Boston fences must have the finished side facing the neighbor, cannot encroach on the public way, and in historic districts must match approved designs and materials.
Boston zoning and common practice require the finished (smooth) side of a wood fence to face the adjoining property, with rails and posts toward the installing owner. Fences must be built wholly on the owner's lot, not on the property line unless both neighbors agree in writing, and never encroach on a public sidewalk. Corner lots have a sight triangle where fences taller than 3 feet are prohibited for 10 to 15 feet back from the curb. In Beacon Hill and Back Bay the Beacon Hill Architectural Commission and Back Bay Architectural Commission must approve fence design, material, and color.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Boston code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Boston, MA
Outdoor amplified music in Boston requires an APCC noise variance and a Special Event permit. Unpermitted outdoor events are limited to the plainly audible 5...
Boston, MA
Boston regulates leaf blowers under the Air Pollution Control Commission noise rules and City Code 16-26. Gas blowers are allowed with daytime hour limits an...
Boston, MA
The Boston APCC noise regulation sets a daytime limit of 70 dBA and a nighttime limit of 50 dBA at residential property lines, plus a plainly audible standar...
Boston, MA
Boston prohibits amplified music audible beyond 50 feet from the source between 11 PM and 7 AM under the Air Pollution Control Commission noise regulation an...
Boston, MA
Boston requires EV-ready wiring in new residential construction under Article 37 (Green Building) and 15 percent EV-installed spaces in new multifamily proje...
Boston, MA
Boston driveways cannot block the sidewalk, and parking across a city sidewalk is a tow-eligible violation under City Code Ch. 16-12. New curb cuts require a...
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