Fence Regulations in Rutherford County, TN (2026)
3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Rutherford County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
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.
Fence Height Limits in Rutherford County, TN
Some RestrictionsRutherford 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.).
Retaining Walls
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.
Retaining Wall Rules in Rutherford County
Some RestrictionsRutherford 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
Material Restrictions
In unincorporated Rutherford County, the Zoning Ordinance bans barbed wire, razor wire, concertina wire and electrified fencing on residential property, along with plywood, scrap lumber, unfinished cinderblock and flammable materials like paper or canvas. Section 1101 B.4 exempts agricultural livestock enclosures and public-safety facilities, and the Director of Building and Codes enforces the ban.
Prohibited Fence Materials in Rutherford County, TN
Some RestrictionsRutherford County Zoning Ordinance § 1101 B.4
4. Prohibited Fences. The following types of fences are prohibited: Fences constructed primarily or topped with barbed wire or razor wire, or deployed, raised, arranged or expanded in concertina form, except when used in conjunction with an agricultural use or purpose, non-residentially zoned property ... or uses, and/or serving a public institution for public safety or special services. Fences...
Fence Regulations by City in Rutherford County
1 cities in Rutherford County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Rutherford County ordinances
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