Suffolk County, MA Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements (2026)

The Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR, 10th edition) applies uniformly across Suffolk County — municipalities cannot adopt a lesser standard. Under 780 CMR Chapter 1 §105.2, a building permit is required for fences over 7 feet tall; fences 7 feet or shorter are exempt from building permits. However, Boston Zoning Code (Article 23) requires a zoning permit for new fences in residential zones regardless of height, and Boston's Inspectional Services Department reviews for setback and visibility-triangle compliance. Fences in Boston's nine local historic districts — Beacon Hill (Chapter 616, Acts of 1955), Back Bay (Chapter 625, Acts of 1966), Bay Village, South End Landmark District, Fort Point Channel, Aberdeen, Mission Hill Triangle, St. Botolph, and Bay State Road/Back Bay West — require Boston Landmarks Commission review before installation. Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop require zoning permits for most fences through their building departments. Pool barriers are separately regulated under 780 CMR Appendix G and 105 CMR 435. MGL c. 49 requires "legal and sufficient" fences at 4+ feet in good repair for livestock-keeping properties.