Louisiana Statewide Rule

Louisiana Civil Code Common Fence Rules Between Neighbors

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Louisiana (2026)

Key Facts

Civil Code articles: C.C. 685-688, 673-678
Cost sharing: Equal between owners
Right to enclose: C.C. 685
Boundary action: Action de bornage

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Louisiana State Legislature

Summary

Louisiana Civil Code Articles 685 through 688 establish statewide rules for boundary fences, party walls, and shared fence costs between adjacent landowners. These civil code provisions apply universally across all parishes, governing the right to demand a common enclosure and cost-sharing obligations.

Art. 685. Common fences. A fence on a boundary is presumed to be common unless there is proof to the contrary. When adjoining lands are enclosed, a landowner may compel his neighbors to contribute to the expense of making and repairing common fences by which the respective lands are separated. When adjoining lands are not enclosed, a landowner may compel his neighbors to contribute to the expense of making and repairing common fences only as prescribed by local ordinances. Acts 1977, No. 514, §1.

Source: Louisiana State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Louisiana Civil Code Article 685 provides that the boundary is the line of separation between contiguous lands; Article 686 allows a landowner to compel a neighbor to fix the boundary at common expense. Civil Code Articles 673-678 (party walls and common enclosures) require equal cost-sharing when a fence serves both properties. Civil Code Article 685 also gives owners the right to enclose their estate. Unlike many states, Louisiana follows a civil law (not common law) tradition; these rules are statewide and cannot be overridden by local ordinance, though parishes and municipalities may add height, material, and setback rules. Boundary disputes are resolved through judicial action de bornage (action to fix the boundary).

Violations & Penalties

Violations are civil rather than criminal. Remedies include lawsuits to compel cost contribution, partition of party walls, or judicial boundary determination, plus damages for trespass or encroachment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Louisiana neighbor force me to share fence costs?

Yes, when the fence serves as a common enclosure on the boundary line. Louisiana Civil Code Articles 673-678 require equal cost-sharing for party walls and common boundary enclosures benefitting both properties.

How do Louisiana neighbors resolve a boundary fence dispute?

Through an action de bornage under Civil Code Articles 784-796, a judicial proceeding to fix the boundary. The court appoints a surveyor and apportions costs between owners, generally equally.

Do Louisiana parishes follow common law fence rules?

No. Louisiana is a civil law jurisdiction. The Civil Code governs boundary, fence, and party wall rules statewide. Local ordinances may add height and material requirements but cannot displace civil code obligations.

Sources

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