Height Limits: Fall River vs Somerset
How do height limits rules compare between Fall River, MA and Somerset, MA?
Fall River and Somerset have similar restriction levels.
Fall River, MA
Bristol County
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.
View full Fall River rules →Somerset, MA
Bristol County
Somerset's Zoning By-Law governs fence height. Boundary walls and fences over six (6) feet in height trigger zoning-review requirements. Corner-lot visibility rules prohibit any planting, fence, structure, or wall between 3 and 8 feet above street elevation within the sight triangle at intersections. Massachusetts spite-fence law (MGL c.49 §21) also applies.
View full Somerset rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fall River | Somerset |
|---|---|---|
| Spite Fence Law | MGL Ch. 49 §21 — max 6 ft if malicious | MGL c.49 §21 |
| Pool Fence (near lot line) | 6 ft concealing fence if within 10 ft | - |
| General Standard | No specific local height cap in code | - |
| Building Exclusion | Fences excluded from building definition | - |
| Code Reference | - | Town of Somerset Zoning By-Law |
| Permit Trigger | - | Over 6 feet in height |
| Corner Visibility | - | 3-8 ft clear within sight triangle |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fall River FAQ
How tall can my fence be in Fall River?
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...
What is the maximum fence height for front yards in Fall River?
Spite Fence Law: MGL Ch. 49 §21 — max 6 ft if malicious. Pool Fence (near lot line): 6 ft concealing fence if within 10 ft. General Standard: No specific local height cap in code. Building Exclusion: Fences excluded from building definition.
Somerset FAQ
How tall can my fence be in Somerset, MA?
Fences up to 6 feet are generally allowed as a customary yard accessory. Anything over 6 feet triggers zoning review and a building permit under the Town of Somerset Zoning By-Law.
Are there extra rules for corner lots in Somerset?
Yes. The Zoning By-Law prohibits any planting, fence, structure, or wall between 3 and 8 feet above the street elevation within the intersection sight triangle — this keeps drivers' sightlines clear.
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