Iowa Fence Law Overview

In Iowa, landowners are not required by law to put up fences for the sole purpose of marking property boundaries, unless one of the adjoining landowners wants a partition fence. The only exception to the rule is for owners who habitually have trespassing livestock (i.e. animals have trespassed more than three times in 12 months).  

Partition Fences

When landowners want a partition fence erected or repaired, Iowa law provides a process.

Voluntary Agreement: Individuals should begin by contacting the neighboring landowner and trying to reach a voluntary agreement outlining who will be responsible for building, maintaining, repairing and financing the fence. Once an agreement is reached and signed by all parties, it must be...