Fences in Memphis require a permit when over 4 feet tall in front yards or 6 feet in rear and side yards. All fences must meet setback and visibility-triangle rules. Masonry or retaining walls taller than 4 feet need a separate structural permit.
Memphis Unified Development Code Chapter 4 governs fence permits. Residential fences under 4 feet in the front yard and under 6 feet in side and rear yards are typically exempt from a building permit but must comply with setback and corner visibility-triangle rules. Fences over those heights, or any fence in a commercial, industrial, or historic district, require a zoning review and a permit from the Office of Construction Code Enforcement. Corner lots must maintain a 25-foot visibility triangle with fence height under 3 feet. Fences along arterial streets may face additional design-review requirements. Masonry walls, retaining walls over 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing, and any wall supporting a surcharge (driveway, pool, slope) require a structural permit with engineered drawings. Historic Memphis neighborhoods including Victorian Village, Central Gardens, and Evergreen have separate Historic Landmarks Commission review for front-yard fences.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Memphis code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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