Permit Required? Sometimes Required
Typical Fee Range $50–$150 Calculated at $10 per $1,000 of estimated cost with a $50 minimum for residential.
Fee Method Valuation-based
Apply Online Apply at Inspectional Services Department →

What's Required in Boston

  • Permit only required for fences over 6 feet in height.
  • Certified plot plan showing the proposed fence location.
  • Fence must be entirely within property boundaries.
  • Finished side (the 'good' side) must face the neighbor or street.
  • Specific height limits apply in Historic Districts like Beacon Hill.
  • Sightline clearance required for fences near driveways/intersections.

How Tall Can a Fence Be Without a Permit in Boston?

In Boston, the number that matters is 6 feet: a fence taller than that needs a permit from the Inspectional Services Department, while anything at or under it can usually go up without one. That cutoff covers standard residential fences; retaining walls, pool barriers, and masonry walls typically follow their own rules, so flag those to the department separately. Even a permit-free fence still has to respect setbacks and corner sight-line rules, so check placement before you dig post holes.

Do You Need a Permit to Build a Fence in Boston?

For a typical backyard fence at or under 6 feet, no — you can skip the building permit in Boston. Go taller and you'll file with the Inspectional Services Department, with permit fees typically in the $50–$150 range. Two cautions before you skip the paperwork: zoning rules (height caps, setbacks, corner visibility) apply to every fence, permitted or not, and HOA or deed rules stack on top of city code. When your plan sits close to the line, a quick call to the department beats rebuilding a fence later.

How to Get a Fence Permit in Boston

1

Step 1: Determine Height

Check if your design exceeds 6 feet; if not, no permit is required.

2

Step 2: Plot Plan

Obtain a certified plot plan from a surveyor to mark your fence line.

3

Step 3: Online Filing

Select 'Short Form' in the ISD portal for residential fence requests.

4

Step 4: Zoning Review

ISD checks for setbacks and historic district compliance.

5

Step 5: Completion

Keep a copy of your approved permit on-site during installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

A permit is required for any fence over 6ft, and zoning variances may be needed for front yards.
While not legally required by ISD, it is highly recommended to avoid property disputes.
You must obtain Landmarks Commission approval before installing any fence, regardless of height.
On record in Boston, fences over 6 feet need a permit; at or under 6 feet you generally don't need one, though zoning height caps and setbacks still apply.
Only above 6 feet. Shorter fences generally don't need a building permit in Boston, but zoning setbacks and height caps still apply.