Adjoining landowners are owners of land with common boundaries, and have mutual rights, duties, and obligations related to their adjoining pieces of land.
In South Dakota, adjoining landowners, also known as adjacent or contiguous property owners, have certain rights and responsibilities concerning their shared property boundaries. These rights and duties often pertain to the maintenance and use of boundary fences, the management of shared resources like water, and the resolution of any disputes that may arise from encroachments or overhanging structures. South Dakota codified law (SDCL) addresses these issues, for instance, under SDCL 43-23, which deals with party walls and fences, and SDCL 43-32, which covers encroachments. Additionally, the state follows the doctrine of reasonable use regarding surface water, which affects how adjoining landowners manage runoff and drainage. It is important for landowners to be aware of these laws and to work cooperatively to resolve any boundary issues, as failure to adhere to these regulations can lead to legal disputes. An attorney can provide specific advice on how these general principles apply to individual situations.