FENCE RULES – DAVIDSON (COUNTY), TENNESSEE
OVERVIEW
Residential fences are permitted on private property within Davidson County, subject to local regulations.
Residential fence regulations in Davidson County are unified under the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (commonly referred to as Metro Nashville). Because the city and county governments are consolidated, a single set of zoning and building standards applies to all residential properties within the county. These regulations prioritize traffic safety, neighborhood aesthetics, and the maintenance of clear sightlines. The code specifically distinguishes between “open” and “solid” fences, applying different height and setback rules to each.
Compiled From the Metro Nashville Department of Codes and Building Safety and the Metropolitan Code of Laws as of February 2026.
GOVERNANCE
Fencing within Davidson County is governed by the Metropolitan Code of Laws, specifically Title 17 (Zoning) and Title 16 (Buildings and Construction). The Metropolitan Department of Codes and Building Safety (Metro Codes) is the primary administrative and enforcement body. For properties located within Historic Preservation or Historic Landmark Overlays, the Metropolitan Historic Zoning Commission provides additional regulatory oversight.
PERMIT AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
• Permit Exemption: For most residential properties, a building permit is not required to construct a fence at this time, provided the structure meets all height and placement standards.
• Zoning Compliance: Building permit requirements are separate from zoning, setback, or plat requirements. Confirm any applicable zoning conditions, setbacks, and plat requirements with The Metropolitan Department of Codes and Building Safety (Metro Codes) before construction.
• Historic Districts: Any fence installation within a Historic Preservation or Historic Landmark Overlay requires a Preservation Permit.
• Floodplain/Floodway: Fences may not be constructed in a floodway or floodplain without express approval from the Department of Water and Sewerage Services.
• Safety Barriers: Fences intended as barriers for swimming pools must be at least 48 inches (4 feet) high and comply with specific safety latching requirements under the adopted International Residential Code (IRC).
• Height Thresholds: While most residential fences are permit-exempt, walls or fences exceeding seven (7) feet in height may require structural review and a building permit.
FENCE PLACEMENT RULES
• Street Setbacks: Solid fences must be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the street frontage property line.
• Right-of-Way: Encroachment into the public right-of-way (the area typically containing sidewalks and utility strips) is prohibited.
• Easements: Fences may be placed over utility or drainage easements; however, the property owner assumes all risk. If a utility provider requires access, the owner is responsible for the costs of removing and reconstructing the fence.
• 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.
• Alleys: For the purpose of determining setbacks, an alley is not legally classified as a street.
• 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 Setback (First 10 Feet) – Solid Fences: Maximum height of 30 inches (2.5 feet).
• Front Setback (First 10 Feet) – Open Fences (e.g., chain link, wrought iron): Maximum height of 72 inches (6 feet).
• Remainder of Front Setback: Fences located between the 10-foot street setback and the front line of the house are limited to a maximum height of 6 feet.
• Side and Rear Yards: Fences located behind the front line of the house (the principal structure) may reach a maximum height of 8 feet.
• Measurement Standard: Height is measured from the finished grade level on the side of the fence with the greatest vertical exposure.
• Visibility Zones: On corner lots, fences are prohibited within a 35-foot visibility zone at intersections. Properties within the Urban Zoning Overlay (UZO) are exempt from this specific 35-foot requirement but must still maintain general safety visibility.
MATERIAL AND CONSTRUCTION LIMITS
• Structural Orientation: Fences must be constructed so that all cross beams and cross bracing face the interior of the property. The “finished” side must face the street or adjacent properties.
• Prohibited Materials: Barbed wire and electric fences are prohibited in residential districts. Exceptions are only made for properties permitted to keep domestic animals or wildlife under Section 17.16.330 of the Metropolitan Code.
• Sharp Projections: No fence may be constructed with barbs or sharp projections on top unless it is at least 7 feet above grade and the projections are oriented inward.
• Maintenance Standards: Wood fences must be painted, stained, or treated to prevent rot. Metal fences must be treated to prevent rust and corrosion. Owners must replace broken boards or sagging sections to preserve structural integrity.
PRIVATE RESTRICTIONS
Homeowners Association (HOA) rules and private deed restrictions are legally binding civil contracts that operate independently of Davidson County ordinances. These restrictions often dictate specific materials, colors, or lower height limits (such as a 4-foot limit in all yards) that are more restrictive than the Metropolitan Zoning Code. Metro Codes does not enforce these private agreements; homeowners must ensure they satisfy both county law and their HOA’s requirements.
REVIEW AND ENFORCEMENT CONTEXT
Fence issues are typically reviewed during permit or approval review when required, and through complaint-based code enforcement. Examples include:
• Visibility Obstructions: Fences that impede the view of motorists at intersections or driveways.
• Setback Violations: Solid fences higher than 30 inches placed within the 10-foot street setback.
• Improper Orientation: Fences installed with structural bracing (the “ugly side”) facing the street or a neighbor.
• Height Violations: Fences exceeding 6 feet in the front yard (beyond the 10-foot setback) or 8 feet in the side and rear yards.
USING THIS INFORMATION
This page provides general orientation on how residential fence rules are structured and applied within Davidson 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 Metropolitan Department of Codes and Building Safety and any applicable private agreements. If this page conflicts with official ordinances, published guidance, or direction from Davidson County staff, the official sources control.
For legal advice or legal interpretation, consult a licensed attorney.