Fence Regulations in Fall River, MA (2026)
3 verified fence regulations for Fall River, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Fall River follows Massachusetts state law for fence height regulation. MGL Ch. 49 §21 addresses spite fences, prohibiting maliciously erected fences over 6 feet. The city's zoning code Ch. 86 excludes fences from the building definition. Pool fences near property lines must be at least 6 feet if within 10 feet of a lot line.
Fall River Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 49, Sec. 21 (Fences Deemed a Private Nuisance; Right of Action)
A fence or other structure in the nature of a fence which unnecessarily exceeds six feet in height and is maliciously erected or maintained for the purpose of annoying the owners or occupants of adjoining property shall be deemed a private nuisance. Any such owner or occupant injured in the comfort or enjoyment of his estate thereby may have an action of tort for damages under chapter two hundr...
Permit Requirements
Fall River generally does not require a permit for standard residential fences under 7 feet per Massachusetts state building code. Fences over 7 feet may require a building permit. Pool barrier fences require compliance with 780 CMR and may need inspection.
Fall River Fence Permit Requirements
Few RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Massachusetts law under MGL Ch. 49 §21 prohibits spite fences — fences over 6 feet erected maliciously to annoy a neighbor. Massachusetts has no shared-cost statute requiring neighbors to split fence expenses. Boundary disputes are resolved through civil court.
Fall River Neighbor Fence Rules
Few RestrictionsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 49, Sec. 21 (Spite Fence Statute — Neighbor Right of Action)
A fence or other structure in the nature of a fence which unnecessarily exceeds six feet in height and is maliciously erected or maintained for the purpose of annoying the owners or occupants of adjoining property shall be deemed a private nuisance. Any such owner or occupant injured in the comfort or enjoyment of his estate thereby may have an action of tort for damages under chapter two hundr...
Looking for Bristol County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fall River city rules.
Fence Regulations in Bristol County →