6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 5 cities in Bristol County, Massachusetts.
Verified from official government sources
Bristol County does not impose county-level fence height limits. Massachusetts state law MGL Ch. 49 §21 prohibits spite fences over 6 feet erected maliciously to annoy neighbors. Individual towns may have additional height requirements in their zoning codes.
Fence permits in Bristol County are issued at the municipal level. Most towns require permits for fence installation, with fees varying by municipality. Pool barrier fences must comply with 780 CMR and may require separate inspection.
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.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 49, § 21 – Spite fences
A fence or other structure in the nature of a fence which unnecessarily exceeds six feet in height and is maliciously erected or maintained for the purpose of annoying the owners or occupants of adjoining property shall be deemed a private nuisance.
780 CMR (Mass Building Code) requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet from footing to top. Walls supporting surcharge or over 4 feet need engineered plans stamped by Mass-licensed PE. Setbacks per local zoning.
Massachusetts 780 CMR Appendix G and 248 CMR 6.00 require 4-foot minimum barriers around all residential pools over 24 inches deep. Self-closing, self-latching gates with latches 54+ inches above grade. Fall River and New Bedford inspect at permit.
Fence materials in Bristol County cities follow local zoning bylaws. Wood, vinyl, and wrought iron are standard. Historic districts in New Bedford and Taunton require HDC approval. MGL c. 49 governs 'legal and sufficient' fences.
MGL c. 49 §21 — Fences deemed a private nuisance; right of action (spite fence)
Section 21. A fence or other structure in the nature of a fence which unnecessarily exceeds six feet in height and is maliciously erected or maintained for the purpose of annoying the owners or occupants of adjoining property shall be deemed a private nuisance. Any such owner or occupant injured in the comfort or enjoyment of his estate thereby may have an action of tort for damages under chapt...
5 cities in Bristol County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
3 verified rules • Height Limits, Neighbor Fence Rules
3 verified rules • Height Limits, Neighbor Fence Rules
3 verified rules • Height Limits, Neighbor Fence Rules
3 verified rules • Height Limits, Neighbor Fence Rules
1 verified rule • Height Limits
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