Massachusetts protects commercial agriculture from nuisance lawsuits under MGL Chapter 111 Section 125A, recognizing farms operating consistent with generally accepted practices as not constituting a nuisance.
MGL Chapter 111 Section 125A establishes Massachusetts Right to Farm protections. The statute provides that no farm operation conducted for at least one year shall become a public or private nuisance due to changing conditions in or around its locality, provided the operation does not violate state and federal law and uses generally accepted agricultural practices. Most Massachusetts cities and towns have also adopted local Right to Farm bylaws that provide additional protections and require dispute resolution before litigation. The law shields against complaints related to noise, odor, dust, and operating hours typical of farm work.
Cities or neighbors attempting to enforce nuisance claims against protected farm operations may have actions dismissed and may face attorney fee awards in some circumstances.
Brockton, MA
Brockton enforces a Noise Control Ordinance that prohibits excessive noise disturbing the peace and quiet of residents. Nighttime noise restrictions are stri...
Brockton, MA
Brockton's Noise Control Ordinance addresses construction noise. Construction is generally permitted during daytime hours on weekdays and Saturdays, with res...
Brockton, MA
Brockton's Noise Control Ordinance specifically addresses animal and bird noises. Persistent barking dogs that disturb neighbors are considered a nuisance un...
Brockton, MA
Brockton requires driveways to be properly constructed and maintained. Parking on unpaved front yard areas is prohibited under the property maintenance code.
Brockton, MA
Brockton regulates street parking with time limits, overnight restrictions, and winter snow emergency parking bans. The city enforces parking through the Pol...
Brockton, MA
Brockton restricts parking of large commercial vehicles in residential areas. Heavy trucks and equipment must be stored at appropriately zoned locations.
See how Brockton's farm nuisance protection rules stack up against other locations.
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