Newton, MA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Section 5-30(f)(2) of Newton's Revised Ordinances flatly prohibits any perimeter fence built wholly or partly of barbed wire or razor wire, with no exceptions listed for residential lots. The same subsection requires that chain-link or similar wire fences have no exposed sharp prongs at the top; any such prongs must be meshed together or bent over so they cannot cut. Subsection (b) defines 'Appropriate Materials' as those normally manufactured and recognized for fencing, including wrought iron or other decorative metal, fired masonry, concrete, stone, wood, vinyl and chain link, and requires the material be suitable for exterior use and weather- and decay-resistant, though it explicitly permits untreated or unpainted wood.

Subsection (f)(1) adds an orientation rule: the finished side of any fence must face away from the lot it sits on, so neighbors see the smooth side, and fences must follow the natural contours of the ground. A fence permit from the Commissioner of Inspectional Services is required for any perimeter fence over 4 feet, and the Commissioner checks material compliance as part of that review; a denial can be appealed to the Urban Design Commission. Fences erected before July 1, 2004 that do not meet current material rules are grandfathered as 'legal nonconforming,' but replacing 50% or more of a fence's length, or rebuilding with different materials, ends that grandfathered status and triggers full compliance with today's material rules.