Canal Winchester, OH Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)

Section 971.02 | Preferred partition fence for livestock enclosures. (A) Except as otherwise provided in this section, all fields and enclosures in which livestock are kept or placed and that are bordered by a division line between the adjoining properties of different owners shall be enclosed by a preferred partition fence. (B) Nothing in this chapter prevents an owner from building a fence that exceeds the requirements for a preferred partition fence established under this chapter. The owner building such a fence shall pay all additional costs and expenses of building the fence and maintaining it in good repair. (C) This section does not apply to either of the following: (1) The owners of adjoining properties that enter into an agreement in accordance with section 971.04 of the Revised Code; (2) Fences that were constructed prior to the effective date of this section. Section 971.03 | Application of chapter. This chapter does not apply to any of the following: (A) The enclosure of lots in municipal corporations; (B) The enclosure of adjoining properties that are laid out into lots outside of municipal corporations; (C) Fences that are required to be constructed by persons or corporations owning, controlling, or managing a railroad pursuant to Chapter 4959. of the Revised Code. Section 971.04 | Alternative fence agreement between owners. Nothing in this chapter prevents the owners of adjoining properties from entering into a written agreement that states that no fence is needed between the properties, a fence other than a preferred partition fence may be built and maintained pursuant to division (C)(1) of section 971.02 of the Revised Code, or the rights and obligations of the owners are different from what is established in this chapter.