Massachusetts § 7 - Changes in boundaries of adjoining towns
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 7 — Changes in boundaries of adjoining towns, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 7. Changes in boundaries of adjoining towns
Section 7. Proposed changes in the boundary lines between adjoining towns shall be submitted to each of the towns affected by the change for their concurrence at town meetings. If approved, they shall be submitted to the department of highways of the commonwealth for review as to clarity and engineering accuracy. Said department may recommend wording to accurately describe the proposed change, but may not alter the intent. The description as approved by said department, shall then be submitted to the next regular session of the general court. If ratified and accepted by the general court, the person, corporation, town, county, or state department initiating the change, shall, at his or its own expense, engage the services of a registered land surveyor to locate and define such change and determine the position of each angle and corner in such new boundary line. A plan of the change and any computations pertaining to it shall be submitted to said department of highways for approval as to accuracy. The selectmen of the contiguous towns, shall, within six months after passage of the legislation, place such monuments at the new points determined, and place such marks on them, in addition to initials, as the department may prescribe and in the manner required by section four. Monuments marking angles and corners in town boundaries, the position of which has not been changed, shall be re-marked in the manner indicated by said department so as to establish a uniform system of designating angles and corners of town boundary lines.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 7
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 7 cover?
Section 7 ("Changes in boundaries of adjoining towns") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 7?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 7" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 7 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.