Fences 7 feet and under need no state building permit under 780 CMR, but Essex County towns require a local fence or zoning permit before you build along a lot line, and anything over the height limit needs zoning board approval.
The Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) exempts fences up to 7 feet from a building permit, so the gate to build sits with town hall. Salem, Beverly, Danvers, Andover, and neighboring communities require a zoning or fence permit, a plot plan showing the fence inside your lot lines, and payment of a filing fee before work starts. Retaining walls and fences above the zoning height cap need separate approval from the building inspector or zoning board.
Building without the required town permit brings a stop-work order, fines up to $300 per day, and an order to remove or relocate a fence that crosses the lot line or exceeds the height limit.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Essex County's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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