Height Limits: Bellingham vs Brookline
How do height limits rules compare between Bellingham, MA and Brookline, MA?
Bellingham has fewer restrictions than Brookline.
Bellingham, MA
Norfolk County
Norfolk County has no county-level fence height limits. Fence height is regulated by each municipality through local zoning bylaws.
View full Bellingham rules →Brookline, MA
Norfolk County
Brookline's Zoning By-Law Sections 5.52, 5.62, and 5.74 set maximum fence heights at 6 feet in front yards and 7 feet in side and rear yards. Fences exceeding 7 feet along the MBTA right-of-way may be allowed by Special Permit from the Board of Appeals.
View full Brookline rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellingham | Brookline |
|---|---|---|
| County Rule? | None — municipal zoning jurisdiction | - |
| Typical Front Yard | 4 ft max (varies by town) | - |
| Typical Rear/Side Yard | 6 ft max (varies by town) | - |
| Where to Check | Town zoning bylaw or building department | - |
| Front Yard Maximum | - | 6 feet (§§5.52, 5.62, 5.74) |
| Side/Rear Yard Maximum | - | 7 feet |
| MBTA Abutters | - | Over 7 ft possible by Board of Appeals Special Permit |
| Floodplain Area | - | Floodplain Development Permit required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellingham FAQ
How tall can my fence be in Norfolk County?
Norfolk County has no county-level fence height limits. Fence height is regulated by each municipality through local zoning bylaws.
What is the maximum fence height for front yards in Norfolk County?
County Rule?: None — municipal zoning jurisdiction. Typical Front Yard: 4 ft max (varies by town). Typical Rear/Side Yard: 6 ft max (varies by town). Where to Check: Town zoning bylaw or building department.
Brookline FAQ
How tall can my fence be in Brookline?
Brookline's Zoning By-Law Sections 5.52, 5.62, and 5.74 set maximum fence heights at 6 feet in front yards and 7 feet in side and rear yards. Fences exceeding 7 feet along the MBTA right-of-way may be allowed by Special Permit from the Board of Appeals.
What is the maximum fence height for front yards in Brookline?
Front Yard Maximum: 6 feet (§§5.52, 5.62, 5.74). Side/Rear Yard Maximum: 7 feet. MBTA Abutters: Over 7 ft possible by Board of Appeals Special Permit. Floodplain Area: Floodplain Development Permit required.
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