Neighbor Fence Rules: Brookline vs Wellesley
How do neighbor fence rules rules compare between Brookline, MA and Wellesley, MA?
Brookline and Wellesley have similar restriction levels.
Brookline, MA
Norfolk County
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 49 §21 governs shared fence obligations between neighbors. Brookline does not have a local ordinance superseding state law. Disputes about fence placement require a property survey.
View full Brookline rules →Wellesley, MA
Norfolk County
Massachusetts state law (MGL c. 49 §§1–21) governs boundary fences between neighbors, including cost-sharing and the Fence Viewer process for disputes. Norfolk County courts handle fence viewer appeals.
View full Wellesley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Brookline | Wellesley |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | MGL c. 49 §21 (line fences) | MGL c. 49 §§1–21 (Fence Viewers) |
| Shared Cost | Generally equal split under state law | - |
| Disputes | Civil matter; survey recommended | - |
| Topic | Neighbor Rules | - |
| Cost Sharing | - | Each owner maintains their half of shared fence |
| Spite Fence Law | - | MGL c. 49 §21 — courts can order removal |
| Dispute Process | - | File with town Fence Viewers; appeal to Superior Court |
| County Role | - | Norfolk County Superior Court handles appeals |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Brookline FAQ
Who pays for a fence between neighbors in Brookline?
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 49 §21 governs shared fence obligations between neighbors. Brookline does not have a local ordinance superseding state law. Disputes about fence placement require a property survey.
What are the rules about shared fences in Brookline?
State Law: MGL c. 49 §21 (line fences). Shared Cost: Generally equal split under state law. Disputes: Civil matter; survey recommended.
Wellesley FAQ
Who pays for a fence between neighbors in Norfolk County?
Massachusetts state law (MGL c. 49 §§1–21) governs boundary fences between neighbors, including cost-sharing and the Fence Viewer process for disputes. Norfolk County courts handle fence viewer appeals.
What are the rules about shared fences in Norfolk County?
State Law: MGL c. 49 §§1–21 (Fence Viewers). Cost Sharing: Each owner maintains their half of shared fence. Spite Fence Law: MGL c. 49 §21 — courts can order removal. Dispute Process: File with town Fence Viewers; appeal to Superior Court.
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