Zoning Administration

The Planning and Conservation Department is also responsible for the interpretation and administration of zoning in the City of Taunton. This involves the regulation of the use and development of real estate and is used by municipalities to control and direct the development of property within their borders. In the State of Massachusetts, the state zoning enabling act is MGLCh40A and under the authority granted by this Act to Cities and Towns, the City has adopted a Zoning Ordinance. The City has been divided into many zoning districts. Each district regulates the types of uses and intensity of those uses differently. All development in the City, residential and commercial are subject to the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and there are various forms, approvals, reviews and hearing processes required for various types and scopes of developments.

The Department works with property owners and developers in navigating and applying the Zoning Ordinance to each proposed development or use proposed and making sure all of the applicable zoning requirements are met. In addition, the Department provides administrative and technical support to the various Boards that review and decide on cases requiring a zoning hearing. Finally, The Department works with the Building Department in properly enforcing zoning requirements and removing zoning violations.

In the Planning and Conservation Department main page you can find links to the full text of the Zoning Ordinance as well as downloadable forms and applications, the Zoning Board, and Site Plan Review.