Jackson, TN Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Restriction
- No barbed wire along/adjacent to streets, alleys
- Enforcement
- Police chief may cut fence after 1 day's notice
- Industrial exception
- Chain-link 6+ feet with angled brackets
- General penalty
- Up to $500 (§ 3-102)
- Electric fencing
- Not addressed in this chapter
Summary
In the City of Jackson, Tennessee, property owners may not erect or maintain a barbed wire fence along or adjacent to any street, square or public alley under Jackson Municipal Code § 11-806. An industrial-zone exception allows barbed wire strung above a six-foot (6') chain-link fence, and the chief of police can cut down a noncompliant fence after one day's notice.
It shall be unlawful for any property owner or his agent to erect, maintain or permit a barbed wire fence on his premises along or adjacent to any street, square or public alley in the city. If, after one (1) day's notice the fence is not removed, it shall be the duty of the chief of police to cut and remove the wires of such fence. ... Provided, however, that within industrial areas as provided in the zoning ordinance of the City of Jackson or around industrial plants which are nonconforming uses within the City of Jackson barbed wire may be installed to chain link fences in those cases where such chain link fence is at least six feet (6') above sidewalk or street level, provided the barbed wire overhang be attached to forty-five degree (45°) brackets projecting over private property.
Full Breakdown
Jackson Municipal Code § 11-806, in Title 11, Chapter 8 (Offenses Against Public Health, Safety, Morals, Welfare), bars any property owner or agent from erecting, maintaining or permitting a barbed wire fence along or adjacent to a street, square or public alley within the City of Jackson, Tennessee. The rule is a street-facing restriction rather than a citywide ban on barbed wire as a material: a residential fence set back from any street, square or public alley falls outside § 11-806's reach. Enforcement is unusually direct for a property-maintenance rule.
If a noncompliant barbed wire fence is not removed within one (1) day of notice, § 11-806 makes it the affirmative duty of the chief of police to cut and remove the wires personally, rather than only issue a citation. The section also carves out an industrial exception: within industrial zoning districts, or around industrial plants that are legal nonconforming uses, barbed wire may be strung above a chain-link fence, but only where the chain-link fence itself is at least six feet (6') above sidewalk or street level and the barbed wire overhang is mounted on brackets angled forty-five degrees (45°) out over private property, away from the public way.
Because § 11-806 sets no separate fine, a conviction is punished under the general penalty provision, § 3-102, which authorizes a Jackson City Court civil penalty up to five hundred dollars ($500.00) plus costs. The ordinance does not address electric fencing; that material is not separately regulated in this chapter.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 11-806 falls under the code's general penalty provision, § 3-102, exposing the owner to a Jackson City Court civil penalty of up to five hundred dollars ($500.00) plus costs. Beyond the fine, the ordinance gives the chief of police direct authority to cut and remove a noncompliant barbed wire fence's wires once one (1) day's notice has passed and the fence is still standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a barbed wire fence in Jackson, Tennessee?
What happens if I don't take down an illegal barbed wire fence?
Is there an exception for barbed wire in Jackson?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jackson
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