Height Limits: Newton vs Somerville
How do height limits rules compare between Newton, MA and Somerville, MA?
Newton and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Newton, MA
Middlesex County
Newton limits residential fence height to 6 feet in side and rear yards and typically 4 feet in front yards, with taller fences requiring special permits.
View full Newton 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 | Newton | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| Side/rear | 6 feet maximum | - |
| Front yard | 4 feet maximum | - |
| Corner sight | 30 inches in triangle | - |
| Pool fence | 48 inches per 780 CMR | - |
| Taller | ZBA special permit | - |
| 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.
Newton FAQ
Can I build an 8-foot privacy fence?
Only with a ZBA special permit or variance, since standard limits are 6 feet in side and rear yards.
Does the grade matter for height?
Yes, height is measured from natural grade, so creating a berm under a fence still counts toward total height.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Newton and Somerville compare on other ordinance categories.
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