Shed Rules: Burlington vs Somerville
How do shed rules rules compare between Burlington, MA and Somerville, MA?
Burlington has fewer restrictions than Somerville.
Burlington, MA
Middlesex County
There is no Middlesex County shed ordinance. Massachusetts abolished Middlesex County government in 1997 (Chapter 48 of the Acts of 1997), so no county zoning, building department, or code enforcement exists. Shed rules in the 54 cities and towns within Middlesex County (Cambridge, Lowell, Newton, Framingham, etc.) are governed by the statewide building code (780 CMR R105.2) plus each town's local zoning bylaw.
View full Burlington rules →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Sheds under 200 square feet typically do not need a building permit in Somerville but must meet zoning setbacks. Larger sheds require a building permit from Inspectional Services.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burlington | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| County Government | Abolished 1997 (Ch. 48) | - |
| State Building Code | 780 CMR R105.2 | - |
| Permit-Exempt Threshold | 200 sq ft | - |
| Permit Authority | Local town building dept | - |
| Setbacks | Set by local zoning bylaw | - |
| Permit-free size | - | Under 200 sq ft |
| Side/rear setback | - | 3 feet typical |
| Max height | - | 15 feet typical |
| Front yard sheds | - | Not allowed |
| Electric/plumbing | - | Separate permits |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burlington FAQ
Does Middlesex County, MA have a shed permit ordinance?
No. Middlesex County government was abolished by Chapter 48 of the Acts of 1997, so there is no county zoning office, no county building inspector, and no county-level shed rule. Sheds in Cambridge, Lowell, Framingham, Newton, and the other 50+ towns are regulated by the statewide building code (780 CMR R105.2) plus each town's local zoning bylaw.
When does my shed need a building permit in a Middlesex County town?
Under 780 CMR R105.2, item 1, a one-story detached tool or storage shed up to 200 square feet is exempt from a building permit statewide. Above 200 square feet, you need a permit from your town's building department. Even shed under 200 sq ft must still comply with your town's zoning setbacks, and many Middlesex towns require a separate zoning permit. Confirm with your local building department.
Somerville FAQ
Do I need a permit for a small shed?
No building permit under 200 sq ft, but zoning setbacks still apply.
Can I put a shed in my front yard?
Generally no. Somerville zoning limits accessory structures to rear yards.
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