Nashville, TN Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Metro Code § 16.24.330(L)
- Permitted materials
- Chain link, wrought iron, wood/vinyl/metal, masonry, synthetic
- Slat size limit
- 1 by 6 inches, posts ≤10 ft apart
- Zoning exemption
- AR, AG, R80, RS80 districts exempt
- Enforcement
- Metro Codes Administration
Summary
Metro Nashville limits fences to specific materials, chain link, wrought iron, wood/vinyl/metal slats, masonry, treated synthetic, or decorative split rail, under the property standards code, with exceptions for certain zoning districts.
Except as otherwise provided in the metropolitan zoning code, fences shall be constructed using only the following materials: 1. Woven wire or chain link; 2. Wrought iron; 3. Wood, vinyl, steel, or aluminum slats of no more than one inch by six inches in width...; 4. Masonry consisting of brick, concrete block, split-face block, dry-stack stones, or stones and mortar; 5. Plastic or other synthetic material...; 6. Decorative-type split rail or dry-stack stone may be used for decorative fences.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).
Full Breakdown
Metro Code § 16.24.330(L) limits fences within Nashville and Davidson County to six material types: woven wire or chain link, wrought iron, wood/vinyl/steel/aluminum slats up to 1 by 6 inches between posts no more than 10 feet apart, masonry (brick, concrete block, split-face block, dry-stack stone), treated plastic or synthetic material, and decorative split rail or dry-stack stone for decorative fences. Metal fences must resist rust; wood fences must be painted, stained, or otherwise preserved. The material list doesn't apply to temporary construction, tree-protection, or festival fencing, fencing around a place of incarceration, or to property zoned AR, AG, R80, or RS80, and yields to any conflicting metropolitan zoning code standard.
Violations & Fines
Codes Administration cites and orders correction for fences built from non-listed materials, unpainted or unpreserved wood, or rusted metal; enforcement follows the same process as other property-standards violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fence materials are allowed in Nashville?
Do fence material rules apply in Belle Meade or Goodlettsville?
Are any properties exempt from the fence material list?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
Compare Nashville to another location·View the Tennessee fence regulations overview
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