Questions:

• How high can I build a fence on my property?
• My neighbor is building a fence that violates the local fence law, but nothing's happening. How can I get the law enforced?
• My neighbor's fence is hideous. Can I do anything about it?
• The fence on the line between my land and my neighbor's is in bad shape. Can I fix it or tear it down?
• What is a boundary fence?
• Who is responsible for repairing and maintaining a boundary fence?
• Where can I find more information about fences?

Answer:

My neighbor's fence is hideous. Can I do anything about it?

As long as a fence doesn't pose a threat of harm to neighbors or those passing by, it probably doesn't violate any law just because it's ugly. Occasionally, however, a town or subdivision allows only certain types of new fences -- such as board fences -- in an attempt to create a harmonious architectural look. Some towns also prohibit certain materials -- for example, electrically charged or barbed wire fences.

Even without such a specific law, if a fence is so poorly constructed that it is an eyesore or a danger, it may be prohibited by another law, such as a blighted property ordinance. And if the fence was erected just for meanness -- it's high, ugly and has no reasonable use to the owner -- it may be a "spite fence," and you can sue the neighbor to get it torn down.