A Guide to Louisiana Fence Laws
In Louisiana, Common Fence Laws make fences built on property boundaries the shared responsibility of landowners.
Written by Kathryn Mae Kurlychek
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Louisiana
’s Common Fence Laws make any fence constructed on a property boundary a “common” or shared fence, but the exact requirements of building your fence may vary depending on where you live in the state. Most of the time, people don’t really have to think about fence laws. But maybe you’re moving into a new home with the intention of building a fence or one of your neighbors is looking to put a fence up along their property line. In these cases, understanding your local fence laws can help you avoid a stressful conflict.
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What are the property line and fence laws in Louisiana?
Common fences
In Louisiana, any fence constructed on a property boundary (like the boundary between houses in a neighborhood) is considered a common fence. Common fences are the responsibility of both (or all) landowners on whose property the fence stands.
That means that you and your neighbor(s) hold equal sway in determining whether the fence is necessary and how the fence is constructed. Because the fence is shared, both parties must assume the responsibilities for fencing-related costs—in exchange for enjoying the benefits of the fence.
Tree laws
Many people opt for more “natural” fences by planting trees along the boundary of their property.
If you incur damages on your property as a result of a neighbor’s tree, you have the right under Louisiana law to remove any extensions of the tree (limbs, roots) from your property up to the property line or demand the tree be torn down.
On the other hand, if your tree is damaged by a neighbor, you’re entitled to recompense for the tree up to three times the cost of the damages (depending on the severity of the tree damage and whether or not the damage was intentional).
Key Takeaway Louisiana’s common fence laws require all property owners on whose land the fence stands to be responsible for paying for its construction and upkeep.
Does Louisiana law require fences?
Generally speaking, Louisiana law does not require fences except in the case of public pools.
Pool fences
Louisiana administrative code requires that all public swimming pools be enclosed by a fence or wall at least four feet high. For private pools, there’s no direct state ordinance—but that doesn’t mean you’re exempt from any regulations.
Many localities such as cities, towns, and counties (referred to as parishes in Louisiana) have their own restrictions that a homeowner must abide by when putting in a pool or purchasing a home with a pool.
Additionally, many insurance companies won’t insure your home if your pool doesn’t have a fence around it. This is because home pools pose a risk of accidents or drownings, two expensive situations for which insurance companies don’t want the liability.
While there’s no industry standard for home pool fences, four feet seems to be the recommended height, and you’ll need a locking mechanism to prevent individuals from accidentally wandering into the pool.
How to legally build a fence in Louisiana
The exact requirements for building a fence in Louisiana vary across counties, but most Parishes require you to obtain a fence permit before constructing a fence.
Does homeowners insurance cover fences?
In the event that your fence is vandalized or damaged in a severe weather event, your home insurance may cover some or all costs associated with repairs.
However, if your fence collapses due to aging or experiences damage due to normal wear and tear, you won’t be able to file an insurance claim.
Most homeowners policies will insure your fence for up to 10% of your home’s dwelling coverage limit.
Key takeaway Your home insurance policy may cover the costs of repairing a fence if it’s damaged by a source named in your policy.
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FAQs
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Louisiana?
Most Parishes in Louisiana require a fence permit for the construction of property fences. To learn more,
see your local Parish’s municipal codes
.
Can my neighbor make me pay for a fence in Louisiana?
Common Fence Law in Louisiana makes the responsibility of fence construction and maintenance shared between landowners whose property the fence falls on.
The reasoning behind this is that since both parties share the common benefit of the fence, they must also assume equal responsibilities for its care.
Can I build an 8-foot fence in Louisiana?
It depends on where you live. Fence heights in Louisiana range between 7 to 9 feet, and the height limits are determined by local ordinances and building regulations across the state.
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