Massachusetts Fence Law (MGL c.49) governs neighbor fence disputes in Middlesex County. Fence Viewers in each town presume a 50/50 cost split for boundary fences between adjoining landowners.
Neighbor fence disputes in Middlesex County are governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 49, the Fence Law, which dates to colonial era statutes. Every city and town in Massachusetts must appoint Fence Viewers (typically board members or selectmen) who resolve disputes over boundary fences. Under MGL c.49, adjoining landowners are presumed equally responsible for the cost of maintaining a division fence, with a 50/50 cost split unless otherwise agreed. Fence Viewers can issue binding decisions on cost allocation, fence adequacy, and repair obligations. MGL Chapter 140 Section 162 prohibits spite fences, defined as structures over 6 feet tall erected maliciously to annoy a neighbor, which constitute a private nuisance actionable in Land Court or Superior Court. Residents in Middlesex towns like Arlington, Belmont, Lexington, and Concord commonly invoke Fence Viewer jurisdiction for boundary disputes.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Middlesex County, MA
Middlesex County has no operational county government - it was abolished July 11, 1997 under M.G.L. c. 34B - so there is no countywide noise ordinance. Massa...
Middlesex County, MA
Middlesex County treats persistent barking as a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. Dog licensing required statewide (MGL c.140 §155).
Middlesex County, MA
Middlesex County has no unified leaf blower ordinance. Regulations are set by individual cities and towns such as Cambridge, Newton, Arlington, and Lexington...
Middlesex County, MA
Middlesex County restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight and size limits apply. Overnight storage of heavy trucks prohibited.
Middlesex County, MA
Driveway rules are set by each Middlesex County city or town zoning bylaw. Cambridge, Somerville, Lowell, and Framingham regulate curb cuts, width, paving, a...
Middlesex County, MA
Winter parking bans are the dominant rule across Middlesex County. Most cities prohibit overnight on-street parking from November through April to allow snow...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle neighbor fence rules.
See how Arlington's neighbor fence rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.