FAQ’s – Inspectional Services

Where can I find the City of Newton Zoning Ordinances?

How large can a garage be?

What are window requirements (size, location) for a bedroom?

How close can a fence or driveway be to a property line?

Floor Area Ratio (FAR)

FAQ’s – Inspectional Services

• Where can I find the City of Newton Zoning Ordinances?

The City of Newton Zoning Ordinances can be found on the City’s website at under Section 30. Hard copies are also available at the City Clerk’s office for a fee.

• Table of Contents
• Chapter 30

Is a permit required for a shed?

A shed measuring 10’ x 12’ (120 sq. ft.) or more requires a permit.

How large can a garage be?

a) A detached garage can be a maximum of 3 cars and 700 sq. ft. and a height of 18 ft. measured from the exterior. Side and rear setbacks must be 5 ft.

b) An attached garage can be a maximum of 3 cars and 700 sq. ft. and a height of 30 ft. measured from the interior. Setbacks must meet building setback requirements.

When do smoke alarms need to be updated?

Per the Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR 3603.16.13 (www.state.ma.us/bbrs), when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the entire building shall be provided with smoke detectors designed and located as required for new dwellings.

For other alterations or repairs that would require a fire protection system in an existing building be upgraded, refer to 780 CMR 3404 and/or 780 CMR 3405, as applicable.

When one or more than one smoke or heat detector is require by 780 CMR 3603.16.10, all required detectors shall be installed so that the activation of any detector shall cause the alarm in all required smoke detectors in the dwelling unit to sound.

Detector activation in a dwelling unit shall not activate signals in any other dwelling unit or common areas.

What are window requirements (size, location) for a bedroom?

Per the Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR 3603.10.4 (www.state.ma.us/bbrs), for 1 and 2 family houses: Sleeping rooms shall have at least one openable window or exterior door approved for emergency egress or rescue in each such room. The units shall be operable from the inside to a full clear opening without the use of a key or tool. Emergency escape windows, under 780 CMR 3603.10.4, shall have a sill height of not more than 44 inches above the floor.

Per 780 CMR 3603.10.4.1, all emergency escape windows from sleeping rooms shall have a net clear opening of 3.3 square feet. The minimum net clear opening shall be 20 inches by 24 inches in either direction.

When is a fence permit needed and what is the fee?

According to the City’s Ordinance found in section 20-40, Amendment X-93 ( www.ci.newton.ma.us/legal/ordinance/chapter_20.pdf), all fences 4 to 6 feet (additional rules apply to back yard fences – see the ordinance) require a fence permit which does not require a fee to be paid. If the fence is over 6 feet the applicant is required to submit a “denied” fence permit application to the Urban Design Committee for review. If the Committee approves the application the applicant will then apply for a building permit and there will be charge of $18.60 per thousand dollars of the job to be completed. This includes labor and material.

How close can a fence or driveway be to a property line?

A fence can be placed on, but not over, the property line.