Article 55: To see if the Town will vote to amend Part 7 of the Northborough Town Code, by adding a new Section 7-09-050 as set forth in the underlined text below, or take any action relative thereto.
Section 7-09-050. Fences and hedges.
Fences shall be of safe, non-hazardous construction not likely to endanger the health and safety of the public.
To avoid encroachment and facilitate access for maintenance, installation of fences at least one foot from the property line is strongly encouraged.
No fence shall exceed 7 feet in height.
An opaque fence or hedge shall be no taller than 3 ½ feet between the street and the front yard setback line or the building setback line (front of the foundation), whichever is closer to the street where, in the opinion of the Building Inspector, they would obstruct visibility. For the purpose of this section, an opaque fence provides less than 75% visibility. Examples of opaque fences include solid wood or vinyl fences, picket fences, and chain link fences with privacy slats inserted.
On a corner lot in any district, no opaque fence or hedge shall exceed 3 ½ feet in height above the curb grade for a minimum distance of 25 feet along the property line in either direction of the intersection of adjoining streets.
The height of a fence shall be measured from the finish grade at the base of the fence upward to the highest point of the fence structure, including lattice, horizontal boards, and decorative caps on posts. On slopes, the height shall be the average of the high and low points of each fence section. Portions of the fence may exceed the maximum allowable height if the average does not exceed the maximum.
The Zoning Board of Appeals, or other special permit granting authority, may grant a special permit in accordance with Section 7-03-040 for a taller fence in cases where said fence will not endanger health or safety or unreasonably impair sight distance or the circulation of air.
Installation of a fence over 7 feet in height requires a Building Permit per the most recent edition of 780 CMR of the Massachusetts State Building Code.
Explanation: This article amends the Zoning Bylaw by adding a new section establishing standards for fences and hedges. The proposed regulations address construction, placement, and height limitations to promote public safety, visibility, and neighborhood compatibility. The bylaw encourages setbacks from property lines to allow for maintenance access, establishes maximum fence heights, and limits the height of opaque fences in areas where visibility is important, such as near streets and intersections. The article also provides a process for relief by special permit in appropriate circumstances and clarifies when a building permit is required. These provisions are intended to provide clear and consistent guidance for property owners and permitting authorities.
Votes Needed to Pass: 2/3 Majority
Relevant Discussion for This Article
Planning Board Public Hearing: February 17, 2026 (Minutes)
Planning Board Public Hearing Continued: March 3, 2026 (Minutes)
Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board Joint Meeting: November 18, 2025 (Minutes)
Presentation to Select Board by Planning Board Chair Amy Poretsky: April 9, 2026