Newton limits residential fence height to 6 feet in side and rear yards and typically 4 feet in front yards, with taller fences requiring special permits.
Newton zoning ordinance caps residential fences at 6 feet in side and rear yards and 4 feet in front yards (within the front setback), measured from natural grade. Corner lots face sight-distance triangle requirements at intersections, where fence height drops to 30 inches within the clear visibility zone. Pool enclosure fences must meet both zoning and 780 CMR (Massachusetts Building Code) requirements of at least 48 inches. Fences taller than the standard limits require a special permit or variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Retaining walls and terraced fences are measured cumulatively in some cases. ISD reviews fence permits and enforces violations, and proper permits help resolve boundary disputes.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Newton, MA
Industrial and commercial noise in Newton must meet property-line decibel limits by zoning district, with mechanical equipment, HVAC, and loading docks close...
Newton, MA
Newton follows the state stretch energy code requiring EV-ready wiring in new construction. Residential Level 2 chargers need electrical permits; commercial ...
Newton, MA
Under MGL c.90 s.22D, Newton can tow vehicles left on public ways for more than 72 hours. Unregistered or inoperable vehicles on private property must be sto...
Newton, MA
Newton requires curb cut permits from DPW for new driveways, with maximum widths of 20 feet for single-family homes. Impervious surface coverage is limited b...
Newton, MA
Newton follows Massachusetts state law prohibiting most exotic pets, including large cats, primates, venomous reptiles, and many wildlife species without Mas...
Newton, MA
Newton does not impose breed-specific bans because Massachusetts state law MGL c.140 s.157A prohibits municipalities from regulating dogs based on breed alone.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle height limits.
See how Newton's height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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