{"id":376798,"date":"2017-12-08T15:56:39","date_gmt":"2017-12-08T20:56:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/vermont-law\/property-line-and-fence-laws-in-vermont.html"},"modified":"2025-06-23T15:02:23","modified_gmt":"2025-06-23T20:02:23","slug":"property-line-and-fence-laws-in-vermont","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/vermont-law\/property-line-and-fence-laws-in-vermont.html","title":{"rendered":"Property Line and Fence Laws in Vermont"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Property Line and Fence Laws in Vermont<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Property line and fence laws in Vermont address boundary disputes, fence construction, and responsibilities between neighbors such as \u201csufficient fences\u201d and \u201cspite\u201d fences.<\/b><\/blockquote>\r\n

Constructing a boundary fence should help reduce conflict with your neighbors. However, fences sometimes have the opposite effect. It’s common for neighbors to disagree<\/a> about the height of a fence, its placement, or the motivation behind building it.<\/p>\r\n

Many states, including Vermont, have passed laws governing issues like boundary fences and encroaching tree branches. This article will discuss these laws and how they impact property boundaries, fences, and the adjoining property<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

If you\u2019re currently dealing with a neighbor dispute, consider speaking with a local real estate attorney<\/a>. They can answer your questions about Vermont\u2019s fence laws and give you options for resolving these issues.<\/p>\r\n

Lawful Fences and Spite Fences<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Like most states, Vermont has laws governing boundary lines<\/a>, fences, and interfering with your neighbor\u2019s property. Vermont\u2019s state laws define what qualifies as a "sufficient fence" and set forth rules about who pays to build fences and who is responsible for maintaining boundary fences.<\/p>\r\n

Vermont statutes specifically prohibit spite fences<\/a>, which are structures a homeowner builds to annoy their neighbor, obstruct their view, or block their light and air. The state statute regarding spite fences is not particularly strong, calling for a fine of no more than $100 for anyone who erects a spite fence.<\/p>\r\n

Vermont law also requires homeowners to secure the necessary building permits<\/a> before constructing a fence or other structure that may encroach on their neighbor\u2019s front yard, back yard, or other property.<\/p>\r\n

Vermont Property Line and Fence Laws: Summary<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

State statutes<\/a> can be difficult to read and understand. They often contain a lot of legalese and complex terms that lawyers are familiar with, but can be frustrating to everyone else. The following summarizes Vermont\u2019s laws governing property lines, fences, and tree trimming in plain English.<\/p>\r\n

Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n