Franklin, TN Fence Regulations: Fence Requirements (2026)

Franklin Zoning Ordinance Chapter 13 (Fences, Walls, and Screening) is the master fence provision in the City. Section 13.1.2 sets the height table: 3 feet front yard, 4.5 feet for board horse fencing front yard, 7 feet residential side/rear and corner-lot frontage, 8 feet nonresidential and mixed-use side/rear and corner-lot frontage, with height 'measured from the lowest adjacent grade to the top of the fence or wall.' Section 13.1.3 prohibits the use of a berm to increase fence height. Section 13.1.4 requires front-yard fences to be 'a maximum of 75 percent opaque.' Section 13.1.6 (Materials) requires that 'Fences shall be constructed of any combination of treated wood posts, pickets, rot-resistant wood (such as cypress or redwood), or metal,' and adds that 'Posts or columns shall be constructed of wood, brick, natural stone, cultured stone, or other masonry materials,' and 'Fences serving nonresidential uses shall have masonry columns every 50 feet on-center or less.' Chain link fencing and chain link gates are not permitted except in the LI (Light Industrial) and HI (Heavy Industrial) districts, with required dark green or black vinyl coating; in the LI district chain link is prohibited in front yards. Wire fences and above-ground electrified fences are permitted only within the AG (Agricultural) district for control of livestock. The City of Franklin enforces sight-distance triangles at street intersections, prohibits fences within public rights-of-way, and prohibits encroachment into recorded easements without written consent. Building permits are issued by Building and Neighborhood Services under the City-adopted IBC/IRC family (2018 edition for plans pre-1/1/2026 and 2024 edition thereafter, per TCA Title 68, Chapter 120).