Nashville Height Limits Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Some RestrictionsKey Facts
- Front Yard Max
- 4 feet
- Side/Rear Yard Max
- 6 feet
- Permit Threshold
- Over 6 feet
- Historic District
- Design review required
- Barbed Wire
- Prohibited in residential zones
The Short Version
Nashville limits front yard fences to 4 feet and side/rear fences to 6 feet in residential zones. No permit is needed for fences up to 6 feet. Above 6 feet, you need a building permit and possibly a zoning variance. The city doesn't restrict fence materials in most residential zones, so wood, vinyl, chain link, and wrought iron are all fine. Nashville does prohibit barbed wire and razor wire in residential areas. Corner lot visibility rules require fences within 25 feet of an intersection to stay below 3 feet. The biggest gotcha: if you're in a historic overlay district, the Metro Historical Commission has to approve your fence design.
Full Breakdown
Nashville's fence regulations (Metro Zoning Code Section 17.20.030) set clear height limits by yard location. Front yard fences max out at 4 feet — slightly more generous than many cities. Side and rear yard fences can reach 6 feet without a permit.
The historic overlay districts are where things get complicated. Nashville has dozens of historic overlays — Germantown, Lockeland Springs, Sylvan Park, and others. In these areas, the Metro Historical Commission must approve your fence design, materials, and height before construction. This can add weeks or months to the process and limit your material choices.
For non-historic areas, the city is fairly flexible on materials. Wood privacy fences are the most common, but vinyl and metal are permitted. Chain link is allowed but some newer subdivisions' HOAs prohibit it. If your property backs up to a commercial zone, you may be able to go up to 8 feet on the shared boundary with a permit.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Building a fence over 6 feet without a permit results in a stop-work order and a $50 per day fine until a permit is obtained or the fence is brought into compliance. Historic district violations can require demolition and rebuilding to approved specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a 6-foot privacy fence in Nashville?
Can I build a fence right on the property line?
What if I'm in a Nashville historic overlay district?
How does Nashville compare?
See how Nashville's height limits rules stack up against other locations.