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.
Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg Code Ch. 132, Article VI (Noise Control) sets nighttime quiet hours from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. with a 50 dBA cap; daytime limit is 70 dBA. Constr...
Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg Zoning Ordinance §181.552 (Environmental Performance Standards) addresses construction noise. No statewide MA construction hours law; Fitchburg enf...
Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg's general noise ordinance (Chapter 132, Article VI) covers animal-related noise. MGL c. 140, §136A defines nuisance dog including excessive barking...
Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg Zoning Ordinance §181 — 'major recreational equipment' cannot be used for living or housekeeping purposes when stored on a residential lot. On-stre...
Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg Zoning Ordinance §181.3264 — commercial vehicles with more than 12,500 lb manufacturer's GVW may NOT be parked on residential premises except in an...
Fitchburg, MA
MGL c. 90, §22C — abandoned vehicles on public ways tagged after 72 hours, may be towed. Fitchburg Police enforce. Snow emergencies authorize immediate towin...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Worcester County.
See how other cities in Worcester County handle neighbor fence rules.
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