Cambridge limits residential fences to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 4 feet in front yards; taller fences require a special permit from Inspectional Services.
Cambridge fence height is governed by Article 5.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance. In all residential districts, fences may be up to 6 feet tall in rear and side yards and 4 feet tall in front yards (the area between the front building line and the street). Corner lots have additional sight-distance restrictions: fences within 25 feet of a street intersection may not exceed 3 feet to preserve visibility for drivers and pedestrians. Retaining walls and decorative screening count toward fence height if over 2 feet tall. Non-residential districts have varying limits, typically 8 feet for side and rear. Fences exceeding the standard heights require a special permit from the Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA), which considers neighbor impact, privacy, and architectural character. Permits for fences under the height limits are still required if the fence is structural (masonry, retaining).
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge enforces numerical decibel limits: 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night at residential receptors, with a 5 dBA penalty for tonal or impulsive sounds.
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge treats persistent barking as a noise violation under Chapter 8.16 and an animal nuisance under Chapter 6.04; owners of chronically barking dogs fac...
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge banned gas-powered leaf blowers in 2024, requiring all landscapers and residents to switch to electric models, with time and decibel restrictions r...
Cambridge, MA
Outdoor music events in Cambridge require a one-day entertainment license from the License Commission, with end times typically capped at 10 PM on weeknights...
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge enforces strict industrial and commercial noise limits: 60 dB days and 50 dB nights at residential property lines, aligned with MassDEP Policy 90-001.
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge reserves designated EV charging station spaces for actively charging electric vehicles only, and new large developments must provide EV-ready parki...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
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