Neighbor Fence Rules: Foster Center vs Providence
How do neighbor fence rules rules compare between Foster Center, RI and Providence, RI?
Foster Center and Providence have similar restriction levels.
Foster Center, RI
Providence County
RIGL 34-10-9 requires partition fences to run on the dividing line with each owner maintaining one-half and costs shared equally unless otherwise agreed. RIGL 34-10-17 provides for fence viewers to settle disputes, with decisions binding on present and future occupants (10 days notice required). RIGL 34-10-14 allows owners to make binding agreements for holding and improving partition fences. These state laws apply uniformly throughout Providence County.
View full Foster Center rules →Providence, RI
Providence County
Providence requires fences to be built on the property owner's land. Rhode Island does not have a statutory fence-sharing law, so cost-sharing is voluntary between neighbors.
View full Providence rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Foster Center | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Sharing | Equal — RIGL 34-10-9 | Voluntary, not required by RI law |
| Maintenance | Each owner maintains one-half | - |
| Disputes | Fence viewers (RIGL 34-10-17) | - |
| Notice Required | 10 days for fence viewer | - |
| Agreements | Binding (RIGL 34-10-14) | - |
| Property Line | - | Fence must be on owner's property |
| Survey | - | Recommended in dense neighborhoods |
| Finished Side | - | Should face outward toward neighbor |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Foster Center FAQ
Who pays for a fence between neighbors in Providence County?
RIGL 34-10-9 requires partition fences to run on the dividing line with each owner maintaining one-half and costs shared equally unless otherwise agreed. RIGL 34-10-17 provides for fence viewers to settle disputes, with decisions binding on present and future occupants (10 days notice required)....
What are the rules about shared fences in Providence County?
Cost Sharing: Equal — RIGL 34-10-9. Maintenance: Each owner maintains one-half. Disputes: Fence viewers (RIGL 34-10-17). Notice Required: 10 days for fence viewer.
Providence FAQ
Who pays for a shared fence in Providence?
Rhode Island has no statutory fence-sharing requirement. Cost-sharing is voluntary. Fences should be built on the builder's property. A survey is recommended in Providence's dense neighborhoods.
Do I need my neighbor's permission to build a fence in Providence?
No, if the fence is built entirely on your own property and meets zoning rules. However, a property survey is strongly advised given how tight lot lines often are in Providence neighborhoods.
What if my neighbor's fence is on my property in Providence?
Disputes over misplaced fences are resolved through civil court, not code enforcement. Commission a survey first, then discuss relocation with your neighbor before considering legal action.
Compare other topics
See how Foster Center and Providence compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool