Middlesex County has no unified code. Each of the 54 municipalities (Cambridge, Lowell, Newton, Somerville, Framingham, etc.) sets its own fence permit rules under local zoning bylaws, governed by MA General Laws.
Middlesex County is a geographic region in Massachusetts without unified county government or building code enforcement. Fence permit requirements are set by each individual city or town through local zoning bylaws adopted under MGL Chapter 40A. Most Middlesex municipalities require a zoning permit or building permit for fences exceeding 6 feet 6 inches in height per the MA State Building Code 780 CMR, though some require permits for any fence in front yards or over 4 feet. Residents in Cambridge, Somerville, Lowell, Newton, Waltham, Medford, Malden, Arlington, Belmont, Watertown, Woburn, and other cities must check with their local Building Department or Inspectional Services Department. Fences on or near property lines may also trigger MGL Chapter 49 Fence Viewer provisions if disputes arise with neighbors.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Middlesex County's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.