City of Lakeland fence permit
Do you need a fence permit in the City of Lakeland? Yes. The City of Lakeland requires a permit before you build a fence.
buildit.dog can turn a fence drawn on an aerial photo of your lot into a complete permit application package for the City of Lakeland (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes. Start with your address.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- Yes source
- Side and rear yards
- 6 ft average source
- Front (street) yard
- 2.5 ft front yard (solid fences in RE and A districts up to 4 ft) source
- Corner lots
- Solid fences not allowed within 25 ft of a front and corner-side property line intersection source
- Distance from lot line
- Fence goes on the owner's side of the property line. Solid fences over 2.5 ft not within 25 ft of an open water body. No fences in Scenic Corridor Buffers or blocking drainageways. source
- Good side faces
- Finished side faces outward from the lot. source
- Not allowed
- Barbed wire, chain link, exposed cinder/concrete block, metal mesh, razor wire, single-wire fences (with exceptions such as dog runs, certain districts, and vinyl-coated chain link in rear/side yards other than through lots). source
- How to apply
- Online portal, in person source
How to file for a fence permit in the City of Lakeland
Steps based on lakelandtn.gov — Permits
- Fill out the Fence/Wall Permit Application and prepare a site plan (and HOA letter if applicable).
- Apply online through the City's Cityworks portal, or deliver the paper application in person to City Hall (not accepted by email unless Planning approves).
- Pay the fee only after the permit is reviewed and approved.
- Schedule the final inspection after construction.
- Call 811 before digging.
- Paying
- Fee accepted after review and approval
- Inspections
- Final inspection after construction
- Permit good for
- Void if construction not started within six months
Who to contact
Planning Department
- Phone
- 901-867-2716
- Address
- Planning Department, City Hall, 10001 Highway 70, Lakeland, TN 38002
Contact from lakelandtn.gov — Permits
What to submit
- Completed Fence/Wall Permit Application
- Site plan showing fence location
- HOA approval letter if in an HOA
Other rules to know
- Posts, columns and light fixtures may go up to 1 ft over the height limit.
- Steep slopes: up to 10 ft with Design Review Commission review above 6 ft.
- Reviewed through Minor Site Plan Review.
Before you dig
Call 811 before digging post holes so underground utility lines are marked. Find your lot corner markers and keep the fence on your side of the line. Find your lot corner markers and keep the fence on your side of the line. County parcel maps can be off by several feet; if you're not sure where the line is, a licensed land surveyor can stake it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in the City of Lakeland, TN?
Yes. The City of Lakeland requires a permit before you build a fence.
How tall can a fence be in the City of Lakeland?
Side and rear yards: 6 ft average. Front (street) yard: 2.5 ft front yard (solid fences in RE and A districts up to 4 ft). Corner lots: Solid fences not allowed within 25 ft of a front and corner-side property line intersection.
How close to the property line can I put a fence in the City of Lakeland?
Fence goes on the owner's side of the property line. Solid fences over 2.5 ft not within 25 ft of an open water body. No fences in Scenic Corridor Buffers or blocking drainageways.
Which side of the fence has to face the neighbor in the City of Lakeland?
Finished side faces outward from the lot.
How do I apply for a fence permit in the City of Lakeland?
Fill out the Fence/Wall Permit Application and prepare a site plan (and HOA letter if applicable). Apply online through the City's Cityworks portal, or deliver the paper application in person to City Hall (not accepted by email unless Planning approves). Pay the fee only after the permit is reviewed and approved. Schedule the final inspection after construction. Call 811 before digging. buildit.dog can turn a fence drawn on an aerial photo of your lot into a complete permit application package for the City of Lakeland (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes.
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the City of Lakeland?
Planning Department. Phone 901-867-2716.
Sources
Summarized from the City of Lakeland's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Work for the City of Lakeland? Help us keep this right
If anything on this page is wrong or out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Municipal staff reports are reviewed first. Please include a link to the current ordinance, form or fee schedule if you can.