Does Plymouth County, MA have its own height limits ordinance?

No. Plymouth County, MA does not appear to have a local height limits ordinance, Massachusetts state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Massachusetts General Laws.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Plymouth County

Plymouth County, MA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Few Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

County Height Cap: None; towns set limits
Spite Fence: Over 6 ft is nuisance
Common Rear Limit: Six feet by bylaw
Enforcement: Town building department

Summary

Plymouth County has no fence-height ordinance; Massachusetts counties cannot zone. Height limits sit in each town's zoning bylaw, and MGL c.49 §21 makes any fence over six feet built maliciously to annoy a neighbor a private nuisance.

City-specific rules exist: Brockton has its own height limits rules that differ from Plymouth County's county-level regulations. If you live in Brockton, check the city-specific page instead.

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 chapter two hundred and forty-three.

Source: Massachusetts General LawsView official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

No county government in Massachusetts regulates fence height. In Plymouth County the binding limits live in each town's zoning bylaw. Brockton, Plymouth, Duxbury, Marshfield, Middleborough, and Wareham each set their own residential fence heights, commonly six feet in rear and side yards and four feet in front. Above those local caps, one statewide rule reaches every town: MGL c.49 §21 declares a fence over six feet that is maliciously erected to annoy an adjoining owner a private nuisance, giving the neighbor a tort action for damages.

Violations & Fines

A spite fence over six feet exposes the builder to a private-nuisance tort suit for damages under MGL c.49 §21. Ordinary height limits are enforced by each town's building department.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can my fence be?

No county limit exists. Your town's zoning bylaw controls, typically six feet in rear and side yards and four feet in front yards across Plymouth County communities.

What is a spite fence?

A fence over six feet built maliciously to annoy a neighbor. MGL c.49 §21 makes it a private nuisance the neighbor can sue over for damages.

Sources & Official References

[1]Massachusetts General Laws

Other rules in Plymouth County

Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome Restrictions Fence Permit RequirementsFew Restrictions Retaining WallsFew Restrictions Neighbor Fence RulesFew Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy Restrictions Animal Ordinances: BeekeepingFew Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Artificial TurfSome Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome Restrictions

All Plymouth County rules

How Plymouth County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Plymouth County to another location·View the Massachusetts fence regulations overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Height Limits in Cities Across Plymouth County

Brockton, MA