Structure Height Limits: Burlington vs Cambridge
How do structure height limits rules compare between Burlington, MA and Cambridge, MA?
Burlington has fewer restrictions than Cambridge.
Burlington, 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 Burlington rules →Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Cambridge limits building heights by zoning district, with Residence A capped around 35 feet and Business and mixed-use districts allowing taller buildings up to several stories with review.
View full Cambridge rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burlington | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Grade to highest point |
| Residence A cap | - | About 35 feet |
| Business districts | - | 45 to 250+ feet |
| Penthouses | - | Limited allowance |
| Variance body | - | BZA or Planning Board |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burlington 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.
Cambridge FAQ
How tall can I build in residential Cambridge?
Usually 35 feet in Residence A, 45 feet or more in Residence B/C, and varies in business zones.
Can rooftop equipment exceed height limits?
Limited rooftop features like mechanicals and solar may project above the limit subject to zoning rules.
Compare other topics
See how Burlington and Cambridge compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool