Shelby County, TN Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Fence-rule status
- Exempt from 4.6.7
- Exemption source
- UDC Sub-Section 4.6.7A
- Height limit
- No UDC fence cap
- Structural walls
- May need permit
- Easements
- Must be respected
Summary
The Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code exempts retaining walls from the fence height and setback provisions of Section 4.6.7, so retaining walls in unincorporated Shelby County are not limited by the fence-height rules.
Retaining Walls. Retaining walls are exempt from the following provisions.
Full Breakdown
Under the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code, Sub-Section 4.6.7A expressly states that retaining walls are exempt from the fence and wall provisions of Section 4.6.7. That means the four-foot front-yard and nine-foot side and rear fence limits do not apply to a true retaining wall in unincorporated Shelby County. A retaining wall holds back earth at a change in grade, unlike a freestanding fence or privacy wall, which remains subject to the full height and material rules. Retaining walls still must respect utility and drainage easements, and structural walls may require a building permit and engineered plans through the Develop901 portal and Construction Code Enforcement. Any combined fence-on-wall structure is regulated for the fence portion under Section 4.6.7.
Violations & Fines
Because retaining walls are exempt from Section 4.6.7 height limits, height alone is not a violation. But a wall built in an easement, causing drainage problems, or lacking a required permit can trigger enforcement by Construction Code Enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are retaining walls limited by the fence height rules?
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby County
Compare Shelby County to another location·View the Tennessee fence regulations overview
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