Rutherford County, TN Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Side/rear yard max
- 8 feet
- Front yard max
- 8 feet if transparent
- Tennis court fencing
- 12 feet
- Commercial/industrial max
- 15 feet
- Measured from
- Finished grade to top
Summary
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.
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.).
Full Breakdown
The Rutherford County Zoning Ordinance (Section 1101 B.1) sets an 8-foot maximum for residential fences in side and rear yards. A front-yard fence may also be 8 feet, but any fence inside the required front setback must be transparent (split rail, picket, or chain link). Tennis court fencing may reach 12 feet and baseball backstops 16 feet. In commercial or industrial districts, fences may be up to 15 feet, but no more than 6 feet between the principal building and the street right-of-way. Height is measured from finished grade to the top of each section, not from the top of a berm. Municipalities like Murfreesboro apply their own city fence standards.
Violations & Fines
Fences violating height or placement rules are zoning violations enforced by Rutherford County Planning & Engineering; the Director of Building and Codes may order repair, replacement, or removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a solid 8-foot privacy fence in my front yard?
How is fence height measured?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rutherford County
How Rutherford County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Rutherford County to another location·View the Tennessee fence regulations overview
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