Height Limits: Burlington vs Waltham
How do height limits rules compare between Burlington, MA and Waltham, MA?
Burlington and Waltham have similar restriction levels.
Burlington, MA
Middlesex County
Middlesex County limits fence heights: typically 6 feet rear/side, 3.5 to 4 feet front. MA spite fence law (MGL c.49 §21) limits malicious fences over 6 feet.
View full Burlington rules →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Waltham zoning sets fence height limits at 6 feet in rear and side yards, and 4 feet in front yards, applied citywide with some exceptions.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burlington | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | 3.5 to 4 feet | - |
| Rear/Side | 6 feet | - |
| Spite Fence | MGL c.49 §21 (>6 ft) | - |
| Variance | Zoning board of appeals | - |
| Front Yard Max | - | 4 feet |
| Side/Rear Max | - | 6 feet |
| Permit Threshold | - | Over 6 feet |
| Commercial Max | - | Up to 8 ft with permit |
| Corner Lots | - | Sight triangle limits |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burlington FAQ
How tall can my fence be?
6 feet rear/side, 3.5 to 4 feet front yard. Check Middlesex County zoning bylaw.
What about spite fences?
MGL c.49 §21 makes fences over 6 feet built maliciously to annoy neighbors a private nuisance.
Waltham FAQ
Can I build a 7-foot privacy fence?
Not without a permit and possible Zoning Board review.
Do decorative toppers count in height?
Usually yes if solid, but lattice toppers sometimes get flexibility.
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