Franklin, TN Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Side/rear yard max (residential)
- 7 feet
- Side/rear yard max (nonresidential)
- 8 feet
- Front yard max
- 3 feet (4.5 ft board fence)
- Corner lot rule
- 15-ft setback or 3-ft height
- Height measured from
- lowest adjacent grade
Summary
Franklin's 2026 Zoning Ordinance caps side and rear yard fences at 7 feet for residential lots, 8 feet for nonresidential and mixed uses, and limits front-yard fences to 3 feet.
Fence and wall height shall be measured from the lowest adjacent grade to the top of the fence or wall, exclusive of posts, columns, and gates. ... Side or Rear Yard ... 7 feet for residential uses and the OR district 8 feet for nonresidential and mixed-uses
Full Breakdown
Height is measured from the lowest adjacent grade to the top of the fence, excluding posts, columns, and gates. Side and rear yard fences top out at 7 feet for residential uses and the OR district, 8 feet for nonresidential and mixed uses. Front yards are capped at 3 feet, or 4.5 feet for board horse fencing; corner lots with a driveway on the side street must set the fence back 15 feet or keep it under 3 feet. Fences and walls may encroach into required yards and setbacks but cannot block sight distance at intersections, sit within 6 feet of a fire hydrant, or go in the public right-of-way. Fences above the height threshold require a Building and Neighborhood Services permit.
Violations & Fines
Fences built outside these limits violate the Zoning Ordinance; the City can require correction, and any Ordinance violation is a misdemeanor fined under Title 12, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my backyard privacy fence be in Franklin?
Can I build a tall fence in my front yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Franklin
How Franklin compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Franklin to another location·View the Tennessee fence regulations overview
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