Franklin, TN Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Front yard max (residential)
- 2 feet
- Side/rear yard max (residential)
- 6 feet
- Max walls per lot
- 3
- Lot-line setback
- 5 ft or wall height
Summary
Franklin caps residential retaining walls at 2 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards, with taller or paired walls needing extra setback and a building permit.
Retaining walls shall be set back from a lot line a minimum of five feet or the distance equal to the height of the wall, whichever is greater. ... Retaining walls may need a building permit, depending on the height. ... Front Yard Retaining Wall Maximum 2 feet Height ... Side and Rear Yard Retaining Maximum 6 feet Wall Height ... Maximum 3 per lot
Full Breakdown
Retaining walls for residential uses top out at 2 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards, capped at 3 walls per lot with at least 3 feet of horizontal separation between opposing wall faces for planting. Walls must be set back from any lot line by at least 5 feet or a distance equal to the wall's height, whichever is greater, and cannot sit in a right-of-way, block drainage, or come within 6 feet of a fire hydrant. Height is measured from the lowest finished grade to the top of the wall, and retaining walls above a set height require a Building and Neighborhood Services permit.
Violations & Fines
Retaining walls that exceed the height table or skip the required setback and permit violate the Ordinance; the City can order correction, and violations are misdemeanors fined under Title 12, each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a retaining wall be in my Franklin backyard?
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Franklin
Compare Franklin to another location·View the Tennessee fence regulations overview
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