Everett, MA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

Driveway work in the City of Everett, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, runs through Chapter 17 of the Revised Ordinances. Section 17-116(a) says no construction activity on driveways begins without a driveway permit, and that covers any and all driveway work. For residential driveways, subsection (b) puts the duty to secure the permit on the property owner and the paving contractor together. Even an extension or alteration that never touches the public right-of-way, sidewalk, street or curbs needs the permit, so the city can confirm the project fits zoning and the Massachusetts stormwater standards. Resurfacing is carved out in subsection (h).

The front yard rules are the part that catches homeowners. Subsection (o) bars parking within the front yard setback. Subsection (p) bars impervious materials in the front yard setback except walkways, which top out at 4 feet wide, and driveway entrances. Existing impervious areas can stay as they are, but under subsection (q) any expansion has to be a pervious surface, and crushed stone, dirt, gravel or similar material does not count as pervious.

The geometry is fixed too. The driveway apron, measured at the street lot line, cannot be less than 9 feet wide. A flare out sits 10 feet back from the street lot line, stays within 9 feet in width and keeps a minimum of 8 feet from habitable windows on the basement and first floor. Subsection (n) sets 2 1/2 feet in height within 5 feet of the front lot line as the sight-line limit for fences, hedges, walls and signs unless the owner shows visibility for a car entering from the driveway is not restricted. Where a driveway crosses wetlands or the wetlands buffer zone, subsection (m) requires conservation commission approval before the permit application is filed.

The permit process sits in Sections 17-112 and 17-113. Applications are picked up at the building department, the city mails its decision no later than 30 business days after submission, and a permit is valid for 120 days from issue. Fees are $90 for residential and $150 for commercial driveways, and they are not refundable.