Council Votes to Allow Four-Foot Front Yard Fences
Springfield City Council repealed a 2013 ban on front-yard fences in two single-family zoning districts. Councilor Jerry Martin's amendment lets homeowners in Residence A and A1 install fences up to four feet, with any fence more than 25 percent solid capped at three feet.
Select Board · Meeting of September 28, 2026
Springfield City Council repealed a 2013 ban on front-yard fences in two single-family zoning districts. Councilor Jerry Martin's amendment lets homeowners in Residence A and A1 install fences up to four feet, with any fence more than 25 percent solid capped at three feet. Resident Maria Madura testified her family needed a fence after enforcement began only once they asked the city to fix storm-damaged sidewalk, saying "we're still needing that fence to protect us." Opponents including the 16 Acres Civic Association and Forest Park Civic Association pushed for setback and material rules the ordinance still lacks.
A motion to cap the height at three feet failed 2-9. The council separately approved a 20-space parking expansion for the Ember dispensary on Boston Road, 9-1, but rejected, 7-4, a permit letting Indian Orchard Car Company expand its inventory from 20 to 50 vehicles.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,795 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of September 28, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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