Fence Permits: Arlington vs Somerville
How do fence permits rules compare between Arlington, MA and Somerville, MA?
Arlington and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Arlington, MA
Middlesex County
Under the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR), fences 6 feet or less in height do not require a building permit. Fences over 6 feet require a permit. Municipal zoning bylaws may impose additional height restrictions. Massachusetts' spite fence law (MGL Ch. 49 §21) limits malicious fences to 6 feet.
View full Arlington rules →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Under the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR), fences 6 feet or less in height do not require a building permit. Fences over 6 feet require a permit. Municipal zoning bylaws may impose additional height restrictions. Massachusetts' spite fence law (MGL Ch. 49 §21) limits malicious fences to 6 feet.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| No Permit | ≤6 feet (780 CMR) | ≤6 feet (780 CMR) |
| Front Yard | 4 feet typical | 4 feet typical |
| Spite Fence | MGL Ch. 49 §21 | MGL Ch. 49 §21 |
| Pool Fence | Min 4 ft (780 CMR 3109) | Min 4 ft (780 CMR 3109) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
Do I need a permit for a fence in Middlesex County?
Fences 6 feet or under do not need a building permit under 780 CMR. Some municipalities may require a simpler zoning permit. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit. Check with your town's building department.
Can my neighbor build a tall fence to block my view?
A fence over 6 feet erected solely to annoy an adjoining property owner is considered a spite fence under MGL Ch. 49 §21 and can be challenged as a private nuisance in court.
Somerville FAQ
Do I need a permit for a fence in Middlesex County?
Fences 6 feet or under do not need a building permit under 780 CMR. Some municipalities may require a simpler zoning permit. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit. Check with your town's building department.
Can my neighbor build a tall fence to block my view?
A fence over 6 feet erected solely to annoy an adjoining property owner is considered a spite fence under MGL Ch. 49 §21 and can be challenged as a private nuisance in court.
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