Tennessee limits local zoning interference with bona fide farm operations under T.C.A. 13-7-114 and Right to Farm protections in T.C.A. 43-26-103, preserving rural land use rights.
Tennessee law restricts local zoning ordinances from prohibiting or unreasonably restricting agriculture on land used for farm purposes. T.C.A. 13-7-114 exempts bona fide farms from county zoning restrictions on agricultural activities, structures, and land uses. Combined with the Right to Farm Act under T.C.A. 43-26-103, the statutes preserve farmer flexibility to expand crops, build farm structures, and conduct agritourism. Zoning may still regulate non-agricultural commercial uses and ensure setbacks for confined animal feeding operations near residential areas.
Local zoning enforcement against protected farms is invalid, and farmers can seek declaratory and injunctive relief against improper restrictions.
Knoxville, TN
Knoxville has no general City Code ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, garden statues, religious displays, or yard decorations on private residential prope...
Knoxville, TN
Knoxville has no City Code ordinance specifically regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must stay within the pr...
Knoxville, TN
Knoxville has no dedicated City Code ordinance regulating the timing, brightness, or quantity of residential holiday light displays. General electrical safet...
Knoxville, TN
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Knoxville require Plans Review & Inspections permits when they include gas lines, plumbing, electrical work, or structures. Nat...
Knoxville, TN
Knoxville treats wood smokers, pellet grills, and other solid-fuel cooking equipment under the 2024 International Fire Code as adopted in City Code Chapter 1...
Knoxville, TN
Knoxville has adopted the 2024 International Fire Code under City Code Chapter 11, Article II (Sections 11-21 to 11-22), effective January 2025. IFC Section ...
See how Knoxville's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.