Fence Regulations in Boston, MA (2026)
2 verified fence regulations for Boston, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Boston fence height limits vary by zoning district, with state building code requiring permits for fences over 7 feet. Historic districts impose additional restrictions of 42 inches maximum.
Boston Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 49, Sec. 21 (Fences Deemed a Private Nuisance — Six Foot Height Trigger)
A fence or other structure in the nature of a fence which unnecessarily exceeds six feet in height and is maliciously erected or maintained for the purpose of annoying the owners or occupants of adjoining property shall be deemed a private nuisance. Any such owner or occupant injured in the comfort or enjoyment of his estate thereby may have an action of tort for damages under chapter two hundr...
Fence Permit Requirements
Boston only requires a fence-specific permit inside its historic districts. Property under the Beacon Hill or Back Bay Architectural Commissions, the Boston Landmarks Commission, or a Chapter 40C commission needs a Certificate of Appropriateness/Design Approval before installing or changing a fence, at a $50 design-review fee.
Boston Historic District Fence Permit Rule
Significant RestrictionsBoston Code of Ordinances § 18-1.5(H)
The fee for the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness/Design Approval and/or Exemption by the secretary of the Beacon Hill or Back Bay Architectural Commissions or the Boston Landmarks Commission (including any of its district commissions) or any Commission established under M.G.L. Chapter 40C shall be...in the case of design changes to the exterior architectural features of a buildi...