Permit Requirements: Cambridge vs Somerville
How do permit requirements rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Somerville, MA?
Cambridge and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Cambridge requires a building permit for most fences from Inspectional Services; permit fees are based on linear footage and height, with review typically taking 2 to 3 weeks.
View full Cambridge rules →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Somerville requires a building permit for most fence installations, with historic districts adding a Historic Preservation Commission review step for visible exterior fencing.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Issuer | Inspectional Services | - |
| Typical Review | 2 to 3 weeks | - |
| Starting Fee | About 100 dollars | - |
| Plot Plan | Required with application | - |
| Historic District | Extra Commission review | - |
| Permit issuer | - | Inspectional Services |
| Historic districts | - | HPC review required |
| Required on plan | - | Height, materials, location |
| No-permit fine | - | From 300 dollars |
| Finished side | - | Must face outward |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cambridge FAQ
Do I need a permit for a small chain-link fence in Cambridge?
Yes, in most cases. Even low chain-link fences require a building permit for placement verification.
What if I live in a Cambridge historic district?
The Cambridge Historical Commission must approve fence design and materials before ISD will issue the building permit.
Somerville FAQ
Do I need a permit to replace a fence?
Most like-for-like replacements still require a permit, especially in historic districts or if height or location changes.
What if my fence is in a historic district?
You must file for a Certificate of Appropriateness with the Historic Preservation Commission before Inspectional Services will issue a permit.
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