Iowa Farm Fence Law

Fences may be used to distinguish property boundaries and claims in different circumstances. Iowa state law governs the manner in which these disputes are decided, as well as which parties are responsible for the maintenance of the fence.

Location

• If any kind of partition fence is built in Iowa, it must be placed on the property line of the two tracts in question. This rule stands not only for farms but for urban locations too. Since this is state code, no municipal authority can validate a law which overrides it.

Shared Fences

• Typically, Iowans do not have to build a fence separating land unless a neighbor requests it. If a fence exists, your neighbor can force you to help maintain it. By Iowa statute, both landowners involved with a fence have an obligation to take care of it. One of the common ways to decide on which section each is responsible for is called the "right-hand rule." You meet each other at the middle point of the fence and each accepts the portion to their right.

Disputes

• If a dispute arises regarding a fence and the two property owners cannot come to an amicable agreement, municipal authorities become involved. Township trustees take on the role of "fence viewers" to mediate and settle the issue. All decisions made by the trustees in this scenario are binding in the eyes of state law.