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Fence Regulations in Springfield, MA (2026)

6 verified fence regulations for Springfield, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Height Limits

Springfield limits fences to 6 feet rear/side, 4 feet front yard. The city's diverse neighborhoods range from historic Maple High to suburban Forest Park with different fencing character.

Springfield Fence Height Limits

Some Restrictions

Permit Requirements

Springfield may require permits for fences. Standard fences under 6 feet often exempt from building permits under MA Building Code (780 CMR).

Springfield Fence Permit Requirements

Some Restrictions

Neighbor 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.

Springfield Neighbor Fence Rules

Some Restrictions

Retaining Walls

Springfield requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.

Springfield Retaining Wall Regulations

Some Restrictions

Pool Barriers

Springfield requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.

Springfield Pool Barrier & Fencing Requirements

Heavy Restrictions

Material Restrictions

Springfield regulates fence materials by zone. Wood, vinyl, and wrought iron standard. Barbed wire prohibited residential. Historic districts have strict rules.

Springfield Fence Material Rules

Some Restrictions

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 49, § 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.

Looking for Hampden County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Springfield city rules.

Fence Regulations in Hampden County