The Knox County Zoning Ordinance sets no restrictions on residential fence materials such as wood, vinyl, chain-link, or masonry. Materials are specified only where screening is required, which must be an opaque ornamental fence, wall, or dense evergreen hedge.
For ordinary residential fences, Knox County zoning does not prohibit or mandate particular materials, colors, or opacity. The code addresses materials only in screening and buffer contexts. Where off-street parking is approved in a restrictive zone, the required enclosure must be an opaque ornamental fence, wall, or dense evergreen hedge (Sec. 3.51.10.B). Salvage and wrecking storage must sit within an enclosed opaque fence or wall. Outside those specific screening rules, homeowners in the unincorporated county choose their own fence materials. A masonry wall may trigger the Section 6.10.01 building-permit requirement. Knoxville and Farragut may impose additional material rules within their limits.
Using a non-conforming material where opaque screening is required violates the Zoning Ordinance; the $10-$500 civil penalty under Section 6.20.02 applies, each day a separate offense.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Knoxville, TN
Knoxville has no general City Code ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, garden statues, religious displays, or yard decorations on private residential prope...
Knoxville, TN
Knoxville has no City Code ordinance specifically regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must stay within the pr...
Knoxville, TN
Knoxville has no dedicated City Code ordinance regulating the timing, brightness, or quantity of residential holiday light displays. General electrical safet...
Knoxville, TN
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Knoxville require Plans Review & Inspections permits when they include gas lines, plumbing, electrical work, or structures. Nat...
Knoxville, TN
Knoxville treats wood smokers, pellet grills, and other solid-fuel cooking equipment under the 2024 International Fire Code as adopted in City Code Chapter 1...
Knoxville, TN
Knoxville has adopted the 2024 International Fire Code under City Code Chapter 11, Article II (Sections 11-21 to 11-22), effective January 2025. IFC Section ...
See how Knoxville's material restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.