Suffolk County, MA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Suffolk County has no county fence-material rules. Boston Zoning Code (Article 23) restricts residential fence materials — barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fencing are prohibited in residential zones. Chain-link fences are restricted in front yards in most Boston residential subdistricts. Permitted residential materials include wood, vinyl, composite, wrought iron, aluminum, and masonry. Boston's nine Local Historic Districts impose far stricter material rules: Beacon Hill (wrought iron preferred, no vinyl or chain-link), Back Bay (wrought iron, historic wood styles only), and the South End Landmark District (period-appropriate materials). Boston Landmarks Commission publishes district-specific design guidelines. Finished side must face outward per Boston Zoning §23-1.10. MGL c. 49 §21 ("spite fence") makes fences over 6 feet built primarily to annoy a neighbor illegal and subject to private nuisance action. Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop each prohibit barbed wire residentially and regulate chain-link placement through local zoning. Stone walls on properties near ancient ways or registered as historic may have additional protections.