FENCE RULES – FARRAGUT (TOWN), TENNESSEE
OVERVIEW
Residential fences are permitted on private property within the Town of Farragut, Tennessee, subject to local regulations.
Properties located outside the town limits follow Knox County or Loudon County rules. Homeowners association (HOA) requirements and private covenants may also apply and are often stricter than Town regulations.
Compiled from the Town of Farragut Code of Ordinances, the Town of Farragut Building & Codes Department “Building FAQ” (Permit Exemptions), and the Adopted Codes Resolution (2018 International Codes), as of February 2026.
GOVERNANCE
Tennessee does not publish a statewide residential fence code. For properties located within Farragut town limits, residential fence standards are administered through the Town of Farragut Building & Codes Department and the Engineering Department.
Fence regulation is addressed through the Building Code (establishing permit thresholds) and the Stormwater Management Ordinance (protecting drainage easements). Town requirements do not override HOA requirements or private covenants.
PERMIT AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
• Official Exemption: The Town of Farragut states that fences up to a maximum of seven (7) feet in height do not require a building permit.
• Zoning Compliance: Building permit requirements are separate from zoning, setback, or plat requirements. Confirm any applicable zoning conditions, setbacks, and plat requirements with Town of Farragut Building & Codes Department before construction.
• Swimming Pool Barriers: A permit is required for fences serving as a barrier for a swimming pool. These must be inspected for compliance with the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC).
• Fences Over 7 Feet: Any fence exceeding seven (7) feet in height requires a building permit and engineering review for structural stability.
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.
• Boundary Verification: The property owner is responsible for verifying the boundary location. The Town does not mediate private boundary disputes.
• Easements and Right-of-Way: The sources compiled for this page state fences are not to be placed within recorded utility, drainage, or pedestrian easements.
• Removal Risk: Town materials state that fences placed within utility, drainage, or construction easements may be removed if access is required for maintenance or stormwater flow, and may not be re-installed.
• Stormwater Flow: Fences are prohibited where they would impede the free flow of stormwater (for example, blocking a swale or ditch).
• 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
General Height:
• Permit Threshold: Fences may be built up to seven (7) feet without a permit.
• Zoning Limits: While the permit threshold is seven (7) feet, the sources compiled for this page state specific zoning overlays or corner lot restrictions may apply.
Visibility at Intersections:
• Visibility Standard: The sources compiled for this page state fences must not obstruct the view of motorists at street intersections or driveway connections.
• Right-of-Way: The sources compiled for this page state fences must remain on private property and not within the public right-of-way.
MATERIAL AND CONSTRUCTION LIMITS
• Permitted Materials: The sources compiled for this page do not identify a specific list of prohibited materials for standard residential fencing in the permit exemption guidelines.
• Pool Barriers: Pool barrier fencing must be non-climbable and meet spacing requirements (including a maximum 4-inch gap at the bottom) per the adopted ISPSC safety code.
PRIVATE RESTRICTIONS
HOA requirements and private covenants operate independently from Town of Farragut regulations. Private rules may impose fence height, material, placement, or approval requirements that are more restrictive than Town standards. The absence of a Town permit requirement for 6-foot fences does not override private deed 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 obstructs a drainage easement, causing water backup or flooding;
• a fence is installed in the public right-of-way or pedestrian easement;
• a swimming pool is installed without the required compliant barrier (Section 305 ISPSC violation); or
• a fence exceeding seven (7) feet is installed without a building permit.
USING THIS INFORMATION
This page provides general orientation on how residential fence rules are structured and applied within the Town of Farragut, Tennessee, based on publicly available materials reviewed as of January 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 Town of Farragut Building & Codes Department and the Engineering Department and any applicable private agreements. If this page conflicts with official ordinances, published guidance, or direction from Town of Farragut staff, the official sources control.
For legal advice or legal interpretation, consult a licensed attorney.