Fence Requirements: Newton vs Somerville
How do fence requirements rules compare between Newton, MA and Somerville, MA?
Newton and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Newton, MA
Middlesex County
Fences in Newton must meet zoning setback, height, and material standards, with finished side facing neighbors and installation not blocking drainage or sight lines.
View full Newton 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 | Newton | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| Finished side | Faces neighbor | Faces outward |
| Drainage | Cannot block flow | - |
| Sight triangles | 30 inch limit at corners | - |
| Barbed wire | Industrial only | - |
| Historic | Commission review | - |
| Height residential | - | 4 ft front, 6 ft sides/rear |
| Historic review | - | HPC in designated districts |
| Tree protection | - | Somerville tree ordinance |
| DigSafe | - | 811, 72 hours notice |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Newton FAQ
Can I put up an electric fence for dogs?
Electric perimeter fences are generally not allowed in residential zones; underground invisible fences for dogs are permitted.
What if my fence diverts water to my neighbor?
Fences cannot alter drainage to harm neighbors; this can trigger civil claims and code enforcement.
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
See how Newton and Somerville compare on other ordinance categories.
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