Newton restricts barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fences in residential zones, and historic districts impose additional material and design standards.
Newton ordinance prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and concertina wire in residential and most commercial zones, limiting them to industrial applications with special permit review. Electrified perimeter fencing is not allowed in residential areas, though underground invisible pet containment is permitted. Chain-link is allowed but subject to aesthetic limits in some residential districts and sometimes discouraged in historic areas. Wood, vinyl (PVC), aluminum, wrought iron, masonry, and composite are all commonly approved materials. In Newton local historic districts, the Historic Commission may require specific materials (typically wood picket or wrought iron) and prohibit vinyl and chain-link. Solid board fences over 6 feet need ZBA special permit. Deteriorated fences can be cited as blight nuisance and required to be repaired or removed.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Newton, MA
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Newton, MA
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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 material restrictions.
See how Newton's material restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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