Fence Regulations in Boston, MA (2026)
7 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...
Permit Requirements
Boston requires a building permit for fences over 6 feet and a Zoning Board of Appeal variance for fences over 6 feet in residential districts under the Boston Zoning Code.
Fences: Permits
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Massachusetts has a spite fence statute (MGL c.49 §21) but no shared fence cost law. Each owner is responsible for their own fence.
Boston Neighbor Fence Rules
Some RestrictionsRetaining Walls
Boston requires a building permit for any retaining wall over 4 feet tall measured from footing to top, and engineered drawings for walls over 4 feet or walls supporting a surcharge.
Fences: Retaining Walls
Heavy RestrictionsPool Barriers
Boston enforces Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR Appendix G (ISPSC 305) requiring a 4-foot barrier around any pool or hot tub deeper than 24 inches, with self-closing self-latching gates.
Fences: Pool Barriers
Heavy RestrictionsFence Requirements
Boston fences must have the finished side facing the neighbor, cannot encroach on the public way, and in historic districts must match approved designs and materials.
Fences: Fence Requirements
Some RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
Boston has no citywide ban on specific fence materials, but historic districts restrict fences to wood, wrought iron, or approved materials, and barbed wire is prohibited in residential districts.
Fences: Material Restrictions
Some RestrictionsLooking for Suffolk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Boston city rules.
Fence Regulations in Suffolk County →