FENCE RULES – NASHVILLE (CITY), TENNESSEE
OVERVIEW
Residential fences are permitted on private property within the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, subject to local regulations.
Residential fence standards in the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County are primarily governed by the Metropolitan Zoning Code and Building Safety regulations. These rules establish specific height and placement allowances based on a structure’s proximity to street frontages, property lines, and the principal dwelling. The code distinguishes between open and solid fence types, with more restrictive standards applied to fences located within the front setback to support safety and visibility.
Compiled From the Metro Nashville Department of Codes and Building Safety and the Metropolitan Code of Laws as of February 2026.
GOVERNANCE
Regulatory authority over fencing is vested in the Metropolitan Department of Codes and Building Safety (Metro Codes). Standards are derived from Title 17 (Zoning), which dictates placement and bulk regulations, and Title 16 (Buildings and Construction), which governs material integrity. Properties located within Historic Preservation or Historic Landmark Overlays are subject to additional oversight by the Metropolitan Historic Zoning Commission.
PERMIT AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
• Standard Residential Exemption: For most residential properties, a building permit is not required for the construction of a fence at this time, provided the structure meets all code requirements.
• Zoning Compliance: Building permit requirements are separate from zoning, setback, or plat requirements. Confirm any applicable zoning conditions, setbacks, and plat requirements with Metropolitan Department of Codes and Building Safety (Metro Codes) before construction.
• Historic Overlays: A Preservation Permit is required for fence installation within a Historic Preservation or Historic Landmark Overlay.
• Floodplain and Floodway: Construction of any fence in a floodway or floodplain is prohibited without prior approval from the Department of Water and Sewerage Services.
• Height Thresholds: While a permit may not be required for standard residential fences, any wall or fence exceeding seven (7) feet in height may trigger additional structural review under the International Residential Code (IRC).
FENCE PLACEMENT RULES
• Street Setback: Solid fences must be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the street frontage property line.
• Alleys: For the purposes of fencing setbacks, an alley is not considered a street.
• Property Lines: The ordinance does not state a setback requirement for standard residential fences from property lines; however, fences must be located entirely on the owner’s property and must not encroach into rights-of-way or easements.
• Easements: Fences may be constructed over utility easements, but the homeowner is responsible for the cost of removal and reconstruction if a utility provider requires access.
• Right-of-Way: Fencing is strictly prohibited from encroaching into the public right-of-way, which typically extends beyond the edge of the sidewalk or curb.
• Utility Safety: Tennessee’s Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act (TCA 65-31-101) requires everyone who digs to contact Tennessee 811 at least three (3) working days’ notice before starting a project. Tennessee 811 processes the notification of proposed excavation and notifies our member utilities, or their contract locators, to mark their underground facilities prior to the excavation.
FENCE HEIGHT AND VISIBILITY RULES
• Front Setback (First 10 Feet) – Solid Fences: Maximum height of 30 inches (2.5 feet).
• Front Setback (First 10 Feet) – Open Fences (e.g., chain link, wrought iron): Maximum height of 72 inches (6 feet).
• Remainder of Front Setback: Fences located between the 10-foot street setback and the front of the house are limited to a maximum height of 6 feet.
• Side and Rear Yards: Fences located behind the front line of the principal structure may reach a maximum height of 8 feet.
• Measurement: Height is measured from the finished grade level on the side of the fence with the greatest vertical exposure.
• Corner Lots: Fences are prohibited within the 35-foot visibility zone at intersections. Properties within the Urban Zoning Overlay (UZO) are exempt from this specific 35-foot visibility requirement.
MATERIAL AND CONSTRUCTION LIMITS
• Orientation: Fences must be constructed so that all cross beams and cross bracing (the structural “ugly” side) face the interior of the property and are not oriented toward the street or adjacent properties.
• Prohibited Materials: Barbed wire and electric fences are prohibited or highly restricted in residential districts. No fence may have barbs or sharp projections unless it is at least 7 feet above grade and the projections face inward.
• Maintenance: Wood fences must be painted, stained, or treated to prevent rot. Metal fences must be treated to prevent rust. All fences must be maintained to preserve structural integrity, including the replacement of broken sections.
PRIVATE RESTRICTIONS
Homeowners Association (HOA) covenants and private deed restrictions are civil agreements that operate independently of Metro Nashville government. These rules may be more restrictive than the Metropolitan Zoning Code, such as prohibiting specific materials like chain link or limiting heights further. Metro Codes does not enforce private restrictions, and homeowners must ensure compliance with both local law and their specific association rules.
REVIEW AND ENFORCEMENT CONTEXT
Fence issues are typically reviewed during permit or approval review when required, and through complaint-based code enforcement. Examples include:
• Visibility Hazards: Placement of a fence that obstructs the view of motorists or first responders at an intersection.
• Setback Violations: Solid fencing placed within the 10-foot street setback at a height exceeding 30 inches.
• Structural Orientation: Fences installed with the bracing facing outward toward the street or a neighbor.
• Height Violations: Fences exceeding the 8-foot maximum in side/rear yards or the 6-foot limit in the front yard.
USING THIS INFORMATION
This page provides general orientation on how residential fence rules are structured and applied within the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, based on publicly available materials reviewed as of February 2026.
In addition to local fence rules, certain Tennessee laws apply statewide. See Statewide fence laws in Tennessee.
It is not legal advice and does not replace official ordinances, permits, surveys, or professional guidance.
Rules and interpretations may change, and application may vary based on zoning district, site conditions, easements, rights-of-way, and private restrictions such as HOA covenants. Before purchasing materials or beginning construction, confirm current requirements and any site-specific limitations with Metropolitan Department of Codes and Building Safety (Metro Codes) and any applicable private agreements. If this page conflicts with official ordinances, published guidance, or direction from Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County staff, the official sources control.
For legal advice or legal interpretation, consult a licensed attorney.