Chicopee, MA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Section 275-44 sets two height tests for fences, and it names hedges as fences. Fences, including hedges, can be no higher than 3 1/2 feet between the street and the setback line where, in the opinion of the Building Commissioner, they would obstruct visibility, and no higher than eight feet at any point. The section does not split its limits into front yard, side yard and rear yard categories. The eight-foot cap applies everywhere on the lot, and the 3 1/2 foot cap applies in the strip between the street and the setback line when the Building Commissioner judges visibility to be at stake. A second sentence adds that fences shall be of a safe, nonhazardous construction not likely to endanger the health or safety of the public, in the opinion of the Building Commissioner.

Section 275-33, Corner view clearance, is the corner visibility triangle. It applies between the property lines of streets intersecting at an angle of less than 135 degrees and a line joining points on those lines 20 feet distant from their point of intersection. In that area no building or structure can be erected and no vegetation can be maintained above 3 1/2 feet measured from curb grade, and no snow can be piled up above 3 1/2 feet.

Related sections use the same corner concept. Section 275-42 makes corner-lot uses observe setback requirements on all facing streets, though for one- and two-family houses the front yard setback applies on only one street and the other street can use the average alignment of buildings within 300 feet, at least 15 feet. Temporary signs and banners under § 275-50 cannot interfere with the corner view clearance in § 275-33. Parking lot screening under § 275-40(C)(11) uses a separate fence standard of at least six feet, and a wireless facility fence under § 275-27.1(E) must be a minimum of six feet in height. The Building Department enforces Chapter 275 under § 275-5.