Fence Regulations in Cambridge, MA (2026)
7 verified fence regulations for Cambridge, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Cambridge limits residential fences to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 4 feet in front yards; taller fences require a special permit from Inspectional Services.
Cambridge Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
Cambridge requires a building permit for most fences from Inspectional Services; permit fees are based on linear footage and height, with review typically taking 2 to 3 weeks.
Cambridge Fence Permits
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Massachusetts Fence Law (MGL Chapter 49) governs boundary fence disputes; Cambridge adds local spite-fence protections under MGL c.140 s.162 prohibiting malicious 6-foot-plus fences.
Cambridge Fence Neighbor Rules
Some RestrictionsRetaining Walls
Retaining walls over 4 feet tall in Cambridge require engineered drawings and a building permit; walls over 2 feet count toward fence height if topped by a fence.
Cambridge Retaining Wall Rules
Some RestrictionsPool Barriers
Cambridge pools deeper than 24 inches require a 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates, per Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR Section 3109.
Cambridge Pool Barrier Rules
Heavy RestrictionsFence Requirements
Cambridge requires fences to be structurally sound, maintained, and comply with zoning setbacks; the finished side conventionally faces neighbors and historic districts have additional design review.
Cambridge Fence Requirements
Some RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
Cambridge prohibits barbed wire and razor wire in residential zones; historic districts restrict materials to wood, wrought iron, and period-appropriate options subject to Commission review.
Cambridge Fence Material Rules
Some RestrictionsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 49, § 21 (Fences Deemed a Private Nuisance — Spite Fence)
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...
Looking for Middlesex County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Cambridge city rules.
Fence Regulations in Middlesex County →