Massachusetts has a spite fence statute (MGL c.49 §21) but no shared fence cost law. Each owner is responsible for their own fence.
Massachusetts has no statutory fence cost-sharing requirement. Each property owner is responsible for their own fence. MA’s spite fence law (MGL c.49 §21) makes fences over 6 feet erected maliciously to annoy neighbors a private nuisance, actionable in court. The historical perambulation of bounds (MGL c.42 §2) still exists for town boundaries. Property line disputes resolved through surveys and court. Disputes under $7,000 can go to small claims.
Spite fence: civil action for damages + injunction (MGL c.49 §21). Property line encroachment: civil suit. Small claims for disputes under $7,000.
Boston, MA
Boston has no general ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statues, or yard decorations on private residential property. Decorations must stay within proper...
Boston, MA
Boston has no specific ordinance regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must not encroach on sidewalks, block pu...
Boston, MA
Boston does not have a dedicated ordinance regulating holiday lighting on private residential property. General nuisance, electrical safety, and historic dis...
Boston, MA
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Boston require Inspectional Services Department permits when they include gas, plumbing, electrical, or structural work. Built-...
Boston, MA
Boston treats smokers and solid-fuel grills (wood, pellet, charcoal) the same as charcoal grills under Massachusetts Fire Code 527 CMR 1.00. Use on balconies...
Boston, MA
Boston's Fire Prevention Code (527 CMR 1.00, Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code) prohibits the use or storage of LP-gas grills and propane cylinder...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Suffolk County.
See how other cities in Suffolk County handle neighbor fence rules.
See how Boston's neighbor fence rules rules stack up against other locations.
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