Property Maintenance in Franklin, TN: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Franklin or are thinking about moving there, property maintenance are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Franklin has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of property maintenance, and some of them might surprise you.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Franklin applies the same property maintenance standards to vacant and occupied lots. Under Title 13 (Property Maintenance Regulations), all premises — including the perimeter of vacant lots adjacent to rights-of-way or developed properties — must be maintained free from weeds, grass, and plant growth in excess of twelve (12) inches in height. The rule covers grasses, annual plants, and vegetation but excludes trees, shrubs, and cultivated flowers or gardens. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense; the City may abate (mow) and recover costs.

Key details: Code Title: Title 13 Property Maintenance Regulations; Section 13-106 Health & Sanitation Nuisances. Weed / Grass Limit: 12 inches (all premises, including vacant lots). Excluded: Trees, shrubs, cultivated flowers, gardens. Owner Responsibility: Lot + perimeter adjacent to right-of-way / developed property. Abatement: City contractor mows; bill / lien owner.

Notice of Violation issued; failure to mow within the stated compliance window triggers city contractor abatement (mowing) billed back to the owner — lienable. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense in Franklin Municipal Court. Report at 615-794-7012.

Property Blight

Franklin adopts the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) through Title 12 (Building, Utility, Etc. Codes) and enforces blight, junk, and rubbish accumulation through Title 13 (Property Maintenance Regulations), Chapter 1, including Section 13-106 (Health and Sanitation Nuisances). All premises, exterior property, and interior of every structure must be free from accumulation of rubbish or garbage. Rubbish must be disposed of in approved containers. Section 13-106 makes it unlawful for any person to permit premises they own, occupy, or control to become or remain in a filthy condition. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense; the City may abate and recover associated costs.

Key details: Code Title: Title 13 (Property Maintenance); Title 12 (adopts IPMC). Nuisance Section: Section 13-106 — Health and Sanitation Nuisances. Owner Duty: Provide approved containers; remove rubbish & garbage; keep premises non-filthy. Vacant Property Rule: Same standards as occupied; perimeter must be free from rubbish. Abatement: City may enter and clean up; recover costs (lienable).

Notice of Violation issued first. Failure to comply: city may enter and abate the condition (cleanup, mowing, removal) at the owner's expense (lienable), plus citations adjudicated by Franklin Municipal Court. Each day of continuing violation is a separate offense. Report at 615-794-7012.

Garage Sale Rules

Franklin requires a $5 yard-sale permit from Billing & Licensing for any sale conducted inside city limits. Each dwelling is limited to a maximum of four (4) yard sales per year, each up to two consecutive days during daylight hours only. The permit must be posted in a location visible from the public right-of-way during the sale. Sales must not create traffic problems or block emergency vehicles, and the permittee may not allow loud or boisterous conduct on the premises. Sign rules from Franklin Zoning Ordinance Chapter 15 apply: no right-of-way signs, no signs on utility poles or traffic signs.

Key details: Permit Required: Yes — $5 (Billing & Licensing). Max Sales / Year: 4 per dwelling per year. Max Duration: 2 consecutive days; daylight hours only. Permit Display: Visible from public right-of-way during sale. Traffic Rule: No traffic obstruction or emergency-vehicle blocking.

Operating without a $5 permit, holding more than 4 sales per year, exceeding 2 consecutive days, holding outside daylight hours, or causing traffic / noise problems can be cited under Title 9 / Title 13. Off-premise signs in the ROW are immediately confiscated. Each day a separate offense; Franklin Municipal Court fines.

Trash Bin Storage

Residential trash collection in Franklin is provided by the City of Franklin Sanitation and Environmental Services Department (615-794-1516), governed by Title 17 (Municipal Solid Waste Disposal). Rollout containers must be at the curb by 7:00 AM on the scheduled service day and may not be set out before 7:00 PM the day before. Empty containers must be removed from the curb by 7:00 PM on collection day. All trash inside the container must be bagged to prevent litter. The City will NOT service privately-owned cans; the city-issued rollout container is required. Standard monthly rate is $33.00 for once-per-week service.

Key details: Code Title: Title 17 (Municipal Solid Waste Disposal); Title 13 (Property Maintenance). Provider: City of Franklin Sanitation & Environmental Services (615-794-1516). Container: City-issued rollout cart REQUIRED; private cans NOT serviced. Set-out Window: After 7 PM day before; by 7 AM service day. Removal Deadline: By 7 PM on collection day.

Setting cans out before 7 PM the night before, leaving cans at the curb after 7 PM on collection day, putting unbagged loose trash in the container, using a private (non-city) can, or blocking the sidewalk or ROW are Title 17 / Title 13 violations. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense; fines imposed by Franklin Municipal Court. Report at 615-794-1516 or 615-794-7012.

The Bottom Line

Franklin's property maintenance 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 Franklin is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Franklin's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.