Documents & Forms

Guidelines for Fences

Ordinance Text

11-1350. Yard. A required open space other than a court unoccupied and unobstructed by any structure or portion of a structure from thirty (30) inches above the general ground level of the graded lot upward, provided however that fences, walls, poles, posts, and other customary yard accessories, ornaments, and furniture may be permitted in yards subject to height limitations (as specified in Section 11-407) and requirements limiting obstruction of visibility (as specified in Section 11-406).

  • Yard, Front. A yard extending along the full length of the front lot line to a depth established by the line on which the nearest side of the principal building lies.

The required front yard is that portion of the front yard that extends along the full length of the front lot line for a depth to the front building (setback) line.

In any required front yard, no fence or wall shall be permitted which materially impedes vision across such yard above the height of thirty (30) inches, and no hedge or other vegetation shall be permitted which materially impedes vision across such yard between the heights of thirty (30) inches and ten (10) feet.

11-1407.  Fences, Walls, and Hedges.  Notwithstanding other provisions of this Ordinance, the following provisions shall apply to fences, walls, and hedges:

  1. Fences, walls and hedges may be permitted in or along the edge of any side or rear yard.
  2. In any front yard, only fences, walls, and hedges shorter than 30 inches in height shall be allowed. Front yard fences, walls, and hedges (shorter than 30 inches in height) shall be set back at least ten (10) feet from the outside edge of the street curb, or the edge of the street pavement in the absence of a curb, but in no case be placed closer to the street than the property/right-of-way line.
  3. All fences, walls and hedges shall conform to provisions of Section 11-1406 for visibility at street intersections.
  4. The only acceptable materials for front yard fences (which shall be shorter than 30 inches in height) are wood, stone, vinyl, and wrought iron.
  5. A zoning compliance permit is required prior to the installation of any front yard fence. Applications for such permits shall include a site plan which shows the proposed fence location and its compliance with visibility and locational standards.

 

Tennessee Code (TCA) Section 44-8-201 covers fences.

We don’t enforce state codes or conflicts where a property line is involved. That is a civil matter between the property owners.

Section 44-8-201 – Partition fence defined – Joining fences

  • Partition fences, within the meaning of this part, are fences erected on the line between lands owned by different persons; but no owner of land is compelled to allow a neighbor to join a fence exclusively on that person’s own land.