Fence Regulations in Bristol County, MA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Bristol County, Massachusetts.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Bristol County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Neighbor Fence Rules

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.

Bristol County Neighbor Fence Rules

Few Restrictions

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.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Material Restrictions

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.

fences/materials

Some Restrictions

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...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Fence Regulations by City in Bristol County

4 cities in Bristol County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

New BedfordPop. 101,079

4 verified rules • Height Limits, Material Restrictions

Fall RiverPop. 93,885

2 verified rules • Height Limits, Neighbor Fence Rules

TauntonPop. 59,365

3 verified rules • Height Limits, Fence Permit Requirements

AttleboroPop. 45,237

2 verified rules • Height Limits, Neighbor Fence Rules

All Bristol County ordinances

See every category we cover for Bristol County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Bristol County Ordinance Hub →