and suburban residential areas. The city's zoning ordinance is administered by the Planning Department and divides the municipality into residential, commercial, and industrial districts with specific dimensional and use regulations.
The city has been adapting its zoning to meet evolving state requirements and housing needs. Recent updates address transit-oriented development, mixed-use opportunities, and compliance with the MBTA Communities Act and the 2024 state ADU law.
As Massachusetts continues to push for increased housing production statewide, Taunton is updating its regulations to balance neighborhood preservation with the need for additional housing options, particularly near transit and commercial corridors.
Key Zoning Districts
Taunton's zoning includes Residence A (R-1) for low-density areas, Residence C (R-3) for higher-density residential, and Commercial A (C-1) for commercial uses. Additional districts cover industrial, institutional, and special-purpose areas.
ADU Regulations
Under the 2024 state ADU law, Taunton allows ADUs by right in single-family zones. ADUs may be up to 900 square feet with no additional parking required. The Building Department processes permits within 45 to 75 days.
Development Process
Development in Taunton begins with a zoning review at the Planning Department. Conforming projects proceed to building permits. Projects requiring relief apply to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Larger projects may require site plan review by the Planning Board.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Taunton
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Massachusetts
- Building Code: MA State Building Code (780 CMR, based on 2021 IBC)
- State ADU Override: Yes (MA ADU Law (2024) — requires single-family zones to allow ADUs by right)
County — Bristol County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 15,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 15 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
ADU Rules in Taunton
- Max Size
- 900 sq ft
- Max Height
- 20 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- No additional parking required
- Owner Occupancy
- Not required under state ADU law
- Permit Timeline
- 45-75 days
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Taunton are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Taunton permit fees →