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Fence Regulations in Worcester, MA (2026)

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

Verified from official government sources

Height Limits

Worcester limits residential fence heights: 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards under the zoning ordinance. Corner lot visibility requirements apply.

Worcester Fence Height Limits

Some Restrictions

Worcester Zoning Ordinance, Article I § 2 – Definitions (Structure)

STRUCTURE – A combination of materials assembled at a fixed location to give support or shelter, such as a building, bridge, trestle, tower, framework, tank, tunnel, tent, stadium, reviewing stand, platform, bin, sign, flagpole, antenna and the like. A fence or wall over six (6) feet high is considered to be a structure.

Permit Requirements

Worcester requires building permits for new fence installations. Applications go through the Building and Zoning division. Property owners should verify property lines before construction.

Worcester Fence Permit Requirements

Some Restrictions

Neighbor Fence Rules

Massachusetts follows common law for boundary fence disputes. Worcester encourages neighbors to discuss fence plans before construction. Fence viewers may resolve disputes under MGL Chapter 49.

Worcester Fence Neighbor Rules

Few Restrictions

Mass. 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.

Looking for Worcester County county-wide rules?

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

Fence Regulations in Worcester County