6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
Verified from official government sources
No county-level fence height limits. Each city in Suffolk County sets its own limits through local zoning. Typical pattern: 4 ft front yard, 6 ft rear/side yard. State law MGL c. 49 provides baseline; building permits required for fences over 7 ft under 780 CMR.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 49, sec. 21 (Fences deemed a private nuisance; spite fence)
Section 21. A fence or other structure in the nature of a fence which unnecessarily exceeds six feet in height and is maliciously erected or maintained for the purpose of annoying the owners or occupants of adjoining property shall be deemed a private nuisance. Any such owner or occupant injured in the comfort or enjoyment of his estate thereby may have an action of tort for damages under chapt...
Fence permits in Suffolk County follow the uniform Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) — permits required for fences over 7 feet. Boston also requires zoning review, and historic districts (Beacon Hill, Back Bay) require Landmarks Commission approval.
Massachusetts has a spite fence statute (MGL c.49 §21) but no shared fence cost law. Each owner is responsible for their own fence.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 49, sec. 21 (Fences deemed a private nuisance; spite fence)
Section 21. A fence or other structure in the nature of a fence which unnecessarily exceeds six feet in height and is maliciously erected or maintained for the purpose of annoying the owners or occupants of adjoining property shall be deemed a private nuisance. Any such owner or occupant injured in the comfort or enjoyment of his estate thereby may have an action of tort for damages under chapt...
Retaining walls in Suffolk County require building permits when over 4 feet tall (measured bottom-of-footing to top-of-wall) or when supporting a surcharge, per 780 CMR 1807. Walls over 4 feet require stamped engineering. Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop Building Departments all enforce 780 CMR with local fee schedules.
Pool barriers are governed by 105 CMR 435 (State Sanitary Code Chapter V) and 780 CMR Appendix G. Pools built after October 2, 1975 require a 6-foot fence (5 feet for board/stockade), self-latching gates with latches 54 inches above grade, and openings under 3 inches. Applies to any pool, spa, or hot tub with 24+ inches water depth.
Fence materials in Suffolk County are regulated municipally. Boston restricts barbed wire and razor wire in residential zones, and historic districts (Beacon Hill, Back Bay) mandate specific traditional materials like wrought iron.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 49, sec. 21 (Fences deemed a private nuisance; spite fence)
Section 21. A fence or other structure in the nature of a fence which unnecessarily exceeds six feet in height and is maliciously erected or maintained for the purpose of annoying the owners or occupants of adjoining property shall be deemed a private nuisance. Any such owner or occupant injured in the comfort or enjoyment of his estate thereby may have an action of tort for damages under chapt...
3 cities in Suffolk County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Suffolk County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Suffolk County Ordinance Hub →