Permit Requirements: Boston vs Revere
How do permit requirements rules compare between Boston, MA and Revere, MA?
Boston and Revere have similar restriction levels.
Boston, MA
Suffolk County
Boston requires a building permit for fences over 6 feet and a Zoning Board of Appeal variance for fences over 6 feet in residential districts under the Boston Zoning Code.
View full Boston rules →Revere, MA
Suffolk County
Fence permits in Suffolk County follow the uniform Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) — permits required for fences over 7 feet. Boston also requires zoning review, and historic districts (Beacon Hill, Back Bay) require Landmarks Commission approval.
View full Revere rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boston | Revere |
|---|---|---|
| No Permit | Side/rear up to 6 ft | - |
| Front Yard | 4 ft max by right | - |
| Permit | ISD for over 6 ft | - |
| Historic Districts | Commission approval | BLC approval required |
| Building Permit | - | Required over 7 ft (780 CMR) |
| Boston Zoning | - | Permit per Article 23 |
| Statewide Code | - | 780 CMR uniform |
| Spite Fence | - | Illegal over 6 ft (MGL c. 49) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boston FAQ
Revere FAQ
Do I need a permit for a 6-foot fence in Boston?
No building permit required under 780 CMR (state code exempts fences 7 ft and under), but yes — Boston Zoning Article 23 still requires a zoning permit from Inspectional Services.
Can I build any fence I want in Beacon Hill?
No. Beacon Hill Historic District requires Boston Landmarks Commission approval for all exterior changes visible from a public way, including fences. Approved styles are typically black wrought iron.
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