Fence Regulations in Brookline, MA (2026)
3 verified fence regulations for Brookline, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Brookline's Zoning By-Law Sections 5.52, 5.62, and 5.74 set maximum fence heights at 6 feet in front yards and 7 feet in side and rear yards. Fences exceeding 7 feet along the MBTA right-of-way may be allowed by Special Permit from the Board of Appeals.
Brookline Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsMass. Gen. Laws Ch. 49 Sec. 21 (Spite Fences)
Section 21. 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 chapt...
Permit Requirements
A building permit is required in Brookline for constructing, altering, or demolishing any fence or structure. Swimming pool enclosure fences always require a permit. Applications typically take 7–10 days to review.
Brookline Fence Permits
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 49 §21 governs shared fence obligations between neighbors. Brookline does not have a local ordinance superseding state law. Disputes about fence placement require a property survey.
Brookline Fence Neighbor Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Norfolk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Brookline city rules.
Fence Regulations in Norfolk County →