Height Limits: Cambridge vs Wakefield
How do height limits rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Wakefield, MA?
Cambridge and Wakefield 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 →Wakefield, 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 Wakefield rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Wakefield |
|---|---|---|
| Rear/Side Yard | 6 feet max | - |
| Front Yard | 4 feet max | 3.5 to 4 feet |
| Corner Sight Triangle | 3 feet within 25 ft of corner | - |
| Over Limit | BZA special permit | - |
| Code Reference | Zoning Article 5.000 | - |
| Rear/Side | - | 6 feet |
| Spite Fence | - | MGL c.49 §21 (>6 ft) |
| Variance | - | Zoning board of appeals |
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.
Wakefield 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.
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