Somerville, MA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front yard max
- 4 feet
- Side/rear max
- 6 feet
- Corner visibility
- 30 inches in sight triangle
- Taller fences
- Special permit needed
- Measurement from
- Natural ground level
Summary
Somerville zoning limits fences to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards, with corner-lot sight-triangle rules and special permit options for taller fences.
height and is maliciously erected or maintained for the purpose of annoying the owners or occupants of adjoining property shall be deemed a private nuisance. Any such owner or occupant injured in the comfort or enjoyment of his estate thereby may have an action of tort for damages under chapter two hundred and forty-three. Site Information & Links Helpful Massachusetts Links Mass.gov link to an external site Commonwealth Employment Opportunities link to an external site Secretary of the Commonwealth link to an external site Mass DOT link to an external site Boards & Commissions link to an external site Non-Profits & Charities link to an exter
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Somerville fence height is governed by the Somerville Zoning Ordinance. In residential districts, fences in the front yard are limited to 4 feet in height, while side and rear yard fences may rise to 6 feet. Corner lots must maintain a visibility triangle at intersections, typically keeping anything over 30 inches out of the sight area within 15 to 25 feet of the corner. Fences exceeding 6 feet require a special permit and are subject to design review in historic districts. The measurement is taken from natural ground level at the fence line. Walls, hedges, and other visual barriers are counted with fencing in some contexts. Lattice or decorative extensions on top of a 6-foot fence typically count toward height. Non-conforming fences installed before current zoning may remain but cannot be replaced in kind without bringing them into compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put lattice on top of a 6-foot fence?
Are privacy hedges regulated?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Somerville
How Somerville compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Somerville to another location·View the Massachusetts fence regulations overview
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Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle height limits.