Newton zoning sets front setbacks from 20-30 feet, side setbacks 7.5-15 feet, and rear setbacks 20-25 feet depending on zoning district. Single Residence 1 has the largest required setbacks.
Newton Zoning Ordinance Chapter 30 establishes minimum setbacks that vary by district. In the Single Residence 1 (SR1) district the largest lots have front setbacks of 30 feet, side setbacks of 15 feet, and rear setbacks of 25 feet. Single Residence 2 (SR2) requires 25/10/20 feet front/side/rear. Single Residence 3 (SR3) and Multi-Residence 1 allow 20/7.5/15 feet. Corner lots must meet front setbacks on both street frontages. Setback averaging is permitted where adjacent homes have smaller setbacks on the same side of the street. Projections like bay windows, chimneys, and eaves may extend up to 2 feet into setbacks. Variances require Zoning Board of Appeals review.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Newton, MA
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Newton, MA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
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