Height Limits: Cambridge vs Somerville
How do height limits rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Somerville, MA?
Cambridge and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Cambridge limits residential fences to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 4 feet in front yards; taller fences require a special permit from Inspectional Services.
View full Cambridge rules →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Somerville zoning limits fences to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards, with corner-lot sight-triangle rules and special permit options for taller fences.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| Rear/Side Yard | 6 feet max | - |
| Front Yard | 4 feet max | - |
| Corner Sight Triangle | 3 feet within 25 ft of corner | - |
| Over Limit | BZA special permit | - |
| Code Reference | Zoning Article 5.000 | - |
| Front yard max | - | 4 feet |
| Side/rear max | - | 6 feet |
| Corner visibility | - | 30 inches in sight triangle |
| Taller fences | - | Special permit needed |
| Measurement from | - | Natural ground level |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cambridge FAQ
Can I build an 8-foot privacy fence in my Cambridge backyard?
Not by right. You would need a special permit from the Board of Zoning Appeal demonstrating hardship or architectural justification.
Does a 6-foot fence need a permit in Cambridge?
Fences 6 feet or under typically need only a building permit if structural; non-structural wood fences may be exempt, confirm with Inspectional Services.
Somerville FAQ
Can I put lattice on top of a 6-foot fence?
Usually no without a permit; lattice typically counts toward the 6-foot height limit in Somerville zoning.
Are privacy hedges regulated?
Living hedges are generally not height-regulated as fences but may be restricted in the corner visibility triangle.
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