Murfreesboro's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Material Restrictions
Murfreesboro outlaws barbed wire fences citywide, declaring them public nuisances that owners must remove within five days of a City Manager notice.
Key details: Barbed wire: Unlawful citywide. Removal deadline: 5 days after notice. Farm exemption: Registered ag/forest land. Variance route: Board of Zoning Appeals permit.
Violating owners must remove the barbed wire fence within five days of City Manager notice; failure to comply is punished under the general penalty at Code § 1-8.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Murfreesboro actively enforces its material restrictions requirements.
Height Limits
Murfreesboro caps fences, walls and other objects at 30 inches inside a corner or driveway sight triangle, and otherwise bars structures there entirely so drivers can see oncoming traffic under the city's zoning code.
Key details: Height cap in sight triangle: 30 inches above roadway crown. Triangle depth: 20 ft street / 15 ft driveway. Governing provision: Appendix A - Zoning § 27(P). Variance authority: Board of Zoning Appeals.
A fence, wall or planting taller than 30 inches inside a sight triangle violates Section 27(P); the City Engineer can require it removed as an unsafe obstruction, and a landscape or site plan won't be approved with the encroachment left in.
The Bottom Line
Murfreesboro's fence regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Murfreesboro is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Murfreesboro can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.