Fence height rules in Westford, Massachusetts
Yes. Westford's zoning bylaw exempts fences up to 6 feet tall from setbacks, so they can go up to the property line; on a corner lot nothing may block drivers' view of the intersection. The Building Department's checklist for fences of 6+ feet calls for a building permit application with a structural plan and a setback check, while the state code exempts fences up to 7 feet from a building permit, so confirm with the Building Department; town materials don't say whether a shorter fence needs a permit.
| Fences exempt from setbacks | Up to 6 feet high [1] |
| Corner lots | No fence may obstruct a driver's view of the intersection [2] |
| Fence 6+ feet (town checklist) | Building permit application with a structural plan; state code exempts fences up to 7 ft, so confirm [4] |
| Setbacks (if a tall fence must meet them), Residence A | 50 ft front / 15 ft side / 30 ft rear [3] |
| Setbacks, Residence B | 25 ft front / 15 ft side / 30 ft rear [5] |
| Near wetlands (lot with a house, lawn area) | Fences count as 'work': no closer than 30 ft to the wetland edge (50 ft in natural areas) [9] |
Height and location
Under the zoning bylaw, fences no taller than 6 feet (and flagpoles up to 20 feet) are exempt from the setback rules for accessory structures, so a fence of that height can be built in the front, side or rear yard up to the lot line [1]. An existing fence built before the bylaw can be repaired or replaced in its original configuration [1]. The bylaw sets no separate front-yard height limit for ordinary residential fences. On a corner lot, no wall, fence or planting may be kept where it would block the view of a driver approaching the intersection [2].
Fences taller than 6 feet
The setback exemption stops at 6 feet. The Building Department's checklist for fences of "6+ feet" asks you to check your zoning district setbacks (Residence A: 50 ft front, 15 ft side, 30 ft rear [3]; Residence B: 25 ft front, 15 ft side, 30 ft rear [5]), show the fence on a plot plan, and get a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals if it doesn't comply. It lists a structural plan and a building permit application as required [4], and a certified plot plan may be required if the fence is close to the setback line. The state building code exempts fences up to 7 feet from a building permit (see the state section), so the town checklist and the state threshold don't line up for a fence between 6 and 7 feet; ask the Building Department which applies. Either way, a fence over 6 feet loses the zoning setback exemption.
Permits for ordinary fences
We found no town statement on whether a fence of 6 feet or less needs a building permit; the Building Department's list of permits doesn't mention fences. Call the Building Department to confirm. (The state building code section below covers the state permit threshold.)
Wetlands and floodplains
Near wetlands, the Conservation Commission treats placing a fence as "work": on a lot with a house, work on lawn or landscaped areas must stay at least 30 feet from the wetland edge, and 50 feet in natural (non-artificial) areas or on undeveloped lots [6][9][7]. Fence work within 100 feet of wetlands needs Commission approval. In the Floodplain Overlay District, a permit is required for all development, including fences [8].
We found no local rules on materials or which side must face out.
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Next steps
- Find your zoning district and whether you're within 100 feet of a wetland or in the floodplain (Westford GIS or the Permitting Office at Town Hall).
- For a fence of 6 feet or less, call the Building Department (978-692-5527) to confirm whether any permit is needed; keep corner-lot sight lines clear.
- For a fence over 6 feet, submit a building permit application with a structural plan and a plot plan showing setbacks.
- If the fence is within 100 feet of a wetland, contact the Conservation Commission before installing.
Common questions
- Do I need a permit for a fence in Westford, Massachusetts?
- It depends on height. Westford's Building Department checklist for fences of 6+ feet calls for a building permit application with a structural plan, while the state code exempts fences up to 7 feet, so confirm with the Building Department. Town materials don't say whether a fence under 6 feet needs a permit.
- How tall can a fence be in Westford, MA?
- There's no stated maximum. Westford's zoning bylaw exempts fences up to 6 feet tall from setbacks, so they can go up to the property line. A fence over 6 feet loses that exemption, must meet district setbacks, and falls under the Building Department's checklist for tall fences.
- Can I put a fence on the property line in Westford, Massachusetts?
- Yes, if it's no taller than 6 feet. Westford's zoning bylaw exempts fences up to 6 feet from setbacks, so they can be built in the front, side or rear yard up to the lot line. On a corner lot, no fence may block a driver's view of the intersection.
- Do I need approval for a fence near a wetland in Westford, MA?
- Yes. Westford's Conservation Commission treats placing a fence as work: on a lot with a house it must stay 30 feet from the wetland edge on lawn or landscaped areas, and 50 feet in natural areas or on undeveloped lots. Fence work within 100 feet of wetlands needs Commission approval, and fences in the Floodplain Overlay District need a permit.
Massachusetts state rules on fences
Most fence rules in Massachusetts are local, set in your town's zoning bylaw and sometimes historic-district rules. A few state laws apply everywhere:
- Building permit: the State Building Code (780 CMR, 10th edition) does not require a building permit for fences 7 feet high or less. Taller fences need one. Zoning height limits and setbacks still apply, and many towns cap fences at 6 feet.
- Spite fences: under M.G.L. c. 49, §21, a fence that unnecessarily exceeds 6 feet and is maliciously put up or kept to annoy a neighbor is a private nuisance. The neighbor can sue for damages.
- Fence viewers: every town must appoint fence viewers each year (c. 49, §1). Where adjoining owners both enclose and use their land, they share the upkeep of the partition fence equally unless they agree otherwise. If one side won't repair their share, the other can complain to the fence viewers, who can order the repair (c. 49, §§3–4). By statute, a "legal and sufficient" fence is 4 feet high and in good repair (c. 49, §2).
- Pool fences must meet the state pool barrier rules (see Pools).
- Wetlands: fence work in a wetland or within 100 feet of one may need Conservation Commission review.
What the bylaw says
- Sec. 3.5.3(1) Fences; Flagpoles, 2025 Zoning Bylaw (amended through Special Town Meeting October 27, 2025; certified copy), p. 26
Fences of a height not to exceed six (6) feet and flagpoles of a height not to exceed 20 feet shall be exempt from the setback requirements of this Section. Any fence or flagpole erected prior to enactment of this Bylaw may be repaired or replaced to original configuration and location.
- Sec. 4.3.1 Corner Clearance, 2025 Zoning Bylaw (amended through Special Town Meeting October 27, 2025; certified copy), p. 31
No wall, fence, structure, shrubbery, or planting on a corner lot shall be maintained where it would obstruct the view of a driver approaching the street intersection.
- Fence 6+ Feet Tall / Retaining Wall 4+ Feet Tall checklist, Building Department - Fence 6+ Feet Tall / Retaining Wall 4+ Feet Tall checklist, p. 1
In Residence A Districts setbacks are 50 feet from the front lot line, 15 feet from the side lot line and 30 feet from the rear property line
- Fence 6+ Feet Tall / Retaining Wall 4+ Feet Tall checklist, Building Department - Fence 6+ Feet Tall / Retaining Wall 4+ Feet Tall checklist, p. 1
Complete Structural Plan (Engineer, Contractor or architect may complete) (Required) Complete Building Permit Application Form and include Contractor Insurance Certificate forms
- Fence 6+ Feet Tall / Retaining Wall 4+ Feet Tall checklist, Building Department - Fence 6+ Feet Tall / Retaining Wall 4+ Feet Tall checklist, p. 1
In Residence B Districts setbacks are 25 feet from the front lot line, 15 feet from the side lot line and 30 feet from the rear property line
- Ch. 235, §235-2(E)(9) Minimum Set-Backs, Conservation Commission - Chapter 235 Wetlands Rules and Regulations (updated to 12-9-2020), p. 9
For the purposes of the table above, “work” means cutting or removal of vegetation, filling, excavation, grading, operation of motorized construction equipment, storage or stockpiling of earth or construction materials or debris or brush or other wood or yard waste or placement of vehicles, recreational equipment such as swing sets or trampolines or fences, and “building” means any structure requiring a building permit, as well as a shed or other storage structure of any size.
- Ch. 235, §235-2(E)(9) Minimum Set-Backs table, Conservation Commission - Chapter 235 Wetlands Rules and Regulations (updated to 12-9-2020), p. 9
Work on an undeveloped lot 50 75
- Sec. 8.2.4 Permits Required (Floodplain Overlay District), 2025 Zoning Bylaw (amended through Special Town Meeting October 27, 2025; certified copy), p. 97
The Town of Westford requires a permit for all proposed construction or other development in the floodplain overlay district, including new construction or changes to existing buildings, placement of manufactured homes, placement of agricultural facilities, fences, sheds, storage facilities or drilling, mining, paving, and any other development that might increase flooding or adversely impact flood risks to other properties.
- Ch. 235, §235-2(E)(9) Minimum Set-Backs table, Conservation Commission - Chapter 235 Wetlands Rules and Regulations (updated to 12-9-2020), p. 9
Work on a lot with an existing structure where work is 30 55 proposed on an artificial surface area of the lot.