FENCE RULES – WASHINGTON (COUNTY), TENNESSEE
OVERVIEW
Residential fences are permitted on private property within unincorporated Washington County, subject to local regulations.
Residential fence regulations in unincorporated Washington County are characterized by a lack of traditional height and material restrictions in standard residential zones. The county primarily manages fencing through building code exemptions and specific safety provisions intended to preserve visibility at intersections and driveways. While the county does not enforce a formal permit process for the construction of standard privacy fences, all installations must maintain compliance with vision clearance standards to ensure public safety.
Compiled From the Washington County Zoning Resolution and the Washington County Building Department as of February 2026.
GOVERNANCE
Regulatory oversight for property development in the unincorporated areas of the county is provided by Washington County Planning & Zoning and the Washington County Building Department. Technical standards are derived from the locally adopted International Residential Code (IRC). Administrative compliance is governed by the Washington County Zoning Resolution, which establishes the minimum safety requirements for visibility near public rights-of-way.
PERMIT AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
• Building Permit Exemption: Under the locally amended International Residential Code (IRC), fences are explicitly listed as work exempt from the requirement to obtain a Building Permit.
• Zoning Approval: Washington County official guidance states that residential fencing is not regulated by zoning or building codes for standard applications.
• Special Use Review: Fencing for specific commercial uses, such as dog kennels, may require Planning Commission review and approval of a site plan.
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 from encroaching into any public road right-of-way.
• Intersection Clearance: All fencing must be positioned to comply with vision clearance rules at the intersection of street rights-of-way and railroads.
• Easements: Fences may not be placed in a manner that obstructs established utility or drainage easements.
• 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 Residential Height: Outside of specialized safety zones, there are no defined height limits for residential fences in the Zoning Resolution.
• Vision Clearance Triangle: No fence, wall, or other obstruction to vision between the height of 3 feet and 15 feet is permitted within 20 feet of the intersection of rights-of-way for streets or drives.
• Intersection Height Limit: Fencing located within the 20-foot visibility zone at an intersection must remain below 3 feet in height, measured relative to the center line grade of the intersecting streets.
MATERIAL AND CONSTRUCTION LIMITS
• Approved Materials: Washington County does not maintain a registry of approved or prohibited materials for standard residential fencing.
• Structural Integrity: While a permit is not required, all structures are expected to be maintained in a safe condition that does not create a public hazard.
PRIVATE RESTRICTIONS
Homeowners Association (HOA) covenants and private deed restrictions operate independently of Washington County government. These private agreements often impose stricter standards regarding fence height, color, and allowable materials (such as the prohibition of chain link). Because the county does not regulate fencing, property owners must ensure compliance with their specific neighborhood restrictions, which remain legally binding as civil contracts.
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 Hazards: Installation of a fence that exceeds 3 feet in height within the 20-foot intersection visibility zone.
• Right-of-Way Obstruction: Construction of a fence that encroaches upon or obstructs a public road right-of-way.
• Drainage Interference: Fences that materially impede the flow of water within a designated stormwater easement.
USING THIS INFORMATION
This page provides general orientation on how residential fence rules are structured and applied within unincorporated Washington 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 Washington County Planning & Zoning and the Washington County Building Department and any applicable private agreements. If this page conflicts with official ordinances, published guidance, or direction from unincorporated Washington County staff, the official sources control.
For legal advice or legal interpretation, consult a licensed attorney.