FENCE RULES – PUTNAM (COUNTY), TENNESSEE
OVERVIEW
Residential fences are permitted on private property within Putnam County, subject to local regulations.
The Putnam County government regulates fences and walls through the Putnam County Subdivision Regulations and the Putnam County Flood Damage Prevention Resolution. These standards are established to provide for the safety of the public, preserve clear lines of sight for motorists at intersections, and ensure that structures do not impede the natural flow of water within drainage systems. In unincorporated areas, fences are classified as permitted yard obstructions provided they do not encroach into public rights-of-way or obstruct utility access.
Compiled From the Putnam County Subdivision Regulations, the Putnam County Flood Damage Prevention Resolution, and the Putnam County Building Codes Department as of February 2026.
GOVERNANCE
Residential fence regulations in unincorporated portions of the county are administered by the Putnam County Building Codes Department and the Putnam County Regional Planning Commission. The Codes Director provides oversight for structural safety and compliance with flood damage prevention standards, while the Regional Planning Commission manages land-use and placement requirements for subdivisions.
The county does not maintain a consolidated fence ordinance; instead, standards for fences and walls are integrated into building safety requirements and environmental protection resolutions. Technical construction specifications follow the locally adopted International Residential Code (IRC).
PERMIT AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
• Building Permit: A Building Permit is not required for standard residential fences seven (7) feet in height or lower, per the locally adopted International Residential Code (IRC).
• Zoning Compliance: Building permit requirements are separate from zoning, setback, or plat requirements. Confirm any applicable zoning conditions, setbacks, and plat requirements with the Putnam County Regional Planning Commission before construction.
• Floodplain Development Permit: Any construction or development, including the placement of fences or walls, within a designated Special Flood Hazard Area requires a permit from the Resolution Administrator prior to the start of work.
FENCE PLACEMENT RULES
• Placement and Setbacks: 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 must not be placed within public utility or drainage easements shown on a recorded plat. No permanent structure may be erected that obstructs access for maintenance or the natural flow of stormwater.
• Rights-of-Way: Fences are prohibited within the public right-of-way and must not interfere with the functionality of public roads or sidewalks.
• 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 member utilities, or their contract locators, to mark underground facilities prior to the excavation.
FENCE HEIGHT AND VISIBILITY RULES
• Visibility at Intersections: On corner lots, no fence, wall, or other structure may be erected that materially impedes vision between a height of two (2) feet and ten (10) feet above the centerline grades of the intersecting streets.
• Sight Distance Triangles: The area within a designated sight triangle must be maintained free of obstructions to ensure motorist safety. The Regional Planning Commission may require the removal of any structure that creates a traffic hazard.
• Height Triggers: The county does not publish a defined maximum height for residential side or rear yard fences; however, any structure intended to exceed seven (7) feet in height triggers a mandatory building permit.
MATERIAL AND CONSTRUCTION LIMITS
• Material Standards: The provided ordinances do not indicate specific prohibited materials for standard residential fencing in unincorporated areas.
• Flood Hazard Design: In areas subject to flooding, fences and walls must be designed to have low flood damage potential and must be constructed to offer minimum resistance to the flow of floodwaters.
• Anchoring Requirements: Structures located within a flood zone must be firmly anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement during a flood event.
PRIVATE RESTRICTIONS
• HOA Authority: Homeowners association (HOA) bylaws and private deed covenants operate independently of Putnam County and may be more restrictive regarding fence height, materials, and appearance. County permit exemption does not excuse a property owner from compliance with these private legal obligations.
REVIEW AND ENFORCEMENT CONTEXT
Fence issues are typically reviewed during permit or approval review when required, and through complaint-based code enforcement. Examples include:
• Installation of a fence exceeding seven (7) feet in height without an approved Building Permit.
• Placement of a fence or wall within a sight distance triangle that obstructs the view of motorists.
• Construction of a structure in a Special Flood Hazard Area without a required development permit.
• Encroachment of a fence into a public right-of-way or an identified utility easement.
• Installation of fencing that obstructs natural drainage swales, leading to water accumulation on adjacent properties.
USING THIS INFORMATION
This page provides general orientation on how residential fence rules are structured and applied within Putnam 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 the Putnam County Building Codes Department and any applicable private agreements. If this page conflicts with official ordinances, published guidance, or direction from Putnam County staff, the official sources control. For legal advice or legal interpretation, consult a licensed attorney.