Newton’s Zoning and Planning Committee is holding a public hearing on an ordinance that would legalize raised garden beds in residential setbacks.
Your voice matters — attend or email before June 8.
Your raised garden bed might be illegal
Newton’s current zoning code prohibits raised garden beds anywhere within property setbacks. In a dense city like Newton, setbacks often cover most or all of a backyard — meaning for many residents, raised beds are simply illegal no matter where they put them.
Many Newton residents are already using raised beds and simply haven’t been reported. But if a neighbor files a complaint — or if a city inspector visits for any reason — you can be required to tear it out.
The comparison that says it all
|
Allowed in your setback A garage or shed Up to 700 sq ft, up to 22 ft tall — just 5 ft from your property line |
Not allowed in your setback A raised garden bed Of any size or height — banned entirely, no exceptions |
Why raised beds matter
Raised beds aren’t just a preference — for many residents, they’re a necessity. They make gardening accessible to people with limited mobility who can’t bend or dig easily, allow productive growing in small spaces, improve drainage, and extend the growing season. Removing this option doesn’t just inconvenience gardeners — it excludes people.
Raised beds also give gardeners the opportunity to improve their soil. In-ground soil can be poor quality or even contaminated — raised beds let growers start fresh with clean, optimized soil suited to whatever they’re planting.
What’s being proposed
City Councilors Susan Albright, Andrea Kelley, and Cyrus Dahmubed have filed an amendment to Chapter 30 of Newton’s Zoning Code that would allow raised beds within residential setbacks under reasonable conditions. A public hearing is scheduled for June 8 at the Zoning and Planning Committee.
Take action before June 8
Speak at the public hearing
Attend in person at City Hall or join via Zoom on Monday, June 8. A Zoom link will be in the June 8 meeting agenda — check newtonma.gov for details.
Email the City Council
Send a message to citycouncil@newtonma.gov expressing your support for the amendment.
Sample email to City Council
Sample email to City Council
Dear City Council,
My name is [NAME] and I live in [NEWTON NEIGHBORHOOD].
I’m writing to express my support for docket number 42-26, the proposed amendment to Chapter 30 – Zoning that would allow raised beds within residential setbacks.
Raised beds make home gardening accessible to more residents — including those with mobility limitations — and support Newton’s goals of becoming a greener, more livable city. I urge you to pass this amendment.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[NAME]
Thank you for advocating to allow local gardening in Newton.