Height Limits: Oxford vs Webster
How do height limits rules compare between Oxford, MA and Webster, MA?
Webster has fewer restrictions than Oxford.
Oxford, MA
Worcester County
Oxford's Zoning By-Law (https://www.town.oxford.ma.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif4836/f/uploads/zoning_bylaw_with_cover_-_index_2.pdf) and General By-Laws set fence regulations. Residential fences may generally be up to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 4 feet in the front yard. Spite-fence claims are governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 49 Section 21. Building Department review is required for fences over 6 feet.
View full Oxford rules →Webster, MA
Worcester County
No county fence ordinance. Fence height limits are set by individual city and town zoning bylaws. Typical MA residential limits are 4 ft in front yards and 6 ft in rear/side yards, but each municipality varies.
View full Webster rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Oxford | Webster |
|---|---|---|
| Side/rear max | 6 feet | - |
| Front-yard max | 4 feet | - |
| Over 6 ft | Building Department review | - |
| Spite fences | M.G.L. Ch. 49 Sec. 21 | - |
| County Code | - | None — county abolished 1998 |
| Authority | - | Each city/town zoning |
| Typical MA | - | 4 ft front, 6 ft rear/side |
| Contact | - | Local zoning/building dept. |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Oxford FAQ
How tall can my fence be in Oxford, MA?
Generally up to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 4 feet in the front yard. Fences over 6 feet require Building Department review under the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR).
Do I need a fence permit in Oxford?
Oxford does not require a stand-alone permit for fences at or below the standard heights, but the Building Department recommends a property-line and setback check before installation. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit.
Webster FAQ
How tall can my fence be in Worcester County?
No county fence ordinance. Fence height limits are set by individual city and town zoning bylaws. Typical MA residential limits are 4 ft in front yards and 6 ft in rear/side yards, but each municipality varies.
What is the maximum fence height for front yards in Worcester County?
County Code: None — county abolished 1998. Authority: Each city/town zoning. Typical MA: 4 ft front, 6 ft rear/side. Contact: Local zoning/building dept..
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