Shelby County, TN Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front yard fence
- 4 feet max
- Decorative metal front
- 8 feet max
- Side or rear setback
- 9 feet max
- Deep front (40+ ft back)
- 8 feet allowed
- Code section
- UDC Sub-Section 4.6.7
Summary
In unincorporated Shelby County the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code caps front-yard fences at four feet, with decorative metal permitted up to eight feet, and side or rear fences at nine feet in required setbacks.
No fence or wall may exceed four feet in height between the front facade of any single-family residence and a public right-of-way or private street... Wrought iron or other decorative metal fencing may be up to eight feet in height in the front yard.
Full Breakdown
The Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code (UDC) governs zoning for unincorporated Shelby County, administered by the Division of Planning and Development. Under UDC Sub-Section 4.6.7C, no fence or wall may exceed four feet in height between the front facade of a single-family residence and a public right-of-way or private street. Two exceptions apply: wrought iron or decorative metal fencing may reach eight feet in the front yard, and residences set at least 40 feet back may build up to eight feet if kept 40 feet from the street. Sub-Section 4.6.7D allows fences up to nine feet in any required side or rear setback. Incorporated cities such as Memphis and Germantown enforce their own codes.
Violations & Fines
Fences exceeding these limits without an approved administrative deviation under UDC Chapter 9.21 are zoning violations enforced by the Division of Planning and Development and Code Enforcement. Remedies include correction notices, removal or reduction of the fence, and civil penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a front-yard fence be in unincorporated Shelby County?
How tall can a backyard fence be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby County
How Shelby County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Shelby County to another location·View the Tennessee fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.