Fence Regulations in Lowell, MA (2026)
3 verified fence regulations for Lowell, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Lowell allows a fence up to six feet in height on or near a lot line with no building permit; a fence over six feet requires a building permit. Within the corner-clearance triangle at intersecting streets, no fence may exceed three and one-half feet in height.
6 ft without permit; corner clearance limits 3.5 ft
Some RestrictionsCity of Lowell Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 290, sec. 5.2.8 (Corner Clearance)
5.2.8 Corner Clearance. In all districts, between the lines of intersecting streets and the line joining points on such lines fifteen (15) feet distant from their point of intersection no building, structure, or fence may be erected and no vegetation may be maintained above a height of three and one-half feet (3') above the plane through their curb grades.
Fence Permit Requirements
No building permit is required for a fence up to six feet in height on or close to a lot line, but a building permit is required to construct any fence over six feet. Corner-lot fences must not obstruct views.
No permit to 6 ft; building permit required over 6 ft
Some RestrictionsCity of Lowell, Development Services Office - Fence Permits
A fence up to six feet in height may be located on or close to a lot line. No building permit is required. However, a fence cannot obstruct views on corner lots. To construct a fence over six feet in height, you are required to obtain a building permit.
Material Restrictions
In Lowell's transit-oriented and mixed-use development overlays, chain link fence, barbed wire, razor wire, and chicken wire are not permitted where visible from public streets or public parks. The Zoning Ordinance otherwise treats fences as accessory components expected to be of high quality.
Chain link, barbed/razor/chicken wire barred where visible
Some RestrictionsCity of Lowell Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 290, sec. 9.7.6(2) (Development Standards - Materials)
Materials: Chain link fence, barbed wire, razor wire, and chicken wire are not permitted where visible from public streets or public parks. Architectural character and expression shall be of consistently high quality on all exterior portions and sides of a structure. Accessory components and building systems including but not limited to porches, canopies, railings, gates, fences, garden walls, ...