Ohio Statewide Rule
Ohio Partition Fence Law for Neighboring Owners
Key Facts
- Statute
- ORC Chapter 971
- Applies to
- Rural agricultural land
- Dispute forum
- Township trustees
- Notice required
- 28 days written
Summary
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 971 governs partition fences between adjoining rural property owners, applying universally to establish responsibilities for shared boundary fences.
(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.
Full Breakdown
ORC Chapter 971, the Line Fence Law, applies statewide to properties used for agriculture in unincorporated areas. Adjoining owners share responsibility for partition fences, with disputes resolved by township trustees. Either owner may petition trustees to assign maintenance responsibility, typically split equally. The law does not apply within municipal corporations, where local fence ordinances govern. Owners must give 28 days written notice before requesting trustee intervention. Trustees may order construction, repair, or apportion costs, and can place liens for unpaid shares on the tax duplicate.
Violations & Penalties
Failure to maintain assigned share allows neighbor or trustees to perform work and recover costs as tax lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ohio's line fence law apply inside city limits?
Who pays for a shared fence between Ohio farms?
Sources
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