FENCE RULES – CAMPBELL (COUNTY), TENNESSEE
OVERVIEW
Residential fences are permitted on private property within Campbell County, subject to local regulations.
Fencing regulations within the unincorporated areas of Campbell County are not governed by a county-wide zoning ordinance. Instead, standards are primarily derived from the locally adopted building codes and subdivision regulations which prioritize the maintenance of clear sightlines for traffic and the protection of public infrastructure.
Because the county does not have a consolidated zoning commission, property owners within the city limits of Jellico, LaFollette, or Rocky Top must adhere to their specific municipal ordinances, which may be more restrictive than county standards.
Compiled From the Campbell County Government, the Campbell County Regional Planning Commission, and the Campbell County Clerk as of February 2026.
GOVERNANCE
Regulatory authority for residential construction and permitting in unincorporated areas is administered by the Campbell County Clerk.
There is no county-wide zoning commission for Campbell County; land use and placement standards for new developments are established by the Campbell County Regional Planning Commission through the Campbell County Subdivision Regulations.
Technical construction and safety standards are governed by the locally adopted 2018 International Residential Code (IRC).
PERMIT AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
• Permit Exemption: 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 Campbell County Clerk or the Regional Planning Commission 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.
• Public Right-of-Way: Fences are prohibited within the public right-of-way. It is the responsibility of the property owner to identify property boundaries, as the county does not provide surveying services for private fencing projects.
• Easements: Fences must not be placed in a manner that obstructs recorded utility or drainage easements. Fences installed within easements are subject to removal at the owner’s expense if access is required by a utility provider or the county.
• 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
• Height Limits: The municipal code does not specify a maximum height for residential fences; however, any structure exceeding seven (7) feet triggers the requirement for a building permit and structural review.
• Visibility at Intersections: To ensure public safety, no fence, wall, or structure may be installed that materially obstructs the view of motorists at street intersections or driveway connections.
• Subdivision Standards: Properties located within a recorded subdivision may be subject to specific sight distance requirements established on the final plat by the Campbell County Regional Planning Commission.
MATERIAL AND CONSTRUCTION LIMITS
• Approved Materials: The municipal code does not specify permitted or prohibited materials for standard residential fencing.
• Structural Stability: All fences must be constructed in a safe and stable manner. Fences that fall into disrepair or become a hazard to the public may be subject to enforcement under property maintenance standards.
PRIVATE RESTRICTIONS
Homeowners Association (HOA) requirements and private deed covenants operate independently of Campbell County regulations. These private rules may impose stricter standards regarding fence height, allowable materials, colors, or mandatory design review processes. The absence of a county permit requirement for fences seven (7) feet or lower does not exempt a property owner from their legal obligation to follow private neighborhood restrictions.
REVIEW AND ENFORCEMENT CONTEXT
Fence issues are typically reviewed during permit or approval review when required, and through complaint-based code enforcement. Examples include:
• Construction of a fence exceeding seven (7) feet in height without a required building permit.
• Installation of a fence that encroaches into the public right-of-way or obstructs a recorded utility or drainage easement.
• Fences or structures that create a traffic hazard by limiting visibility at an intersection or point of ingress/egress.
USING THIS INFORMATION
This page provides general orientation on how residential fence rules are structured and applied within Campbell 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 Campbell County Clerk and any applicable private agreements. If this page conflicts with official ordinances, published guidance, or direction from Campbell County staff, the official sources control. For legal advice or legal interpretation, consult a licensed attorney.