Melrose City Zoning Code
ARTICLE IX
Development Standards
§ 235-9.1 Accessory buildings.
[Amended 4-7-2025 by Order No. 2025-2]
A.
In the "R" districts, an accessory building shall conform to the dimensional requirements set forth below. In all other districts, an accessory building shall conform to the dimensional requirements applicable to a principal structure, except one containing an accessory dwelling unit must comply with the requirements for the "R" districts.
(1)
Maximum cumulative coverage for all accessory buildings on a lot: 900 square feet. Note: Accessory buildings contribute to the maximum building coverage allowed in the district.
(2)
Front setback: same as required for principal structure in the district.
(3)
Minimum side and rear setback:
(a)
An accessory building equal to or less than 400 square feet shall be set back at least four feet.
(b)
An accessory building greater than 400 square feet shall be set back at least six feet.
(c)
The yards within the required setbacks must be pervious as to reduce stormwater runoff onto abutting properties.
(4)
Maximum number of stories: 1.5.
(5)
Maximum building height: 16 feet.
B.
An accessory building attached to the principal building, including an accessory dwelling unit, shall be considered as an integral part thereof and shall be subject to front, side and rear setback requirements applicable to the principal building.
C.
An accessory building cannot be located in the building front yard.
§ 235-9.2 Fences and walls.
A.
Fence, wall and similar structures are allowed to be up to seven feet in height in the "R" districts if located outside of the areas further regulated in this section. Height is measured from the grade of land where the structure is installed. Existing retaining walls may be replaced in kind.
B.
Fence, wall and similar structures have no height restrictions in the "B" and "I" districts as long as they do not interfere with traffic circulation.
C.
For a non-corner lot, a fence, wall, or similar structure within the required front yard setback or from the front lot line to the line of the existing principal structure, whichever is less, shall not exceed three feet in height (also see General legislation, § 202-4.1B).[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: This Code section is pending codification.
D.
For a corner lot in a district with a required front yard setback, a fence, wall, or other structure shall not exceed three feet in height above the plane of the intersecting streets herein (also see § 202-4.1 of the Code of the City of Melrose, Massachusetts):
(1)
Within the triangular area formed by measuring 20 feet from the intersection of the property lot lines and bounded by a straight line connecting the two points;
(2)
Outside of the triangular area, on the side lot line as designated in Dimensional Regulation Specifications, § 235-6.3, and within three feet from the side lot line. If a fence, wall, or similar structure is set back more than three feet from the side lot line, they are exempt from the height restrictions in this subsection.
(3)
Outside of the triangular area, on the front lot line or within the front yard, the regulations in Subsection C for non-corner lots apply.
Example of Fence/Wall Height Regulations - Non-corner Lot 235-9.2.3 & Corner Lot 235-9.2.4  |
§ 235-9.3 Landscaping and screening.
A.
All parking and loading areas shall be effectively screened with suitable planting or fencing on each side which adjoins or faces the side or rear lot line of a lot situated in any "R" district.
B.
Screening and buffers shall be required in any industrial or business district which adjoins a residential district as follows: this strip shall be at least 25 feet in width, except when abutting a residential use in the UR-C District, in which case the width may be reduced to 10 feet. It shall contain a screen of plantings of vertical habitat in the center of the strip not less than three feet in width and six feet in height at the time of occupancy of such lot. Individual shrubs or trees shall be planted not more than three feet on center and shall thereafter be maintained by the owner or occupants so as to maintain a dense screen year round. At least 50% of the plantings shall consist of evergreens and they shall be evenly spaced.
§ 235-9.4 Swimming pools and hot tubs.
A.
The required distance from side and rear lot lines for accessory private swimming pool, hot tub, or any pool of water two feet deep or more shall be 10 feet in all districts by-right or six feet if allowed by special permit by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
B.
Accessory private swimming pools, hot tubs, and any pool of water two feet deep or more are not allowed in the required front yard setback.
C.
The required enclosure for safety of these pools and tubs is specified in the State Building Code.
