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🧱 Fence Regulations/Neighbor Fence Rules

Neighbor Fence Rules: Boston vs Chelsea

How do neighbor fence rules rules compare between Boston, MA and Chelsea, MA?

Boston and Chelsea have similar restriction levels.

Boston, MA

Suffolk County

Some Restrictions

Massachusetts has a spite fence statute (MGL c.49 §21) but no shared fence cost law. Each owner is responsible for their own fence.

View full Boston rules →

Chelsea, MA

Suffolk County

Some Restrictions

Massachusetts has a spite fence statute (MGL c.49 §21) but no shared fence cost law. Each owner is responsible for their own fence.

View full Chelsea rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactBostonChelsea
Cost SplitNo MA requirementNo MA requirement
ResponsibilityEach owner, own fenceEach owner, own fence
Spite FenceMGL c.49 §21MGL c.49 §21
DisputesCourt / small claimsCourt / small claims

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Boston FAQ

Who pays for a fence between neighbors in Boston?

Massachusetts has a spite fence statute (MGL c.49 §21) but no shared fence cost law. Each owner is responsible for their own fence.

What are the rules about shared fences in Boston?

Cost Split: No MA requirement. Responsibility: Each owner, own fence. Spite Fence: MGL c.49 §21. Disputes: Court / small claims.

Chelsea FAQ

Who pays for a fence between neighbors in Chelsea?

Massachusetts has a spite fence statute (MGL c.49 §21) but no shared fence cost law. Each owner is responsible for their own fence.

What are the rules about shared fences in Chelsea?

Cost Split: No MA requirement. Responsibility: Each owner, own fence. Spite Fence: MGL c.49 §21. Disputes: Court / small claims.

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