City of Franklin fence rules
Do you need a fence permit in the City of Franklin? No. The City of Franklin does not require a permit for a typical residential fence, but height and placement rules still apply.
At buildit.dog you can draw your fence on an aerial photo of your lot and check it against the City of Franklin's rules before you build. Start with your address.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- No (typical residential fence) source
- Side and rear yards
- 7 ft (residential) source
- Front (street) yard
- 3 ft (4.5 ft for board horse fencing; not regulated in AG) source
- Corner lots
- Corner lots: 7 ft along the side street if at least 20 ft behind the front facade; if a driveway uses the side street, the fence must be 15 ft from that lot line or 3 ft or lower source
- Distance from lot line
- Fences may encroach into required yards. Not in public right-of-way, utility easements without the holder's written consent, or access easements; more than 6 ft from a fire hydrant; drainage easements only with the holder's permission and without blocking drainage; no sight-distance conflicts. source
- How to apply
- Call 615-794-7012 source
How to build within the rules in the City of Franklin
Steps based on franklintn.gov — residential and commercial construction
- A fence 6 ft or lower needs no building permit; keep it 3 ft or lower in the front yard and 7 ft or lower in side and rear yards.
- For a fence over 6 ft, apply for a building permit through the City's electronic plan review system (PDF plans).
- Questions: Building and Neighborhood Services, 615-794-7012.
- Call 811 before digging.
- Review time
- Residential permit applications processed in 7 working days or less
Who to contact
- Phone
- 615-794-7012
Contact from franklintn.gov — residential and commercial construction
Other rules to know
- A building permit is not required for a fence 6 ft or less; fences over 6 ft need a building permit. Zoning Ordinance design standards apply either way.
- Height is measured from the lowest adjacent grade; berms can't add height (Zoning Ordinance effective January 13, 2026, Sec. 13.1).
- Residential permit applications are processed in 7 working days or less through the City's electronic plan review system.
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 Franklin, TN?
No. The City of Franklin does not require a permit for a typical residential fence, but height and placement rules still apply.
How tall can a fence be in the City of Franklin?
Side and rear yards: 7 ft (residential). Front (street) yard: 3 ft (4.5 ft for board horse fencing; not regulated in AG). Corner lots: Corner lots: 7 ft along the side street if at least 20 ft behind the front facade; if a driveway uses the side street, the fence must be 15 ft from that lot line or 3 ft or lower.
How close to the property line can I put a fence in the City of Franklin?
Fences may encroach into required yards. Not in public right-of-way, utility easements without the holder's written consent, or access easements; more than 6 ft from a fire hydrant; drainage easements only with the holder's permission and without blocking drainage; no sight-distance conflicts.
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the City of Franklin?
Building and Neighborhood Services. Phone 615-794-7012.
Sources
Summarized from the City of Franklin's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Ordinance: Franklin Zoning Ordinance Sec. 13.1 Fences and Walls
Work for the City of Franklin? 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.