Somerset's Zoning By-Law governs fence height. Boundary walls and fences over six (6) feet in height trigger zoning-review requirements. Corner-lot visibility rules prohibit any planting, fence, structure, or wall between 3 and 8 feet above street elevation within the sight triangle at intersections. Massachusetts spite-fence law (MGL c.49 §21) also applies.
The Town of Somerset Zoning By-Law treats a boundary wall or fence more than six feet in height as subject to special review — typically requiring a building permit and zoning sign-off. Fences six feet or shorter are generally permitted as customary yard accessories in any yard, subject to setback and obstruction-of-visibility rules. The corner-lot rule prohibits any planting, fence, structure, or wall between 3 and 8 feet above the street elevation within the triangle formed by intersecting street lines — this preserves driver sight lines. The Massachusetts Spite Fence law (MGL c.49 §21) makes a fence over six feet built solely to annoy or injure a neighbor a private nuisance — civilly actionable. Property-line fences must respect property boundaries; ownership of fences on a true property line is shared under common-law rules.
Building a fence over 6 feet without zoning approval is a zoning violation. Corner-lot visibility infractions are enforced by the Building Department under the Zoning By-Law. Spite-fence claims are pursued through Massachusetts civil court.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Bristol County.
See how other cities in Bristol County handle height limits.
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