Plymouth County, MA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- County Permit
- None; towns handle it
- Building Permit
- Exempt up to 7 ft
- Zoning Review
- Applies by town
- Before Digging
- Call Dig Safe
Summary
No Plymouth County permit exists for a fence; counties issue no building permits. Under the state building code, 780 CMR, fences up to seven feet are exempt from a building permit, though towns still apply zoning setbacks.
Fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high.
Full Breakdown
Massachusetts counties run no building departments, so a fence permit is always a town matter governed by the statewide building code, 780 CMR. That code exempts fences not over seven feet high from a building permit, so a standard residential fence in Brockton, Plymouth, Duxbury, Marshfield, Middleborough, or Wareham needs no building permit. Towns still apply their zoning-bylaw setback and height rules, and work near the wetlands common across the South Shore requires conservation-commission sign-off. Call Dig Safe before setting posts.
Violations & Fines
Building a fence over seven feet without a permit violates the building code and the town can order it corrected. Zoning-setback or wetland violations are enforced by the town building or conservation office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a fence?
What about fences near wetlands?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Plymouth County
Compare Plymouth County to another location·View the Massachusetts fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.