New York State Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law 843 prohibits spite fences. In Manhattan, boundary disputes are usually resolved through civil action in Housing Court or Supreme Court, not by a county ordinance.
New York County does not have a dedicated shared-fence statute, but RPAPL 843 (often called the spite fence law) allows a property owner to bring a nuisance action against a neighbor who erects a fence or structure over 10 feet high that serves no useful purpose and was built primarily to annoy the adjoining owner. Because most Manhattan lots are developed wall-to-wall, true boundary fences between single-family parcels are uncommon. When disputes arise over party walls, rear yard fences, or encroaching structures, they are typically addressed through New York Supreme Court, the Civil Court, or through the co-op or condominium board. The NYC Department of Buildings will enforce zoning-related fence height and placement, but it does not mediate private property boundary disputes. Owners sharing a party wall have common-law obligations to maintain it.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
New York, NY
New York City enforces strict noise rules under Administrative Code Title 24, Chapter 2 (the NYC Noise Code, rewritten by Local Law 113 of 2005). Sound excee...
New York, NY
NYC bans commercial vehicles on residential streets 9 PM-5 AM and caps any commercial-vehicle parking at 3 hours per block (NYC Admin Code §19-170). 'Commerc...
New York, NY
Section 161.05 of the New York City Health Code requires every dog in any public place, or in any open or unfenced area abutting a public place, to be effect...
New York, NY
All consumer fireworks are illegal in New York City, including sparkling devices that are legal in much of New York State. NYC Fire Code Section FC 5601.3.2 ...
New York, NY
New York City has no ordinance specific to residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on private property. Landmark Preservation Commiss...
New York, NY
New York City has no ordinance specific to residential holiday inflatables. Inflatables in a sidewalk or right-of-way require a DOT permit under NYC Admin Co...
See how New York's neighbor fence rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.