Fence Requirements: Cambridge vs Somerville
How do fence requirements rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Somerville, MA?
Cambridge and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Cambridge requires fences to be structurally sound, maintained, and comply with zoning setbacks; the finished side conventionally faces neighbors and historic districts have additional design review.
View full Cambridge rules →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Somerville fences must meet zoning, building code, and historic preservation requirements, with finished-side-out orientation, property-line setbacks, and permit and survey compliance.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| Frost Line Depth | 48 inches | - |
| Finished Side | Faces neighbor (custom) | - |
| Maintenance | Required under Ch. 8.20 | - |
| Barbed Wire | Prohibited in residential | - |
| Historic District | Design review required | - |
| Height residential | - | 4 ft front, 6 ft sides/rear |
| Finished side | - | Faces outward |
| Historic review | - | HPC in designated districts |
| Tree protection | - | Somerville tree ordinance |
| DigSafe | - | 811, 72 hours notice |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cambridge FAQ
Can I install an electric fence in Cambridge?
No, except for agricultural livestock containment. Since most livestock are banned in Cambridge, electric fences are effectively prohibited.
Do I have to face the good side of my fence toward my neighbor?
It is customary and strongly encouraged, but Cambridge zoning does not explicitly require it. Historic districts may dictate design.
Somerville FAQ
Do I need a survey before building a fence?
A survey or recent plot plan is strongly recommended; boundary disputes are common in Somerville's dense small-lot neighborhoods.
Must I protect street trees?
Yes. Somerville's tree ordinance requires root zone protection when digging within the critical root zone of a city tree.
Compare other topics
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