Can I Build Fence in Nashville, TN? (2026)
Find out if you can build a fence in Nashville, TN. Rules, permit requirements, costs, and next steps.
You can build a fence in Nashville, TN. Whether a permit is required depends on height limits and permit thresholds.
Fence regulations in Nashville, TN govern residential fences and walls. The Metro Nashville Department of Codes Administration enforces building permit requirements for fence projects. The key factor determining whether you need a permit is height limits and permit thresholds.
Fence Rules in Nashville
Fence Rules in Nashville: Permit required: Conditional. When permit is required: Permit required for fences over 7 ft; front yard fences over 4 ft may require permit. Metro Nashville Codes. Side and rear yard fences up to 7 ft typically exempt from permit. Front yard fence restrictions apply per zone standards.
Costs & Fees
Fence permit fees in Nashville: $75–$250.
Timeline
1-2 weeks
Next Steps
Next steps for building a fence in Nashville: 1. Verify whether your project meets the permit threshold. 2. If a permit is required, contact the Metro Nashville Department of Codes Administration at (615) 862-6500 or https://www.nashville.gov/departments/codes. 3. Submit plans and pay applicable fees. 4. Schedule required inspections through the Metro Nashville Department of Codes Administration.
Metro Nashville Department of Codes Administration
Phone: (615) 862-6500
Website: https://www.nashville.gov/departments/codes
Online Permits: https://nashvillepermits.nashville.gov/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a DADU (backyard cottage) on my Nashville property?
Yes. Nashville allows Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs) on single-family lots in residential zones like RS5, RS7.5, RS10, and RS15. The maximum size is 1,000 sqft. Tennessee has no statewide ADU law, so Nashville's local rules apply. No owner-occupancy requirement. You'll need a Metro Nashville building permit, and water/sewer tap fees apply if the DADU has independent plumbing.
What are Nashville's STR rules?
Nashville requires a Short-Term Rental Permit (STRP) for rentals under 30 days. Type 1 permits are for owner-occupied properties (you live there as your primary residence) and are allowed in any residential zone. Type 2 permits (non-owner-occupied) face zone restrictions and caps. Annual permit fee is approximately $325. Maximum occupancy is 2 guests per bedroom. Nashville has one of the most active STR regulatory programs in the Southeast.
What zoning district is my Nashville property in?
You can look up your Nashville property's zoning at the Metro Nashville GIS portal (maps.nashville.gov). Most single-family neighborhoods are zoned RS7.5, RS10, or RS15. Nashville also has R6 and R8 zones for attached housing, and numerous mixed-use zones. The Metro Nashville Code Title 17 governs all zoning standards.
Does Nashville have special rules for Music Row, East Nashville, or other neighborhoods?
Yes. Nashville has numerous specialized overlay districts that modify base zoning standards. Historic Overlay (H) districts like Germantown and Edgefield require Historic Commission review for exterior changes. Urban Design Overlay (UDO) districts apply in areas like The Gulch and SoBro. Specific Plan (SP) and Planned Unit Development (PUD) overlays exist throughout the city for larger development sites.
Nashville experienced major flooding in 2010 — how do I know if my property is in a flood zone?
Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) for your property's flood zone designation. The May 2010 Nashville flood caused over $2 billion in damage along the Cumberland River and Mill Creek corridors. Many Nashville properties in low-lying areas are in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) requiring flood insurance. Metro Nashville's stormwater management program provides additional resources at nashville.gov.
Source: Metro Nashville Department of Codes Administration — Building Regulations. Last verified April 5, 2026. View source