Fence Installation Permits in Boston

Local Rule

City of Boston Inspectional Services Department

In Boston, a fence over 6 feet tall needs a "Use of Premises" permit from the Inspectional Services Department, applied for through the city's website or in person, along with a certified plot plan or diagram; standard residential fences under 6 feet generally do not need a building permit. Boston Zoning Code (Article 25 and district-specific articles) typically limits front-yard fences to 4 feet and allows up to 6 feet in side and rear yards in residential districts, though limits vary by zoning subdistrict; exceeding the zoning limit requires a Zoning Board of Appeals variance before ISD will issue a permit. Properties in a Boston Landmarks Commission historic district need Landmarks Commission review for any new fence, and installing one without required review can trigger a retroactive Certificate of Appropriateness application or removal order. This 6-foot threshold could not be independently confirmed.

Source · Verified September 2026

Boston Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Suffolk County

Boston's own rule is shown above (No permit under 6 sqft). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

Municipal — administered individually by each city/town

Boston, the largest city in Suffolk County, generally limits fences to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side/rear yards without a building permit, following the statewide 7-foot threshold for when a permit is required. Fences within Boston's local historic districts are further restricted to 42 inches, stricter than the citywide general limit.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Boston with a confirmed fence installation rule:

FAQs

Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need

Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a fence installation project:

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