114 local rules on file · Pop. 22,970 · Middlesex County
Showing ordinances that apply to Winchester, MA
Winchester is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 22,970 in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Because Winchester is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal government or city code. Instead, Middlesex County ordinances apply directly to residential and commercial properties here. The rules below are the county-level regulations that govern your area. Nearby incorporated cities in Middlesex County may have different rules.
Chicken and livestock rules vary by Middlesex town. Urban cities like Cambridge, Somerville, and Medford allow small flocks with permits; suburbs like Lexington and Concord allow larger flocks with setbacks.
Livestock in Middlesex County is restricted to rural and agricultural zones. Urban and inner-suburban communities prohibit horses, goats, pigs, and cattle; western Middlesex permits them on large lots.
These unincorporated areas are also governed by Middlesex County ordinances.
Feeding wildlife in Middlesex County is restricted by local bylaws and MassWildlife rules. Intentionally feeding deer, bears, turkeys, and coyotes is prohibited statewide; bird feeding is generally allowed.
Amplified music in Middlesex County is regulated by individual city and town bylaws. Most communities prohibit amplified sound audible at property lines after 10pm or 11pm on weekends.
Aircraft noise in Middlesex County comes from Hanscom Field (Bedford), Logan International flight paths, and Laurence G. Hanscom Air Force Base. FAA preempts local noise regulation of aircraft in flight.
Outdoor music events in Middlesex County require a local entertainment or one-day license issued by the city/town clerk or licensing authority. Most communities cut off outdoor music by 10pm weekdays.
Industrial noise in Middlesex County is regulated by 310 CMR 7.10 (the Massachusetts DEP noise policy) plus local bylaws. The state rule prohibits industrial sources from exceeding ambient by more than 10 dBA.
Middlesex County follows Massachusetts 310 CMR 7.10 which caps sound at 10 dBA over ambient at property lines. Many cities add hard numeric limits of 65 dBA day / 55 dBA night in residential zones.
Middlesex County has no unified leaf blower ordinance. Regulations are set by individual cities and towns such as Cambridge, Newton, Arlington, and Lexington, which have strong restrictions on gas-powered units.
Middlesex County has no operational county government - it was abolished July 11, 1997 under M.G.L. c. 34B - so there is no countywide noise ordinance. Massachusetts has no statewide decibel limit either; quiet hours are set by each city/town under home rule. The state baseline is 310 CMR 7.10 (MassDEP Noise Pollution Policy), which prohibits any source from causing sound that exceeds the ambient (background) level by more than 10 dB(A) at the property line of the source, or that produces a pure tone condition. In Middlesex County's largest cities, Cambridge Code Ch. 8.16 sets quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., Lowell Code Ch. 215 prohibits unreasonable noise from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., and Newton Code Ch. 20 sets the period 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. weekdays.
Middlesex County treats persistent barking as a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. Dog licensing required statewide (MGL c.140 §155).
Middlesex County has low wildfire risk and no designated wildfire hazard zones. The MA Department of Conservation and Recreation monitors fire danger statewide through the Bureau of Forest Fire Control.
Smoke detectors in Middlesex County follow 527 CMR 1.00 and MGL c.148 s.26F. Homes sold or transferred require a Smoke Certificate inspection by the local fire department before closing.
ALL consumer fireworks are ILLEGAL in Massachusetts (MGL c.148 §39) - including sparklers. MA is one of the strictest states in the nation.
Recreational backyard fires in Middlesex County require a permit from the local fire department under 527 CMR 1.00. Fire pits must be under 3 feet wide, 25 feet from structures, and attended.
Middlesex County has no fire code; county government was abolished in 1997. Recreational fires in the 54 Middlesex towns are governed by 527 CMR 1.00 (Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code, based on NFPA 1, 2021) and 310 CMR 7.07 (open burning). Open burning is BANNED year-round in Cambridge, Somerville, Medford, Newton, Watertown, Waltham, and Lowell. In other Middlesex towns, recreational fires must be 25 feet from any structure and require a local fire chief permit.
Open burning in Middlesex County is permitted ONLY January 15 through May 1 each year under 310 CMR 7.07, and only with a permit from the local fire department. All consumer fireworks remain banned statewide.
Open burning of brush in Middlesex County is regulated by 310 CMR 7.07 and requires a permit from the local fire department. Season runs January 15 to May 1 annually.
Artificial turf is regulated locally in Middlesex County. Several towns including Concord, Wayland, and Westwood have banned or restricted PFAS-containing synthetic turf over health concerns.
Water use restrictions in Middlesex County follow the MA Water Management Act and MWRA/local water supplier rules. Summer outdoor watering bans are common from May to September.
Grass and weed height limits in Middlesex County are set by local bylaws, typically capping growth at 10-12 inches. Violations trigger nuisance enforcement under MGL c.111 s.122.
Middlesex County weed regulations are enforced under MGL c.111 s.122 and local Board of Health bylaws. Noxious weeds, ragweed, and overgrown lots can trigger abatement orders and property liens.
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Middlesex County. Massachusetts has no statewide prohibition, and many towns offer rain barrel rebate programs through DPW and MWRA.
Removing public shade trees in Middlesex County requires Tree Warden approval and a public hearing under MGL c.87. Many towns also regulate private tree removal through local tree bylaws.
Native plantings are encouraged in Middlesex County. Massachusetts promotes native landscaping through DCR, DEP, and local Conservation Commissions. Invasive species are restricted under 333 CMR 9.00.
The MA Public Shade Tree Law (MGL Chapter 87) requires Tree Warden approval for pruning any public shade tree. All 54 Middlesex municipalities appoint a Tree Warden with legal authority.
Middlesex County home occupations are authorized under MGL c.40A s.3, with most towns requiring either a Certificate of Occupancy review or a Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Most Middlesex County municipalities prohibit or strictly limit signs for home occupations, typically allowing only a small non-illuminated nameplate under local zoning bylaws authorized by MGL c.40A.
Middlesex County towns restrict customer visits to home businesses to preserve residential character, commonly capping clients per day and requiring off-street parking for each visitor under local zoning bylaws.
Massachusetts allows residential kitchen food production under MGL c.94 s.305B with local Board of Health approval, and each Middlesex County town enforces 105 CMR 500 food code for residential kitchens.
Family child care in Middlesex County requires licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care under 606 CMR 7.00, and local zoning bylaws must permit the use per MGL c.40A s.3.
Middlesex County home businesses are governed by each municipality's zoning bylaw, with state protection under MGL c.40A s.3 for customary incidental home occupations that do not alter residential character.
All short-term rentals in Middlesex County must carry at least 1 million dollars in liability insurance per MGL c.64G s.14, covering each stay with proof provided at registration.
Short-term rentals in Middlesex County must provide off-street parking equal to local zoning requirements, commonly one space per bedroom, with street parking restricted by residential permit programs in urban cities.
Several Middlesex County cities cap annual STR rental nights for non-owner-occupied units, with Cambridge limiting non-primary rentals and Somerville permitting owner-adjacent STRs under residency rules.
Middlesex County STRs must comply with State Building Code 780 CMR occupancy standards and local bylaws, typically limiting occupancy to two people per bedroom plus two, with lodging-house rules for 4+ unrelated.
Middlesex County short-term rentals under 32 days must collect the 5.7% Massachusetts state room occupancy excise plus local option taxes up to 6%, community impact fees, and convention center surcharges.
Middlesex County must comply with MA STR law (MGL c.64G). State registry mandatory. Hosts must carry $1M liability insurance. Municipal licensing may apply.
Short-term rentals in Middlesex County must comply with local noise bylaws and the Massachusetts nighttime noise standard, with operators responsible for guest conduct under local STR registration rules.
Abandoned vehicles are governed by MGL c.90 s.22D. Police may tow any vehicle left on a public way for 72 hours or more without authorization.
Middlesex County restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight and size limits apply. Overnight storage of heavy trucks prohibited.
Driveway rules are set by each Middlesex County city or town zoning bylaw. Cambridge, Somerville, Lowell, and Framingham regulate curb cuts, width, paving, and front-yard parking through local zoning boards.
Winter parking bans are the dominant rule across Middlesex County. Most cities prohibit overnight on-street parking from November through April to allow snow removal.
EV charging stations are regulated by state electrical code and local zoning. Cambridge, Somerville, and Newton have adopted EV-ready requirements for new construction.
Most Middlesex County municipalities prohibit barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fencing in residential zones under local zoning bylaws. Historic districts impose additional material restrictions.
Fence construction requirements in Middlesex County vary by municipality. Most towns cap residential fences at 6 feet in side/rear yards and 4 feet in front yards under local zoning bylaws.
Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR requires all residential pools in Middlesex County to have a 48-inch minimum barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates. Applies to all 54 municipalities.
Retaining walls over 4 feet in Middlesex County require a building permit and engineered design per MA State Building Code 780 CMR. Wetlands Protection Act may apply near streams or wetlands.
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 limits fence heights: typically 6 feet rear/side, 3.5 to 4 feet front. MA spite fence law (MGL c.49 §21) limits malicious fences over 6 feet.
Massachusetts Fence Law (MGL c.49) governs neighbor fence disputes in Middlesex County. Fence Viewers in each town presume a 50/50 cost split for boundary fences between adjoining landowners.
Carports in Middlesex County require building permits under MA State Building Code 780 CMR and must comply with local zoning setbacks, typically 10-15 feet side yard and 5-10 feet from structures.
Garage conversions in Middlesex County are subject to local zoning bylaws and the MA State Building Code 780 CMR. Conversion to ADUs is now by-right under the 2024 Affordable Homes Act.
There is no Middlesex County shed ordinance. Massachusetts abolished Middlesex County government in 1997 (Chapter 48 of the Acts of 1997), so no county zoning, building department, or code enforcement exists. Shed rules in the 54 cities and towns within Middlesex County (Cambridge, Lowell, Newton, Framingham, etc.) are governed by the statewide building code (780 CMR R105.2) plus each town's local zoning bylaw.
Middlesex County has no tiny-home ordinance because the county government was abolished in 1997. Massachusetts adopted Appendix Q (tiny houses on permanent foundations, 400 sq ft or less) into 780 CMR effective January 1, 2020. Whether a tiny home is allowed in a specific Middlesex town depends entirely on that town's local zoning bylaw, which controls minimum dwelling size, lot area, and accessory-dwelling-unit standards.
Under the 2024 MA Affordable Homes Act (MGL c.40A s.3A), ADUs up to 900 sq ft are allowed by-right on every single-family lot in Middlesex County. No owner-occupancy or special permit required.
Hot tubs and spas in Middlesex County require electrical permits under 527 CMR 12, building permits for permanent installations, and lockable safety covers meeting ASTM F1346 per Massachusetts State Building Code.
Swimming pools in Middlesex County require a building permit under 780 CMR and an electrical permit for any pool over 24 inches deep, plus compliance with MGL c.148 Fire Code and VGB Act for public pools.
Middlesex County, MA has no county-level pool fence rules. Massachusetts is a home-rule state and pool barriers are governed by state code (780 CMR Appendix G / IRC AG105 and 105 CMR 435), enforced by each town's building inspector. Statewide minimum: 48-inch barrier, self-closing/self-latching gate, 4-inch sphere rule.
MA has no statutory solar-rights shield against condo restrictions. Condos may regulate solar on common-element roofs; single-family HOAs have more flexibility to restrict.
Solar PV requires a building and electrical permit under 780 CMR and 527 CMR 12. The MA Solar Access Law, MGL c.40A s.3, protects installations from zoning bans.
Generators in Middlesex County must meet 310 CMR 7.10 and local noise caps. Emergency standby generators are exempt during outages but routine testing is limited to weekday daytime hours.
Bars and nightclubs in Middlesex County operate under local entertainment and liquor licenses with amplified music typically ending by 1am. Noise that is plainly audible beyond the property is a violation.
HVAC equipment in Middlesex County must meet MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10 and local dBA limits. Most communities enforce 55 dBA at property lines at night, often requiring setbacks or sound barriers.
Height limits vary by municipality under MGL c.40A. Residential caps generally run 30-35 feet or 2.5 stories; mixed-use corridors allow 45-85 feet.
Setbacks are set by each city or town zoning bylaw under MGL c.40A. Typical residential front setbacks range 15-30 feet with side yards of 10-15 feet.
Maximum lot coverage is set by municipal zoning under MGL c.40A. Residential districts commonly cap coverage at 25-40 percent; urban lots allow more.
Under MGL c.183A s.6, condo assessments are a lien on the unit with super-lien priority for up to six months of common expenses over first mortgages.
Condo trustees control alterations to common areas and exteriors under MGL c.183A. Unit owners typically need written approval for visible changes.
Most associations are condos governed by MGL c.183A. Board meetings, quorum, and voting follow the master deed, bylaws, and recorded rules.
Master deeds, bylaws, and recorded rules are enforced by trustees under MGL c.183A. Remedies include fines, liens, injunctions, and cost recovery.
Disputes proceed under bylaws first, then to Housing Court or Superior Court. Mediation is common; no state ombudsman exists for MA associations.
Stormwater follows the MA Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c.131 s.40), MassDEP Stormwater Standards, and municipal MS4 bylaws under the EPA NPDES permit.
Grading work must meet local stormwater bylaws, the MA Wetlands Protection Act, and 780 CMR. Drainage cannot discharge onto neighbors or the public way.
Erosion and sediment control is required under the Wetlands Protection Act and local bylaws. Silt fence, stabilized entrances, and inlet protection are standard.
FEMA FIRMs govern flood zones. Construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas must meet the MA State Building Code 780 CMR and local floodplain bylaws.
Blocking sidewalks with vehicles, vegetation, trash bins, or construction materials is prohibited. Minimum clear path widths are enforced under local bylaws and ADA standards.
In most Middlesex County municipalities the city or town is responsible for sidewalk repairs, funded through DPW budgets and state Chapter 90 road funds.
Each Middlesex County municipality runs its own curbside collection. Cambridge, Somerville, and Newton use Pay-As-You-Throw or standardized carts with weekly pickup.
Recycling is mandatory statewide under MGL c.21H and 310 CMR 19.017. Residents must separate paper, cardboard, metal, glass, and plastic containers from trash.
Mattresses and textiles are banned from regular trash statewide. Middlesex County cities offer scheduled bulk pickup, drop-off centers, and appliance recycling programs.
Carts and bins must be placed at the curb the evening before pickup and removed by the end of collection day. Bins cannot block sidewalks or fire hydrants.
Trash and recycling carts must be stored on private property between collections. Most Middlesex County cities require screening from street view for multi-family buildings.
Middlesex County cities enforce blight through property maintenance bylaws and the State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410. Violations include peeling paint, broken windows, and abandoned buildings.
Vacant lots must be kept free of trash, overgrown vegetation, and safety hazards. Most Middlesex County cities require registration of vacant buildings and lots with inspectional services.
MGL c.85 s.5 lets municipalities require abutting property owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks. Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, and most Middlesex County cities impose this duty.
Several Middlesex County cities require rental unit registration and inspection. Cambridge, Somerville, Everett, Malden, and Lowell operate active rental inspection programs.
Massachusetts has no statewide just cause eviction law. Landlords may terminate tenancies at-will with 30 days notice under MGL c.186 s.12 for any non-discriminatory reason.
Rent control is prohibited statewide under MGL c.40P. Cambridge and Brookline lost rent control in 1995 and no Middlesex County city may impose rent limits today.
Dark sky standards are set at the municipal level. Many towns require full-cutoff fixtures, shielded luminaires, and limits on correlated color temperature.
Light trespass is regulated by municipal bylaws and Massachusetts nuisance law. Spillover above 0.1 foot-candle onto residential property is typically prohibited.
The Massachusetts Lead Law, MGL c.111 s.197A, requires de-leading of pre-1978 homes when a child under 6 resides there. Enforcement is strict.
Scaffolds follow 454 CMR 17 (MA OSHA-equivalent) and federal OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451. Permits and sidewalk protection are required in most cities and towns.
State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410 requires landlords to maintain pest-free dwellings. Pesticide use is licensed under MGL c.132B and 333 CMR.
Elevators follow 524 CMR and MGL c.143 s.62-71. Inspection by the state Department of Public Safety is required at least annually with a posted certificate.
Security cameras are legal on private property in Middlesex County, but Massachusetts is one of the strictest two-party consent states for audio recording (MGL Chapter 272 §99). The law prohibits secret audio recording and carries felony penalties. Video-only surveillance without audio is generally permitted. Cameras with audio must have all parties' knowledge of the recording.
Massachusetts is a strict two-party consent state under MGL Chapter 272 §99. Secretly recording any oral or wire communication — in person or by phone — is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and $10,000 fine. The law prohibits secret recording; all parties must be aware that recording is occurring.
Fence regulations vary by municipality across Middlesex County. Under the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR), fences 6 feet or under generally do not require a building permit. Most municipalities limit residential fences to 6 feet in side/rear yards and 4 feet in front yards. Massachusetts has a 'spite fence' law (MGL Ch. 49 §21) limiting malicious fences to 6 feet.
Front yard vegetable and edible gardens are permitted throughout Middlesex County municipalities. Massachusetts does not have a statewide law specifically protecting front yard gardens, but no municipalities in the county are known to prohibit them. Local zoning bylaws may regulate garden structures (raised beds, fences) but not plantings themselves.
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources maintains a Prohibited Plant List of 144 species that may not be imported, sold, traded, purchased, or distributed in the state. The Massachusetts Invasive Plants Advisory Group (MIPAG) has identified 69 additional species as invasive or potentially invasive. These prohibitions apply uniformly across all Middlesex County municipalities.
Running bamboo is not banned at the state level in Massachusetts, but several municipalities within Middlesex County have enacted local bamboo bylaws. The Town of Lexington, for example, prohibits running bamboo that has encroached onto neighboring property. Massachusetts law allows towns to adopt bylaws regulating invasive vegetation.
Under the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR), decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, and not attached to a dwelling are exempt from permits. Larger or elevated decks require a building permit from the local building department. Concrete patios at grade generally do not require permits.
Under the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR), one-story detached storage sheds of 200 square feet or less do not require a building permit. Sheds over 200 square feet require a permit from the local building department. All sheds must comply with municipal zoning setback requirements, which vary by town.
Under the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR), building permits are required for most renovation work beyond ordinary repairs and cosmetic changes. Structural, electrical, plumbing, and gas work all require permits. Ordinary repairs (replacing broken glass, patching walls, minor plumbing fixes) are exempt. All permits are issued by local building departments.
Under the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR), fences 6 feet or less in height do not require a building permit. Fences over 6 feet require a permit. Municipal zoning bylaws may impose additional height restrictions. Massachusetts' spite fence law (MGL Ch. 49 §21) limits malicious fences to 6 feet.
Response times vary by municipality within Middlesex County. Emergency health and safety complaints are typically prioritized for inspection within 24–48 hours. Routine building complaints may take 1–4 weeks. Housing code complaints under the State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410) must be inspected within specific timeframes set by state regulation.
Massachusetts does not have county-level code enforcement. Code violations are reported to individual city or town building departments, boards of health, or inspectional services within Middlesex County. The Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) is enforced at the municipal level by local building inspectors and health agents.
Common code violations across Middlesex County municipalities include unpermitted construction, illegal dwelling units (basement and attic conversions), lead paint violations, overcrowding, snow/ice removal failures, zoning violations (illegal businesses, parking), and failure to maintain rental properties under the State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410).