LC FENCE

The Short Answer: It Depends on Where You Are

Knox County and the City of Knoxville are not the same jurisdiction — and that matters for fencing. The rules inside Knoxville city limits differ from unincorporated Knox County, and municipalities like Farragut have their own separate ordinances on top of that. Before you order materials or call a contractor, you need to know which set of rules applies to your property.

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At LC Fence, we've been installing fences across Knox County and Knoxville since 1973. We navigate these rules on every job. Here's what you actually need to know.

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Knox County (Unincorporated Areas)

If your property is outside city limits, the Knox County Zoning Ordinance applies.

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Permit Requirements

Fences up to seven (7) feet are exempt from a building permit in unincorporated Knox County. Fences over seven feet require a permit through the Knox County Department of Code Administration. Permits are separate from zoning and setback rules — even permit-exempt fences must comply with zoning.

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Height Rules

• Side and rear yards: up to 7 feet.
• Front yards: maximum 4 feet.
• Corner lots: any yard abutting a public street is treated as a front yard. Corner properties effectively have two front yards, each capped at 4 feet.

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Placement and Property Lines

• No fence in the public right-of-way.
• Fences must be located entirely on your property.
• Corner lots: maintain a clear sight triangle of 25 feet from intersecting property lines — visibility for motorists and pedestrians must not be blocked.
• No fence within 3 feet of a fire hydrant; hydrants must remain visible from the street.
• The finished (good) side of the fence must face neighboring properties and the public right-of-way.

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Special Situations

Floodplains: Construction within a designated floodplain or floodway requires a Floodplain Development Permit and review by Stormwater Management. Fences cannot impede floodwater flow.

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Historic Overlays: Properties within a Historic District or Technology Overlay may need a Certificate of Appropriateness before installing or modifying a fence.

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Pool Fencing: Any pool, hot tub, or spa capable of holding more than 24 inches of water requires a permit. The safety fence is reviewed as part of that pool permit and must meet specific enclosure requirements under the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.

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City of Knoxville

Inside Knoxville city limits, fencing is governed by the City Zoning Code (Article 10) and the 2018 International Residential Code. Administration is through the Plans Review and Inspections Division — (865) 215-4311.

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Permit Requirements

Fences up to seven (7) feet do not require a building permit in the city. Fences over seven feet do. Pool safety barriers are always permitted as part of the pool permit process, regardless of fence height.

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Height Rules

• Rear and side yards: up to 7 feet without a permit.
• Front yards: maximum 4 feet.
• In some zones, front yard fences must be positioned at least 25 feet from the front property line — confirm with Plans Review at (865) 215-4311 for your specific address and zoning district.
• Corner lots: all yards abutting streets are treated as front yards with the 4-foot maximum.

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Allowed and Prohibited Materials

Allowed: Chain link, pressure-treated wood, vinyl/PVC, wrought iron, aluminum, ornamental woven wire, welded wire mesh.

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Not allowed as permanent fencing: Sheet metal, chicken wire, temporary construction fencing, snow fencing.

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Farragut

The Town of Farragut has its own zoning code and some of the most active HOA communities in Knox County. In Farragut, you're typically navigating both town code and HOA covenants simultaneously. Check both before starting any project.

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HOA Rules — Often Stricter Than the Code

Particularly in Farragut, West Knoxville, Hardin Valley, and newer subdivisions, Homeowners Associations impose fence restrictions well beyond what county or city code requires. Common HOA restrictions include:

• Approved materials only — often no chain link in front yards or street-visible areas
• Lower height limits (some HOAs cap at 6 feet even in rear yards)
• Specific color and finish requirements (white vinyl, black aluminum only)
• Style restrictions (picket only in front yards, no privacy panels visible from the street)
• Mandatory written HOA approval before installation begins

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Violating HOA covenants can result in fines and mandatory fence removal — even if your fence fully complies with all county and city codes. Always get written HOA approval before any installation begins.

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Practical Steps Before You Build

1. Know your jurisdiction. Unincorporated Knox County, City of Knoxville, or Farragut? Each has different rules.
2. Find your property lines. You are responsible. If there's uncertainty, get a survey before installation begins.
3. Check for easements. Utility, drainage, and access easements restrict where fences can go. Call 811 (Tennessee One Call) before any digging.
4. Review HOA covenants. Get written approval — not verbal — before starting.
5. Check for floodplain designation. FEMA flood maps available at msc.fema.gov. Additional permits required if your property is affected.
6. Talk to your neighbors. Tennessee law requires the finished side to face neighbors. A two-minute conversation prevents disputes that can drag on for years.
7. Call LC Fence. We've navigated Knox County fence rules since 1973. Our project managers know every corner of this county and handle the planning so you don't have to guess.

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What Happens If You Skip the Rules?

Installing a non-compliant fence in Knox County can mean fines, stop-work orders, and mandatory removal at your own expense. Title companies also flag unpermitted or non-compliant structures during home sales, which can delay or kill a transaction. The cost of doing it right the first time is always less than doing it twice.

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LC Fence Handles All of This For You

LC Fence holds Tennessee Unlimited Contractor's License #54371. We know Knox County fence rules, Knoxville's zoning code, and the HOA requirements in Farragut, Hardin Valley, and every other community we serve. We've been doing this since 1973.

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We'll walk your property, identify restrictions and easements, advise on what's allowed, and build a fence that meets every requirement.

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Call us at (865) 988-9935 or visit lcfence.com for a free estimate. We serve Knox County, Loudon County, Roane County, Anderson County, Blount County, and all of East Tennessee.