FENCE RULES – MEMPHIS (CITY), TENNESSEE
OVERVIEW
Residential fences are permitted on private property within the City of Memphis, subject to local regulations.
Residential fence regulations in the City of Memphis are governed primarily by the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code (UDC), which applies to both the city and unincorporated areas of the county. Standards for height and materials are determined by the fence’s location on the property, distinguishing between the area between the front of the house and the street and side or rear yards.
Compiled From the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code (UDC) and the Memphis/Shelby County Office of Planning and Development (OPD) as of February 2026.
GOVERNANCE
The primary regulatory framework for fencing is the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code (UDC). Administrative oversight is provided by the Division of Planning and Development (DPD) and the Office of Planning and Development (OPD). Construction standards and permit issuance are managed through Develop901, the joint city-county permitting portal. Enforcement of fence-related height and maintenance violations is handled by the Memphis Department of Code Enforcement.
PERMIT AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
• Building Permit: A building permit is required for any fence that exceeds seven (7) feet in height.
• Zoning Compliance: Building permit requirements are separate from zoning, setback, or plat requirements. Confirm any applicable zoning conditions, setbacks, and plat requirements withthe Office of Planning & Development before construction.
• Overlay Districts: Properties located within Historic Districts or specific Neighborhood Overlays may require additional approval from the Memphis Landmarks Commission or an administrative site plan review before a fence can be installed, regardless of height.
• Swimming Pool Barriers: All outdoor swimming pools must be enclosed by a fence or barrier at least 48 inches (4 feet) in height, compliant with the adopted International Residential Code (IRC) safety standards.
FENCE PLACEMENT RULES
• Front Yard Definition: For fencing purposes, the front yard is defined as the area between the front of the house and the street. This definition applies regardless of how the front yard is described on a property plat.
• 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. In most residential districts, there is no minimum setback for fences from side or rear property lines, provided the fence remains on private property.
• Right-of-Way: Fences are prohibited within the public right-of-way, which typically includes the area containing sidewalks and the strip between the sidewalk and the street.
• Easements: Fences may not be placed in a manner that obstructs access to utility easements or drainage paths. Property owners may be required to remove fences at their own expense if access to a utility line is necessary.
• 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 Yards: Fences located between the front of the house and the street are limited to a maximum height of four (4) feet.
• Wrought Iron Exception: In front yards, wrought iron fencing (or similar open-style metal fencing) is permitted up to a maximum height of eight (8) feet, including any supporting columns.
• Side and Rear Yards: Fences located in the side or rear yards (behind the front line of the house) may be constructed up to a maximum height of nine (9) feet.
• Sight Triangles: At street intersections and where driveways meet the street, fences must not obstruct the sight triangle. The sources compiled for this page state that, if no sidewalk exists, a 10-foot visibility area from the property line is required.
MATERIAL AND CONSTRUCTION LIMITS
• Approved Materials: Official technical guidelines and graphics cite wood, brick, and wrought iron as referenced materials for residential fencing. The regulatory text does not define these examples as an exhaustive list.
• Prohibited Materials: The use of barbed wire, razor wire, or concertina wire is prohibited in residential zoning districts.
• Electric Fencing: Per local safety amendments, all new and existing electric security fence installations must be equipped with an approved manual disconnect keyed to Fire Department specifications and must display approved power status indicators and warning signage.
• Other Materials: The Unified Development Code does not establish specific limits for other common residential materials, such as vinyl or composite products, provided they meet the standard height and safety requirements.
PRIVATE RESTRICTIONS
Homeowners association (HOA) covenants and private deed restrictions operate independently of City of Memphis ordinances. These private agreements may impose stricter height limits, specific material requirements (such as prohibiting chain link), or mandatory design reviews. The issuance of a city permit or compliance with the UDC does not exempt a property owner from their obligation to adhere to private neighborhood 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:
• Height Violations: Fences exceeding the 4-foot limit in front yards (without the wrought iron exception) or the 9-foot limit in rear yards.
• Sight Triangle Obstructions: Fences on corner lots that impede the visibility of traffic at intersections.
• Encroachment: Fences built onto city property, public rights-of-way, or neighboring private parcels.
• Unpermitted Tall Fences: Installation of any fence over seven (7) feet without a valid building permit from Develop901.
USING THIS INFORMATION
This page provides general orientation on how residential fence rules are structured and applied within the City of Memphis, 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 Division of Planning and Development (DPD) and Office of Planning and Development (OPD) and any applicable private agreements. If this page conflicts with official ordinances, published guidance, or direction from City of Memphis staff, the official sources control.
For legal advice or legal interpretation, consult a licensed attorney.