Structure Height Limits: Arlington vs Waltham
How do structure height limits rules compare between Arlington, MA and Waltham, MA?
Arlington has fewer restrictions than Waltham.
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 →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Waltham residential zones limit building height to 35 feet or 2.5 stories, while commercial and mixed-use districts allow 45 to 70 feet depending on location.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Residential Cap | - | 35 feet or 2.5 stories |
| Multifamily B | - | 40 feet |
| Moody Street | - | 45 to 50 feet |
| Downtown Mixed | - | Up to 70 feet special permit |
| Accessory | - | 15 feet maximum |
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.
Waltham FAQ
Can I build a 3-story home in Waltham?
Only in districts that allow over 35 feet. In most single-family zones, 2.5 stories is the max. A variance may be possible through the ZBA.
How is building height measured in Waltham?
From the average finished grade around the structure to the highest point of the roof, excluding chimneys and screened mechanicals.
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