Franklin County, 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 971.06 | Responsibility for maintaining existing fence - removal.

(A) If a partition fence exists between adjoining properties, the owners of the adjoining properties shall maintain the fence in good repair in equitable shares. If the owners decide to build a new fence, they shall do so in equitable shares in accordance with this chapter unless the owners enter into an agreement in accordance with section 971.04 of the Revised Code.