Fences and Neighbors FAQ

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:

Where can I find more information about fences?

You can research your state's fence laws, either online or in your local public law library. A good place to start is the Legal Research area on Nolo's website. You may also want to check your city or town's laws. For tips on how to do this, see Nolo's information on How to Find Local Ordinances and State Laws

For Further Information

For a comprehensive guide that contains more specific information on landowners' rights and responsibilities with regard to fences, see Neighbor Law: Fences, Trees, Boundaries & Noise, by Cora Jordan and Emily Doskow (Nolo).