Franklin, TN Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Zoning Ordinance § 13.1.2(C)
- Trigger
- Depends on fence height
- Administered by
- Building and Neighborhood Services
- Height measured from
- Lowest adjacent grade
Summary
Franklin's 2026 zoning ordinance says a fence or wall may need a building permit depending on its height, administered by the Department of Building and Neighborhood Services.
C. Permitting Fences and walls may need a building permit, depending on the height, subject to the requirements of the Department of Building and Neighborhood Services.
D. Maximum Height Fence and wall height shall comply with the following table:
Location Front Yard Front Yard Facing a Side Street, at Least 20 Feet Behind the Front Facade (for Corner Lots Only) Side or Rear Yard Open Space Lot Frontage Treatment
Maximum Height 3 feet, but may be 4.5 feet for board horse fencing AG district not regulated 7 feet for residential uses and the OR district 8 feet for nonresidential and mixed-uses Where a driveway access is located on the side street, the fence or wall shall either be set back a min. 15 feet from the side street lot line or not exceed a height of 3 feet 7 feet for residential uses and the OR district 8 feet for nonresidential and mixed-uses 3 feet, but may be 4.5 feet for board horse fencing
Franklin Zoning Ordinance Effective January 13, 2026 235
13Chapter FENCES, WALLS, AND SCREENING Fences and Walls
Figure 13.1.2 Fence and wall locations and heights.
Full Breakdown
Franklin Zoning Ordinance § 13.1.2(C) doesn't set a blanket permit trigger; instead permitting turns on the fence or wall's height, subject to the Department of Building and Neighborhood Services' requirements. Height is measured from the lowest adjacent grade to the top of the fence or wall, excluding posts, columns, and gates, per § 13.1.2(B). Because the maximum allowed height itself varies by yard location and district under § 13.1.2(D), whether a specific fence needs a permit depends on where it sits and how tall it is.
Violations & Fines
Building a taller fence or wall without the required permit exposes the owner to a stop-work order and correction from the Department of Building and Neighborhood Services, plus possible removal of noncompliant fencing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Franklin fence need a permit?
How is fence height measured in Franklin?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Franklin
Compare Franklin to another location·View the Tennessee fence regulations overview
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