Landscaping Rules in Franklin, TN (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Franklin, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Per the City of Franklin's Property Maintenance program (administered by Building & Neighborhood Services), all premises in Franklin — 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 standard applies to all grasses, annual plants and vegetation regardless of zoning, and is enforced under the City of Franklin Municipal Code (Title 13 — Property Maintenance Regulations), the City of Franklin Zoning Ordinance, and the International Property Maintenance Code as locally adopted.
Franklin 12-Inch Grass & Weed Height Limit (Title 13)
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Franklin is a recognized Tree City USA community operating an Urban Forestry program with an Urban Forestry Superintendent and Supervisor. Tree topping is expressly prohibited in the City of Franklin under Zoning Ordinance § 5.2.4(6)(f). Routine pruning of trees on private single-family lots of one acre or less is not regulated by the City. Trees within the public right-of-way or City-owned land are maintained by the Urban Forestry section of the Parks Department, and pruning of regulated/protected trees must follow industry standard arboricultural practice.
Franklin Tree Trimming — Tree Topping Prohibited (Zoning § 5.2.4(6)(f))
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Per the Franklin Zoning Ordinance § 17.2 (Tree Protection) and § 17.2.9 (Tree Removal Permits), existing trees on a lot or development site may not be removed unless removal is authorized by an approved development plan, site plan, preliminary plat, building permit, grading permit, or a tree removal permit. A tree removal permit is required for commercial, industrial, or multi-family lots of any size, and for single-family lots larger than one (1) acre. Tree removal on a single-family lot of one acre or less is exempt and does not require a permit.
Franklin Tree Removal — Permit Triggered Outside Single-Family ≤ 1 Acre
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Franklin defines 'weeds, grass and plant growth' as 'all grasses, annual plants and vegetation' and prohibits any of it from exceeding twelve (12) inches in height on any premises, including the perimeter of vacant lots adjacent to rights-of-way or developed properties. The standard is enforced by Building & Neighborhood Services under Title 13 of the Municipal Code, the International Property Maintenance Code as locally adopted, and the Franklin Zoning Ordinance. There is no separate state-level Tennessee 'noxious weed' list applicable to residential lots — invasive plants are tracked through the Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council (TN-EPPC).
Franklin Weed Ordinance — 12 Inches Plus IPMC Nuisance Standards
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
The City of Franklin Water Management Department operates under a Drought Management Plan approved by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). When drought conditions warrant, the Mayor may declare an Emergency Status 1 (or higher) Water Shortage. Under Emergency Status 1, prohibited non-essential uses include: washing sidewalks/driveways/paved areas (except City for public safety); noncommercial vehicle and boat washing; any non-firefighting hydrant use; watering golf courses; and construction dust control or compaction. Landscape watering — if needed — must occur between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. using handheld devices.
Franklin Water Restrictions — Drought Management Plan & Emergency Water Shortage Status
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and unregulated for residential use throughout Tennessee — including Franklin. There are no volume limits, no permit requirements, and no equipment/inspection requirements at the state level. Tennessee SB 2417 / HB 1850 expressly authorizes green infrastructure practices including rainwater harvesting. Franklin and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) actively encourage harvesting through the Tennessee Permanent Stormwater Management Manual (Chapter 5.4.10 Rainwater Harvesting), which credits rainwater harvesting against post-construction stormwater volume requirements.
Franklin Rainwater Harvesting — Legal & Encouraged Under Tennessee Law
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Franklin does not require native-plant landscaping, but the Tree Commission maintains a Recommended Tree List that prioritizes species suited to Middle Tennessee, and the Zoning Ordinance Chapter 17 (Natural Resources) protects existing native canopy and riparian vegetation along the Harpeth River. The Franklin Zoning Ordinance specifically allows removal of invasive species listed by the Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council (TN-EPPC) without a tree removal permit — encouraging replacement of invasives with natives. Tennessee's official state tree is the tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), TCA § 4-1-305.
Franklin Native Plants — Encouraged via Tree Commission Recommended List
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
The City of Franklin does not have a specific ordinance prohibiting or regulating artificial turf on residential lots. Synthetic turf may be installed in rear and side yards without City permits. In front yards or in required landscape areas (under the Zoning Ordinance Chapter 12 Landscape Standards), artificial turf typically does not satisfy 'landscape material' requirements — required plantings, screening areas, and parking-lot interior landscaping must use live plant material per Chapter 12. HOA covenants commonly govern artificial turf on residential lots in Franklin subdivisions and are enforceable independently of City rules.
Franklin Artificial Turf — No Specific Prohibition; Zoning Landscape Standards Apply
Few RestrictionsLooking for Williamson County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Franklin city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Williamson County →