Fences – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a building permit? Generally No, unless there are wetland issues, or other unusual circumstances**.
How high can my fence be? Up to 6 ft high. (However, if the fence is on the corner of a street the “Corner Lot Visual Clearance” Section III D.d. of the Zoning Bylaw applies. See below*) This measurement is taken from the lowest ground on either side of the fence.
*Section III. D. d. Corner Lot Visual Clearance
In any district no fence, wall, hedge or other structure or planting more than 2½ feet in height above the surface of the road shall be erected or maintained within the triangular area formed by the two street sidelines and a straight line connecting points on such lines twenty-five (25') from the point of intersection.~ This requirement shall not apply to buildings in the GB1 and Industrial Districts.
Where can I place my fence? Directly on the property line, but we advise homeowners to stay at least one foot inside their property line.
Do I have to put the “front” side of the fence toward my neighbor? No, placing the “front” side of the fence toward your neighbor is strictly a courtesy, and not regulated by the Town.
*** These questions relate to the “standard” fence issues, any unusual circumstances should be referred to the Department of Community Development.
Sheds – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a building permit? Yes.
What is the fee? $75 min.
Do I need a site plan? Yes. You must draw your shed on a scaled site plan and include it with the permit application.
Do I need building plans? Generally sonotube/footing location and framing plan is required.
Where can I place the shed on my property? If your shed has a 100 SF floor area or less you may locate your shed no closer than 6 ft to your property line. If your shed is over 100 SF in floor area, it must meet the setbacks in your zoning district.
What are my setbacks?
SETBACKS FOR ZONING DISTRICTS:
Zoning District Road Setback Abutters' Setback
R20, R20A, GB2 25' 15'
R40, R60 40' 25'
SB 50' 20'
GB1 5' 5'
GB3 50' 15'
I 10' 5'
Can I set my shed on cement blocks? No, the shed must be placed on sonotubes or an 18” thick concrete slab and anchored to them. The sonotubes must be placed 4 ft below grade.
What size sonotubes do I need to use? Generally 8” – 10” are sufficient.
Why do I need to anchor my shed to the ground? To hold the structure in place and reduce the risk of collateral damage in case of high or hurricane force winds.
Can I add a loft area or 2nd story to my shed? NO, sheds are a single story structure.
| 
