Newton, MA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Section 5-30(d) of Newton's Revised Ordinances sets height by which lot line a fence borders. A fence parallel to the front lot line cannot exceed 4 feet unless it is stepped back one foot for every foot (or part) over 4 feet, up to a 6-foot maximum, and any section over 4 feet facing the front line must be open (not solid). Side lot line fences max out at 6 feet, though a side-line fence within 2 feet of the front line must step down to match the front fence height.

Rear lot line fences are capped at 6 feet, rising to 8 feet if no part of that rear line also serves as a side line for a neighboring lot. Fences along Route 128 or the Massachusetts Turnpike can reach 12 feet, and fences abutting an MBTA or Commuter Rail line, or abutting nonresidential/public-use districts, can reach 8 feet. Fences in nonresidential zoning districts are capped at 8 feet under subsection (e), with exceptions for athletic facilities like softball diamonds or tennis courts. Separately, subsection (f)(7) protects sightlines at intersections: no corner-lot fence may rise more than 4 feet above the street grade inside a triangular zone formed by the two street-facing property lines and an imaginary line connecting points 25 feet along each of those lines from the corner.

A fence permit from the Commissioner of Inspectional Services is required for any perimeter fence over 4 feet; denials can be appealed to the Urban Design Commission, which may grant relief for substantial hardship. Fences on designated Scenic Roads (17 listed, including Woodland Road and Hancock Street) are further limited to 4 feet regardless of the general height rules, and stockade or other solid-panel fences are barred there entirely along the front line.