Structure Height Limits: Arlington vs Lowell
How do structure height limits rules compare between Arlington, MA and Lowell, MA?
Arlington and Lowell have similar restriction levels.
Arlington, MA
Middlesex County
Height limits vary by municipality under MGL c.40A. Residential caps generally run 30-35 feet or 2.5 stories; mixed-use corridors allow 45-85 feet.
View full Arlington rules →Lowell, MA
Middlesex County
Lowell building heights range from 35 feet in single-family districts up to 70 feet in downtown and industrial zones, with chimneys and church spires exempt.
View full Lowell rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Residential cap typical | 30-35 feet | - |
| Stories typical | 2.5 stories | - |
| MBTA 40A s.3A | Multifamily near transit | - |
| Hanscom Field | FAA Part 77 zoning | - |
| Measurement | Grade to mean roof | - |
| Single-family cap | - | 35 feet |
| Multifamily cap | - | 40 feet |
| Downtown cap | - | 60 to 70 feet |
| Shed cap | - | 15 feet |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
Is there a county-wide height cap?
No. Height is regulated by each municipality through its zoning bylaw.
Do chimneys count toward height?
Most bylaws exempt chimneys, antennas, and small mechanical projections within limits.
Lowell FAQ
Can I build a third story in Lowell?
In single-family districts the 2.5 story limit generally prevents a full third story; two-family and multifamily zones allow three stories within the height cap.
Does a chimney count toward height?
No, chimneys, spires, and similar features are typically exempt up to 10 feet above the zoning height limit.
Compare other topics
See how Arlington and Lowell compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool