Neighbor Fence Rules: Brockton vs North Plymouth
How do neighbor fence rules rules compare between Brockton, MA and North Plymouth, MA?
Brockton and North Plymouth have similar restriction levels.
Brockton, MA
Plymouth County
Brockton requires fences to be built within the owner's property line. Massachusetts law does not require neighbors to share fence costs. The finished side must face outward.
View full Brockton rules →North Plymouth, MA
Plymouth County
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 49 establishes a statewide spite fence statute treating fences over six feet erected maliciously to annoy a neighbor as a private nuisance subject to civil action.
View full North Plymouth rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Brockton | North Plymouth |
|---|---|---|
| Finished Side | Must face neighbors | - |
| Property Line | Build within your own property | - |
| Cost Sharing | Not required by MA law | - |
| State Law | MGL Chapter 49 (partition fences) | - |
| Statute | - | MGL c. 49 s. 21 |
| Trigger Height | - | Over 6 feet |
| Required Element | - | Malicious intent |
| Remedy | - | Damages and injunction |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Brockton FAQ
Does my neighbor have to pay for half the fence?
Massachusetts does not generally require neighbors to share fence costs. This is a private matter between property owners.
Which side of the fence faces my neighbor?
The finished or decorative side must face outward toward neighbors and public areas.
North Plymouth FAQ
Does Massachusetts spite fence law apply to all towns?
Yes, MGL c. 49 Section 21 is statewide statutory law applying uniformly in every Massachusetts city and town regardless of local ordinances.
What must a neighbor prove to win a spite fence case?
The plaintiff must show the fence exceeds six feet, was erected or maintained maliciously, and serves no reasonable purpose other than to annoy the neighbor.
Can dense hedges qualify as spite fences?
Massachusetts courts have extended the statute to include rows of trees or hedges intentionally maintained as fences when erected with malicious intent.
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