About 4 mi from our Waltham shop
Iron work in Weston, MA
Iron fences, gates and railings in Weston need to respect zoning: a fence over 6 feet counts as a structure, and setbacks run to the nearest stair or landing.
Most front-step railings and porch rails never touch those limits. A tall driveway gate with masonry piers is different, because masonry walls 36 inches or taller are structures too, and fences above 6 feet go to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Weston's wetlands also come into play more often than people expect. Setting fence posts within 100 feet of a wetland or pond is work in a jurisdictional area, so we ask the Conservation office before the auger comes out.
Weston rules that apply
What Weston requires for iron work.
- 1
Tall fences and walls count as structures
Under Weston zoning a fence more than 6 feet high, and any masonry or retaining wall 36 inches or taller, is a structure that must meet setbacks. Setbacks are measured to the closest point of a structure, including stairs, landings and overhangs.
Source: Weston Inspectional Services: Zoning, RGFA and setbacks brochure (PDF)
- 2
25-foot No Disturb Zone
The Conservation Commission must approve work of any kind within 100 feet of a wetland resource area or 200 feet of a perennial stream. The 25 feet closest to a resource area is Weston's No Disturb Zone, held to the strictest review.
Source: Weston Conservation Commission: Tree Removal Policy (PDF)
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Questions
Iron work in Weston, answered.
How tall can an iron fence be in Weston without a variance?
Up to 6 feet from existing grade is not treated as a structure for setback purposes. Taller fences count as structures and go to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Iron work near Weston.
Where this information comes from
- Weston Inspectional Services: Zoning, RGFA and setbacks brochure (PDF)
- Weston Conservation Commission: Tree Removal Policy (PDF)
- Town of Weston: Building Department and Land Use permitting guide
- Weston Board of Health: Requirements for Construction Projects (PDF)
- Weston Board of Health: subsurface sewage disposal regulations (PDF)
- Weston Board of Health: Requirements for septic system repair and construction (PDF)
- Town of Weston: Zoning By-law with amendments (PDF)
- Town of Weston: Article XXVI, Demolition Delay By-law
- Weston Historical Commission: About Weston's History
- Town of Weston: The Stormwater By-law
- The Weston Owl: Special Town Meeting wrap-up, November 2023
Rules change. These are summaries of Weston's and Massachusetts' published rules as of our last check, not legal advice; your project's permits are confirmed with the town when we file them.
Free estimate
Planning iron work in Weston?
We'll come out, measure, listen, and send a written estimate. The visit is free and there's no pressure to sign.
Call 617-934-1875