fence

Ohio’s line fence law was revised in 2008. Line fence law typically applies to anybody who has line fence or intends to put a line fence between two properties that are being used as farm outlets. In some cases, it’s also going to apply to certain government actors that have property next to farmers.

1.  For a fence that already exists, property owners on both sides of the fence share the cost of upkeep in an equitable, not equal, manner. If there is a dispute as to what is equitable, township trustees and courts assign what is equitable using guidelines set by the law.

2.  If a landowner needs and builds a completely new fence, they are 100 percent responsible for the cost and should file an affidavit with the county recorder to note what was spent to build the fence. If a neighbor who didn’t pay for the construction of the fence takes advantage of the fence line by placing livestock against it in the next 30 years, they must pay a portion of the cost.

3.  Landowners are always free to make an alternative written agreement between themselves regarding shares of care, maintenance and upkeep. Alternative agreements should be filed with the county recorder.

4.  Line fence law allows a property owner a 10-foot leeway onto neighboring property to build or maintain a new fence when the adjoining property owner does not share in the cost.

5.  Owners of a line fence who plan to remove it must give 28 days notice to the adjoining property owner. If a fence is removed without the notice, the person removing the fence forfeits any reimbursement for construction and maintenance of any new fence.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact your county Farm Bureau if you would like an informational brochure on line fence law.

*County Farm Bureaus can only provide information and resources about the current law. They cannot settle disputes.

The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
Kevin Holy's avatar
Kevin Holy

Geauga County Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman's avatar
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
Suggested Tags: