Height Limits: Brookline vs Wellesley
How do height limits rules compare between Brookline, MA and Wellesley, MA?
Wellesley has fewer restrictions than Brookline.
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 →Wellesley, 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 Wellesley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Brookline | Wellesley |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Wellesley 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.
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