Boston fence height limits vary by zoning district, with state building code requiring permits for fences over 7 feet. Historic districts impose additional restrictions of 42 inches maximum.
Under 780 CMR, a building permit is required for any fence exceeding 7 feet in Boston. Local zoning districts may impose lower limits. In historic and landmark districts such as Back Bay and Beacon Hill, new fences are limited to 42 inches and materials are restricted. Plastic fences are prohibited in historic districts, and chain link is discouraged. Front yard fences are typically limited to 3-4 feet in residential zones. Massachusetts law prohibits spite fences over 6 feet built solely to annoy a neighbor. Partition fences on property lines are jointly owned by both neighbors.
Building without a permit for fences over 7 feet results in code enforcement action. Spite fence complaints adjudicated through civil courts. Historic district violations may require removal.
Boston, MA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Suffolk County.
See how other cities in Suffolk County handle height limits.
See how Boston's height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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