Height Limits: Arlington vs Newton
How do height limits rules compare between Arlington, MA and Newton, MA?
Arlington and Newton have similar restriction levels.
Arlington, MA
Middlesex County
Middlesex County limits fence heights: typically 6 feet rear/side, 3.5 to 4 feet front. MA spite fence law (MGL c.49 §21) limits malicious fences over 6 feet.
View full Arlington rules →Newton, MA
Middlesex County
Newton limits residential fence height to 6 feet in side and rear yards and typically 4 feet in front yards, with taller fences requiring special permits.
View full Newton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Newton |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | 3.5 to 4 feet | - |
| Rear/Side | 6 feet | - |
| Spite Fence | MGL c.49 §21 (>6 ft) | - |
| Variance | Zoning board of appeals | - |
| Side/rear | - | 6 feet maximum |
| Front yard | - | 4 feet maximum |
| Corner sight | - | 30 inches in triangle |
| Pool fence | - | 48 inches per 780 CMR |
| Taller | - | ZBA special permit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
How tall can my fence be?
6 feet rear/side, 3.5 to 4 feet front yard. Check Middlesex County zoning bylaw.
What about spite fences?
MGL c.49 §21 makes fences over 6 feet built maliciously to annoy neighbors a private nuisance.
Newton FAQ
Can I build an 8-foot privacy fence?
Only with a ZBA special permit or variance, since standard limits are 6 feet in side and rear yards.
Does the grade matter for height?
Yes, height is measured from natural grade, so creating a berm under a fence still counts toward total height.
Compare other topics
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