Bill > HSB195

Introduced Session

BACKGROUND. Iowa’s fence law (Code chapter 359A) in part governs the construction (erection) or maintenance of a fence existing on the property boundary between adjoining land of different owners, referred to as a partition fence. Either owner may erect a partition fence and demand the other owner share in the expenses (referred to as contribution) (Code section 359A.1A). Each owner has a duty to maintain a lawful and tight fence subject to a number of construction specifications (Code sections 359A.18 through 359A.21). Each party has a duty to maintain an erected partition fence or substitute direct expenses by contribution. A controversy between the owners may result in an investigation and a form of adjudication by a panel of “fence viewers” (Code section 359A.22). The fence viewers are the trustees of the township where the property boundary is located (Code sections 359A.3 H.F. _____ through 359A.11). BILL’S PROVISIONS. This bill provides an owner of land subject to Iowa’s fence law includes but is not limited to the department of natural resources when the department is the land’s titleholder.

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No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

House Natural Resources Committee (10:30:00 3/4/2025 RM 19) (on 03/04/2025)

Official Document