Fence Regulations in Memphis, TN (2026)
7 verified fence regulations for Memphis, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Memphis fence height standards under §150.078: in areas zoned or used for business/commercial: max 6 ft; industrial: max 8 ft. Residential fence heights set by local zoning district in the Unified Development Code. Typical residential: 4 ft front, 6 ft rear/side.
Memphis Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
Fences in Memphis require a permit when over 4 feet tall in front yards or 6 feet in rear and side yards. All fences must meet setback and visibility-triangle rules. Masonry or retaining walls taller than 4 feet need a separate structural permit.
Fence Permits in Memphis
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Tennessee law treats boundary fences as shared when both owners use them, with 50/50 cost splits common by agreement. Memphis has no written good-neighbor fence ordinance, so disputes fall under Tennessee common law and property-line surveys. Written agreements are strongly recommended.
Fence Neighbor Rules in Memphis
Some RestrictionsRetaining Walls
Retaining walls in Memphis over 4 feet in height, or any height if supporting a surcharge, require an engineered structural permit. Drainage behind the wall must be designed to prevent hydrostatic failure, a common issue in Memphis loess soils.
Retaining Wall Rules in Memphis
Some RestrictionsPool Barriers
Memphis requires pool barriers at least 48 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates around all residential swimming pools. The barrier must not have openings larger than 4 inches, and the latch must be at least 54 inches above grade.
Pool Barrier Rules in Memphis
Heavy RestrictionsFence Requirements
Memphis fences must comply with height, material, and setback rules in the Unified Development Code. Residential front-yard fences are limited to 4 feet; side and rear yards allow 6 feet. Fences cannot use barbed wire in residential zones or block corner visibility.
Fence Requirements in Memphis
Some RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
Memphis allows wood, vinyl, composite, chain link, wrought iron, and masonry fences in most zones. Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited in residential zones. Historic districts require compatible traditional materials such as wood pickets and wrought iron.