Knox County, TN Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- General fence required?
- No
- Restrictive-zone parking
- 5-6 ft opaque enclosure
- Mobile home park
- 7-foot solid enclosure
- Salvage/wrecking storage
- 8-12 ft opaque fence
- Scope
- Unincorporated county
Summary
Knox County does not require ordinary residential fences, but its Zoning Ordinance mandates opaque screening fences in specific cases, such as a 5-to-6-foot enclosure around off-street parking approved in a restrictive zone and a 7-foot enclosure around mobile home parks.
All sides of the lot, except those openings for ingress and egress, shall be enclosed with an opaque ornamental fence, wall or dense evergreen hedge having a height of not less than five (5) feet nor more than six (6) feet. Such fence, wall or hedge shall be maintained in good condition.
Full Breakdown
For a standard single-family lot, no fence is required. The Knox County Zoning Ordinance imposes fencing only in specific screening and buffering situations. Where off-street parking is approved as a use-on-review in a more restrictive zone, all sides except ingress and egress must be enclosed with an opaque ornamental fence, wall, or dense evergreen hedge between 5 and 6 feet high (Sec. 3.51.10.B). A mobile home park must be entirely enclosed at its boundaries by a solid wall, fence, or evergreen hedge at least 7 feet high, set back 25 feet from any public street. Salvage or wrecking storage requires an 8-to-12-foot opaque enclosure.
Violations & Fines
Failing to install a required screening fence or buffer violates the Zoning Ordinance and carries a $10-$500 civil penalty under Section 6.20.02, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I required to fence my yard?
What height must a required screening fence be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Knox County
How Knox County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Knox County to another location·View the Tennessee fence regulations overview
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