FENCE RULES – BEDFORD (COUNTY), TENNESSEE
OVERVIEW
Residential fences are permitted on private property within Bedford County, subject to local regulations.
Regulations for residential fencing are established to ensure structural stability, maintain neighborhood aesthetics, and prevent obstructions to the natural flow of water or the vision of motorists. These rules apply to the unincorporated areas of the county and are primarily governed by the Bedford County Zoning Resolution, which classifies fences, walls, and hedges as permitted yard obstructions subject to specific height and placement standards.
The regulatory framework distinguishes between fence requirements based on their location relative to the principal building and the public right-of-way. While the county adopts international standards for structural safety, local ordinances provide specific prohibitions on certain materials and mandatory orientation requirements for the “finished” side of the fence.
Compiled From the Bedford County Zoning Resolution (Version 11.32), the Bedford County Building & Codes Department, and the Bedford County Planning & Zoning Department as of February 2026.
GOVERNANCE
Residential fence standards in the unincorporated portions of the county are administered by the Bedford County Planning & Zoning Department and the Bedford County Building & Codes Department.
Tennessee does not publish a statewide residential fence code. In Bedford County, fence regulations are codified in Article II, Section 2.170 of the Bedford County Zoning Resolution. Technical construction standards for permitted structures are governed by the locally adopted 2021 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, zoning compliance certification requirements and plat requirements with the Bedford County Planning & Zoning Department before construction.
FENCE PLACEMENT RULES
• 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.
• Yard Designations: Fences are permitted in any required yard but are subject to different height limits depending on whether they are located in the front yard or the side/rear yards.
• Right-of-Way Encroachment: Fences and walls must be erected outside of the public right-of-way or any public or private road, except those erected by a governmental agency.
• Utility Clearances: A clearance of five (5) feet must be maintained between any fence and all sides of an electrical transformer or electrical pedestal, except for the side of a transformer that is padlocked, which requires a ten (10) foot clearance.
• Drainage: Fences, walls, or hedges so constructed or planted as to impede natural water drainage or water runoff are prohibited.
• 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
• Side and Rear Yard Height: In residential districts, no fence or wall shall exceed eight (8) feet in height when located between the principal building and the side or rear property lines.
• Front Yard Height: Between the principal building and the street right-of-way, no fence or wall shall exceed four (4) feet in height.
• Intersection Visibility: Fences, walls, or vegetation are prohibited if they interfere with clear vision at or near a street, alley, or driveway. Within the area of intersecting streets, there shall be no obstruction to vision between a height of three and one-half (3.5) feet and ten (10) feet above the average grade.
• Vision Triangle Standards: For intersecting streets, the triangle is determined by connecting two points measuring thirty (30) feet in each direction along the right-of-way lines from their intersection. For driveways, the triangle is formed by a point measuring twenty (20) feet along the right-of-way and a point measuring fifteen (15) feet along the driveway boundary.
• Specialized Fencing: Tennis court fencing is permitted up to a maximum height of twelve (12) feet, and baseball backstops may reach sixteen (16) feet.
MATERIAL AND CONSTRUCTION LIMITS
• Permitted Materials: Standard residential fence materials include masonry or stone walls, ornamental iron or aluminum, chain-link (with or without privacy screening), and wood or vinyl planking.
• Prohibited Materials: Fences constructed of solid plywood, scrap lumber, or other insubstantial non-customary materials are prohibited. Fences made of readily flammable materials, such as paper or cloth, are also prohibited except for temporary drainage silt fencing.
• Barbed and Razor Wire: Fences topped with or primarily constructed of barbed wire, razor wire, or concertina form are prohibited in residential districts, except when used for agricultural purposes.
• Electric Fencing: Fences carrying an electrical current are prohibited except for the purpose of enclosing livestock for agricultural use.
• Orientation: Fences must be positioned so that all support wood, posts, and cross members face the interior of the lot and do not face the street.
• Post Depth: All fence posts and supports must be set into the ground to a minimum depth of two (2) feet.
PRIVATE RESTRICTIONS
The rules and permits issued by Bedford County do not override or supersede private restrictions. Homeowners association (HOA) covenants, deed restrictions, and subdivision plats may impose stricter height, material, or placement standards than the county code. Property owners are responsible for verifying compliance with these private agreements independently of county approval.
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: Installation of a fence exceeding four (4) feet in a front yard or eight (8) feet in a side or rear yard.
• Visibility Hazards: Fences or hedges exceeding three and one-half (3.5) feet in height within a designated vision triangle at an intersection or driveway.
• Material Violations: Use of prohibited materials such as barbed wire, scrap lumber, or plywood in a residential zone.
• Encroachments: Placement of a fence within a public right-of-way or failing to maintain required clearances around electrical transformers.
• Maintenance Deficiencies: Fences that are in a deteriorated condition, missing structural components, or substantially leaning away from a perpendicular grade.
• Drainage Obstructions: Fences constructed in a manner that blocks or redirects the natural flow of surface water runoff.
USING THIS INFORMATION
This page provides general orientation on how residential fence rules are structured and applied within Bedford 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 Bedford County Planning & Zoning Department and any applicable private agreements. If this page conflicts with official ordinances, published guidance, or direction from Bedford County staff, the official sources control. For legal advice or legal interpretation, consult a licensed attorney.