6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Davidson County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
Metro Nashville allows backyard hens in most residential zones without a specific permit cap, but prohibits roosters under the general noise/nuisance ordinance. Coops must meet setbacks under Metro Code §8.12 and zoning code §17.16. Livestock (cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine) restricted to AR2a agricultural zoning. Tennessee Right-to-Farm Act (TCA §43-26-103) protects pre-existing agricultural operations in rural Davidson County.
Davidson County's leash laws are set by Metro Code Chapter 8.04. Physical control (leash, cord, or chain) is required when dogs are off the owner's property. Violations: $50 per animal. Escalating penalties for repeated violations.
Davidson County has no breed-specific legislation. Metro Code Chapter 8.08 uses a behavior-based two-tier dangerous dog system. Tennessee state law preempts local breed bans under TCA §44-8-413.
Backyard beekeeping is permitted throughout Davidson County. State registration with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is required. Hives near property lines require a flyway barrier to direct bee flight upward.
Davidson County prohibits keeping many exotic and wild animals under Metro Code Chapter 10.28 and Title 8. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) permits are required for any allowed Class II wildlife. Most large or dangerous exotic species are banned.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency regulates wildlife feeding under TN §70-4-125 and TWRA Proclamation 00-14. Intentional feeding of deer and bears prohibited statewide. Nashville enforces through hubNashville referrals to TWRA.
1 cities in Davidson County have their own animal ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Davidson County Ordinance Hub →