Fence Regulations in Lowell, MA (2026)
7 verified fence regulations for Lowell, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Residential fences in Lowell are generally limited to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 4 feet in front yards, with taller fences requiring a special permit.
Lowell Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 49, § 21 (Spite Fences)
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
Fences over 6 feet in height require a building permit in Lowell; shorter residential fences generally do not, but historic district approval may be needed.
Lowell Fence Permits and Building Department Process
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Massachusetts law (MGL c.49, the Fence Law) governs shared boundary fences; Lowell applies these rules along with zoning setbacks.
Lowell Fence Neighbor and Boundary Rules
Some RestrictionsRetaining Walls
Retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top) require engineered plans and a building permit in Lowell.
Lowell Retaining Wall Rules and Permits
Heavy RestrictionsPool Barriers
All residential swimming pools in Lowell must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates, per 780 CMR.
Lowell Pool Barrier and Fence Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsFence Requirements
Lowell fences must meet zoning height rules, sight-triangle rules at corners, setback from public sidewalks, and structural requirements under the state building code.
Lowell General Fence Construction Requirements
Some RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
Lowell allows wood, vinyl, aluminum, wrought iron, and chain link fencing in most zones; barbed wire, electrified fencing, and razor wire are restricted or banned.
Lowell Fence Material Restrictions
Some RestrictionsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 49, § 21 (Spite Fences)
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...
Looking for Middlesex County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lowell city rules.
Fence Regulations in Middlesex County →