FENCE RULES – LINCOLN (COUNTY), TENNESSEE
OVERVIEW
Residential fences are permitted on private property within Lincoln County, subject to local regulations.
The Lincoln County Zoning Resolution previously contained specific standards for fences and walls under Section 2.120; however, these standards were officially repealed on December 15, 2020. While specific residential fence design standards are not currently codified in the zoning resolution, all installations remain subject to general provisions regarding traffic visibility, easements, and the public right-of-way.
For properties located within a recorded subdivision, specific fencing requirements may be established by the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission if a hazardous condition is determined to exist. In such cases, the height and material of the required fencing are noted on the approved final plat.
Compiled From the Lincoln County Zoning Resolution and the Lincoln County Subdivision Regulations as of February 2026.
GOVERNANCE
Residential fence standards in Lincoln County are administered by the Lincoln County Planning and Zoning Department. Enforcement of land use and building standards is managed by the Building Commissioner.
The county does not currently maintain a consolidated or stand-alone residential fence code. Regulatory authority is derived from the Lincoln County Zoning Resolution and the Lincoln County Subdivision Regulations. Technical construction safety for structures is governed by the locally adopted 2018 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 Lincoln County Planning and Zoning Department before construction.
FENCE PLACEMENT RULES
• General 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.
• Rights-of-Way and Easements: Fences are prohibited from encroaching into public rights-of-way or designated utility and drainage easements. In recorded subdivisions, the Planning Commission may require easements to remain unobstructed to accommodate utilities or storm water management.
• Corner Lot Visibility: On corner lots, no fence or structure may be placed within the sight triangle formed by the center line of intersecting streets and a line joining points 75 feet from the intersection. Within this zone, obstructions are prohibited between a height of 30 inches and 10 feet above the center line grades of the intersecting streets.
• Hazardous Conditions: In subdivisions, the Planning Commission may mandate the installation of fences where hazardous conditions are identified. These fences must follow the specific height and material standards established during the platting process.
• 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
• Standard Height Limits: The Lincoln County Zoning Resolution does not specify a maximum height for standard residential fences following the repeal of Section 2.120.
• Traffic Sight Triangle: At all street intersections, fences must not materially impede vision between the heights of 30 inches (2.5 feet) and 10 feet within the 75-foot visibility zone.
• Subdivision Specifics: If a fence is required by the Planning Commission due to a hazardous condition, the specific maximum height allowed will be indicated on the recorded subdivision plat.
MATERIAL AND CONSTRUCTION LIMITS
• Residential Standards: The municipal code does not specify prohibited or required materials for standard residential fences.
• Maintenance: All fences and walls must be maintained in good repair. Fences used for screening in multi-family or specialized developments (such as refuse areas) must have a minimum opacity of 80 percent and be constructed of wood, stone, brick, or other durable weatherproof materials.
PRIVATE RESTRICTIONS
Homeowners associations (HOAs) and private restrictive covenants operate independently of Lincoln County government. These private agreements often establish stricter standards for fence height, placement, and materials than county ordinances. It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure compliance with all applicable private 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:
• A fence is installed within a public right-of-way or designated utility easement.
• A fence on a corner lot exceeds 30 inches in height within the 75-foot traffic visibility triangle.
• A developer fails to install a required safety fence as mandated by the Planning Commission on a final plat.
• A fence falls into disrepair, creating a safety hazard or violating property maintenance standards.
USING THIS INFORMATION
This page provides general orientation on how residential fence rules are structured and applied within Lincoln 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 Lincoln County Planning and Zoning Department and any applicable private agreements. If this page conflicts with official ordinances, published guidance, or direction from Lincoln County staff, the official sources control. For legal advice or legal interpretation, consult a licensed attorney.