Iowa Statewide Rule

Iowa Partition Fence Law and Shared Boundary Duties

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Iowa (2026)

Key Facts

Governing statute: Iowa Code Chapter 359A
Applies to: All Iowa landowners except railroads
Cost split: Equal between adjoining owners
Dispute resolver: Township fence viewers
Trigger: Written request from neighbor

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Iowa Legislature

Summary

Iowa Code Chapter 359A imposes a statewide statutory duty on adjoining landowners to share construction and maintenance of partition fences upon written request, with disputes resolved by township fence viewers regardless of any local ordinance.

The respective owners of adjoining tracts of land shall upon written request of either owner be compelled to erect and maintain partition fences, or contribute thereto, and keep the same in good repair throughout the year.

Source: Iowa LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Iowa's partition fence law in Chapter 359A applies to every landowner in the state except railroads and supersedes contrary local arrangements. Once one neighbor makes a written request, both adjoining owners must build and maintain a lawful fence and split costs equally. A lawful fence under section 359A.18 may be barbed wire, woven wire, hedge, or other listed configurations. If neighbors disagree, township trustees act as fence viewers under section 359A.2 to allocate responsibility, set specifications, and assess costs. The statute reaches back to before the 1851 Iowa Code and remains binding statewide.

Violations & Penalties

Refusing to build, maintain, or pay for an apportioned share of a partition fence allows the requesting neighbor to petition fence viewers, who may order construction and assess costs against the property tax bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a city ordinance override Iowa partition fence rules?

No. Chapter 359A is a statewide statute imposing duties on all adjoining landowners. Cities may regulate fence height or materials for aesthetics, but cannot eliminate the statutory cost-share duty between neighbors.

What happens if my neighbor refuses to pay their share?

You may submit a written request to the township trustees acting as fence viewers. They inspect, allocate costs, and any unpaid share can be certified to the county auditor and added to the neighbor's property taxes.

Does the law apply in cities or only on farms?

Chapter 359A applies statewide to adjoining tracts, though most disputes involve rural or agricultural land. Urban property owners should also check local fence ordinances for height and materials.

Sources

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