6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Fence permits in Worcester County are issued by each municipality. Under 780 CMR (MA State Building Code), fences over 7 feet require a building permit statewide. Worcester requires a zoning permit from Inspectional Services, and spite fences over 6 feet violate MGL c. 49 §21.
Massachusetts has a spite fence statute (MGL c.49 §21) but no shared fence cost law. Each owner is responsible for their own fence.
Worcester County MA retaining walls are regulated under 780 CMR 1807 (MA State Building Code). Walls over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing) require a building permit and engineered plans stamped by a MA-licensed Professional Engineer. Surcharge loads from slopes, structures, or driveways above the wall lower this threshold. Walls within 100 ft of wetlands trigger Conservation Commission review under MGL c. 131, §40.
Worcester County MA pool barriers are governed by 105 CMR 435 (State Sanitary Code Ch. V: Swimming Pools) and 780 CMR Appendix G. Pools built before Oct 2, 1975 require minimum 4-foot barriers; pools built after Oct 2, 1975 require 5-6 foot barriers with self-latching gates at 4-foot height. 780 CMR Appendix G for residential pools requires 48-inch barrier minimum with self-closing/self-latching gates at 54 inches. Applies to pools with 24+ inches of water.
Fence material rules in Worcester County are municipal. Worcester's Zoning Ordinance allows wood, vinyl, chain-link, and wrought iron with finished side facing out. Barbed wire is prohibited in residential zones. Local Historic Districts have strict aesthetic review.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 49, § 21 (Spite fences)
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.
4 cities in Worcester 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 Worcester County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Worcester County Ordinance Hub →