Before You Build in Knoxville, TN: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Knoxville limits front yard fences to 4 feet and side/rear yard fences to 6-8 feet depending on the zoning district. The zoning code (Article 10) establishes standards for fences and walls.

In Knoxville's urban residential areas, each property owner is responsible for their own fence. Tennessee does not have a mandatory fence cost-sharing law. Disputes are civil matters.

Standard residential fences under 6 feet in Knoxville generally do not require a building permit. Masonry walls, fences over 6 feet, and retaining walls require permits.

Knoxville requires a building permit from Plans Review and Inspections for any residential pool, hot tub, or spa over 24 inches deep. Review is under the adopted ISPSC and IRC Chapter 42, with the barrier and safety hardware reviewed in the same permit, and Article 10 accessory-structure setbacks apply.

Knoxville follows the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code for pool safety including anti-entrapment drain covers, barriers, and electrical grounding. Permits and inspections are required.

Above-ground pools in Knoxville must meet the same barrier and safety requirements as in-ground pools. Pools with walls at least 48 inches with lockable access may satisfy the barrier requirement.

Knoxville requires residential swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. The city has adopted the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.

Knoxville permits one ADU by right on any single-family lot. ADUs may be internal, attached, or detached, with standards for size, setbacks, owner occupancy, and parking.

Garage conversions in Knoxville require building permits and must meet building code standards for habitable rooms. Converting to an ADU requires compliance with ADU regulations.

Knoxville Zoning Code Article 10.3.G allows carports only over a driveway in the interior side, corner side, or rear yard. They are capped at 22 feet long, must be open on at least two sides, and must use permanent materials. A building permit is required.

Knoxville has no separate tiny-home ordinance. A site-built tiny home is regulated as a single-family dwelling or as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) under Article 10.3.B. Detached ADUs require a 5,000 sq ft lot, are capped at 600-1,200 sq ft, and limited to two bedrooms.

Small sheds under 200 sq ft in Knoxville generally do not require a building permit. All structures must comply with zoning setbacks and height limits.

Fire pits in Knoxville must be at least 25 feet from structures (15 feet for portable outdoor fireplaces). Fires must be attended with extinguishment on site and must not exceed 24 inches in flame height.

Knoxville allows recreational fires and outdoor burning under specific conditions. Fires must be at least 25 feet from structures, attended at all times, and comply with Knox County air quality regulations.

Knoxville regulates tree removal on development sites through its zoning code. Private property trees generally do not require permits for removal outside of development projects.

Knoxville property owners are responsible for maintaining trees on their property and keeping clearance over sidewalks and streets. The city manages public trees.

Knoxville does not typically impose mandatory outdoor watering restrictions. The Tennessee Valley region generally has adequate rainfall. Voluntary conservation is encouraged during dry periods.