Height limits vary by municipality under MGL c.40A. Residential caps generally run 30-35 feet or 2.5 stories; mixed-use corridors allow 45-85 feet.
Each city and town in Middlesex County sets its own height limits in zoning bylaws authorized by MGL c.40A. Suburban single-family districts typically cap principal structures at 30 to 35 feet or 2.5 stories. Urban districts in Cambridge, Somerville, Medford, and Malden permit substantially taller buildings, especially along transit corridors and in mixed-use or Planned Unit Development overlays. MBTA Communities Act compliance (MGL c.40A s.3A) has triggered rezonings that allow multifamily by-right near transit stations. Chimneys, antennas, and mechanical penthouses are commonly exempt within specified limits. Airport height zoning near Hanscom Field (Bedford, Lincoln, Concord, Lexington) adds FAA Part 77 review.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Middlesex County, MA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle structure height limits.
See how Arlington's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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