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.
Suffolk County, MA
Amplified music in Suffolk County is regulated at the city level. Boston requires Entertainment Licenses from the Mayor's Office of Consumer Affairs & Licens...
Suffolk County, MA
Driveway rules in Suffolk County are set by each city. Boston requires a curb-cut permit from the Public Improvement Commission, and blocking a Boston sidewa...
Suffolk County, MA
Massachusetts does not ban specific dog breeds statewide. Some municipalities have attempted BSL with mixed results. Dangerous dog provisions are behavior-ba...
Suffolk County, MA
Suffolk County requires dogs under control at all times (MGL c.140 §157). Dog licensing required through city/town clerk (MGL c.140 §155). Rabies vaccination...
Suffolk County, MA
MA prohibits intentional feeding of black bears (MGL c. 131, §75A) and regulates feeding of white-tailed deer. Boston Health Code §2-2.8 prohibits feeding of...
Suffolk County, MA
Suffolk County may require vegetation management for fire safety. MA does not have a statewide defensible space mandate. Local property maintenance applies.
See how Suffolk County'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.