How Cambridge Handles Fence Regulations: A Practical Guide
Cambridge maintains 96 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with fence regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Cambridge falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Material Restrictions
Cambridge prohibits barbed wire and razor wire in residential zones; historic districts restrict materials to wood, wrought iron, and period-appropriate options subject to Commission review.
Key details: Barbed/Razor Wire: Prohibited residential. Electric Fence: Prohibited (practical). Historic Approved: Wood, wrought iron. Historic Denied: Vinyl, chain-link typical. Chain-Link: Discouraged in front yards.
Height Limits
Within Cambridge's Parkway Overlay District, land the ordinance designates near arterial parkways such as the Fresh Pond Reservation, Zoning Ordinance Section 20.65 caps any front- or side-lot-line fence within 25 feet of a public right-of-way at 4 feet high and 30 percent opaque, and bans chain-link and wire fencing outright.
Key details: Governing district: Parkway Overlay District, Sec. 20.61. Height cap: 4 feet within 25 ft of ROW. Opacity cap: 30 percent maximum. Prohibited materials: Chain-link and wire fences. Height measured from: Curb level of the street.
A fence built taller than 4 feet, more than 30 percent opaque, or made of chain-link or wire within 25 feet of a public right-of-way in the Parkway Overlay District or the Alewife Overlay District Quadrangle does not comply with Section 20.65 or Section 20.1100.5.5.6. The Superintendent of Buildings and Commissioner of Inspectional Services can deny a building permit for the fence or order a nonconforming fence removed or altered to comply; an owner seeking relief from the standard must apply for a special permit through the Board of Zoning Appeal or Planning Board process governing the applicable overlay district.
The Bottom Line
Cambridge's fence regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Cambridge is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Cambridge's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.