Shed Rules: Burlington vs Waltham
How do shed rules rules compare between Burlington, MA and Waltham, MA?
Burlington and Waltham have similar restriction levels.
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 →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Sheds in Waltham under 200 square feet and 15 feet tall typically require no building permit but must meet zoning setbacks. Larger sheds need a building permit from the Building Department.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burlington | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| 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-exempt size | - | 200 sq ft or less, one story |
| Setback | - | Typically 5-10 ft side/rear |
| Front yard | - | Sheds not permitted |
| Over 200 sq ft | - | Building permit required |
| Wetland buffer | - | ConCom approval within 100 ft |
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.
Waltham FAQ
Do I need a permit for a 10x10 shed in Waltham?
No, a 100 sq ft shed is permit-exempt, but you must meet zoning setbacks and cannot place it in front yard.
How close to the property line can my shed be?
Typically 5-10 feet depending on your zoning district. Verify with Waltham Zoning at 781-314-3380.
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