Iowa follows the common boundary fence law. Des Moines encourages neighbors to discuss fence plans before construction. Fences on shared property lines may require mutual agreement or survey verification.
Iowa Code Chapter 359A governs partition fences between adjoining landowners. If both neighbors benefit from a boundary fence, costs may be shared. Des Moines encourages property owners to discuss fence plans with neighbors before construction. When building on or near a property line, a survey may be needed to confirm boundaries. The finished or decorative side of a fence should generally face the neighbor's property. Disputes about boundary fences may be resolved through the township fence viewer process under Iowa law or through civil court. The city does not mediate private fence disputes but enforces code compliance.
Fence disputes are typically civil matters between neighbors. Code enforcement applies only to violations of height, setback, or material rules.
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See how Des Moines's neighbor fence rules rules stack up against other locations.
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