Neighbor Fence Rules: New Bedford vs Somerset
How do neighbor fence rules rules compare between New Bedford, MA and Somerset, MA?
New Bedford and Somerset have similar restriction levels.
New Bedford, MA
Bristol County
Massachusetts law under MGL Ch. 49 §21 prohibits spite fences — fences over 6 feet erected maliciously to annoy a neighbor. Massachusetts has no shared-cost statute. Boundary line disputes are resolved through civil court action.
View full New Bedford rules →Somerset, MA
Bristol County
Massachusetts law under MGL Ch. 49 §21 prohibits spite fences over 6 feet erected maliciously throughout Bristol County. There is no state shared-cost statute. Boundary disputes are resolved through civil court.
View full Somerset rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | New Bedford | Somerset |
|---|---|---|
| Spite Fence | MGL Ch. 49 §21 — prohibited | MGL Ch. 49 §21 — prohibited statewide |
| Shared Cost | No MA statute requiring cost sharing | No MA statute requiring cost sharing |
| Boundary Disputes | Civil court resolution | Civil court resolution |
| Notification | No formal requirement | No formal requirement |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
New Bedford FAQ
Who pays for a fence between neighbors in New Bedford?
Massachusetts law under MGL Ch. 49 §21 prohibits spite fences — fences over 6 feet erected maliciously to annoy a neighbor. Massachusetts has no shared-cost statute. Boundary line disputes are resolved through civil court action.
What are the rules about shared fences in New Bedford?
Spite Fence: MGL Ch. 49 §21 — prohibited. Shared Cost: No MA statute requiring cost sharing. Boundary Disputes: Civil court resolution. Notification: No formal requirement.
Somerset FAQ
Who pays for a fence between neighbors in Bristol County?
Massachusetts law under MGL Ch. 49 §21 prohibits spite fences over 6 feet erected maliciously throughout Bristol County. There is no state shared-cost statute. Boundary disputes are resolved through civil court.
What are the rules about shared fences in Bristol County?
Spite Fence: MGL Ch. 49 §21 — prohibited statewide. Shared Cost: No MA statute requiring cost sharing. Boundary Disputes: Civil court resolution. Notification: No formal requirement.
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