Shed permit rules in Newton, MA — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Newton allows sheds in rear and side yards with setbacks; sheds over 120 sf need building permits; setbacks typically 3 to 10 feet from property lines.
Newton Zoning Ordinance permits accessory sheds in residential rear and side yards subject to lot coverage, setback, and height limits. Typical setbacks require sheds to be at least 3 to 5 feet from side and rear property lines and not located in required front yards. Sheds up to 120 square feet generally do not require a building permit under Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR, but do require zoning compliance review by Newton Inspectional Services. Sheds larger than 120 square feet, or any shed with electrical or plumbing, require full building permits. Maximum shed height is typically 10 to 12 feet. Lot coverage caps mean Newton densely developed neighborhoods often limit how many accessory structures are possible. Historic district and conservation land restrictions may add additional review.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Newton, MA
Industrial and commercial noise in Newton must meet property-line decibel limits by zoning district, with mechanical equipment, HVAC, and loading docks close...
Newton, MA
Newton follows the state stretch energy code requiring EV-ready wiring in new construction. Residential Level 2 chargers need electrical permits; commercial ...
Newton, MA
Under MGL c.90 s.22D, Newton can tow vehicles left on public ways for more than 72 hours. Unregistered or inoperable vehicles on private property must be sto...
Newton, MA
Newton requires curb cut permits from DPW for new driveways, with maximum widths of 20 feet for single-family homes. Impervious surface coverage is limited b...
Newton, MA
Massachusetts MGL Chapter 49 governs boundary fences between neighbors, establishing shared maintenance where fences are mutual and providing fence viewer pr...
Newton, MA
Retaining walls in Newton over 4 feet in height measured from footing to top require a building permit and engineered design per 780 CMR.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle shed rules.
See how Newton's shed rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.