7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Rutherford County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated Rutherford County, residential fences may not exceed 8 feet in side and rear yards. Front-yard fences may reach 8 feet only if of transparent construction (split rail, picket, chain link). Commercial/industrial fences cap at 15 feet.
Rutherford County Zoning Ordinance §1101 B.1
In any residential district, no fence or wall shall exceed eight (8) feet in height in side and rear yards. Fences in front yards may be eight (8) feet in height provided that fences within the required front yard (i.e. front setback) be of transparent construction (i.e. split rail, picket, chain link, etc.).
The City of Murfreesboro requires a building permit before constructing any fence. In unincorporated Rutherford County, fences must comply with the Zoning Ordinance and a zoning compliance review; contact Planning & Engineering before building.
City of Murfreesboro Fence FAQ (Planning/Building)
A building permit is required in order to construct the fence.
Murfreesboro imposes no fence setback but warns owners not to encroach on a neighbor's property, easements, or the right of way. Rutherford County requires fences to stay out of the right-of-way and out of utility or drainage easements without written consent.
City of Murfreesboro Fence FAQ
There are no setback requirements for fences - but please take care not to encroach upon your neighbor's property, on a drainage or utility easement or the public right of way.
Retaining walls are allowed within required yards in all Rutherford County zoning districts as a permitted obstruction, provided they do not impede the vision triangle or block natural water drainage. Structural retaining walls also fall under Building and Codes review.
Rutherford County Zoning Ordinance §1101 C.1.j
In all districts, the following shall not be considered obstructions when located within a required yard except these items shall comply with Subsections 1101 A and B. ... j. Retaining walls
Rutherford County requires fence posts to be set at least 2 feet deep, fences positioned so support members do not face the street, and 5-foot clearance around electrical transformers and pedestals. Owners must keep fences in good repair.
Rutherford County Zoning Ordinance §1101 B.2, B.5
All fence posts/supports shall be set into the ground a minimum depth of two (2) feet. ... Fences shall be positioned so that all the support wood, posts, cross members, etc. will not be facing the street.
Rutherford County bars fences topped with barbed or razor wire (except agricultural/non-residential), electrified fences (except livestock), flammable materials, solid plywood or scrap lumber, and plain concrete or cinderblock unless finished with masonry.
Rutherford County Zoning Ordinance §1101 B.4
Prohibited Fences... Fences constructed primarily or topped with barbed wire or razor wire... Fences carrying electrical current, except for the purpose of enclosing livestock for an agricultural use... Fences or walls made of solid plywood, scrap lumber... Fences or walls made of common concrete or cinderblock, unless finished with a masonry material.
Rutherford County permits masonry or stone walls, ornamental iron, chain-link, and wood or vinyl fences in all zoning districts. Other materials may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Planning & Engineering Department.
Rutherford County Zoning Ordinance §1101 B.3
The following types of fences are permitted in all zoning districts: Masonry or stone walls; Ornamental iron; Chain-link; Wood or Vinyl; Other materials may be considered on a case by case basis.
1 cities in Rutherford County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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