Permit Required? Required (over 7 ft)
Typical Fee Range $50–$150 Fences under 7 feet are exempt. Total fee includes a $25 zoning examination fee plus codes technology surcharges.
Fee Method Valuation-based
Apply Online Apply at Metro Nashville Codes Administration →

What's Required in Nashville

  • No permit required for fences under 7 feet in height
  • Front yard fences on corner lots may have lower height limits due to sight triangle rules
  • Zoning examination fee ($25) applies to all permits requiring zoning review
  • Site plan or property survey required for all applications
  • Homeowners may pull permits for primary residences
  • Final inspection required to ensure compliance with setbacks

How Tall Can a Fence Be Without a Permit in Nashville?

In Nashville, the number that matters is 7 feet: a fence taller than that needs a permit from the Metro Nashville Codes Administration, while anything at or under it can usually go up without one. That cutoff covers standard residential fences; retaining walls, pool barriers, and masonry walls typically follow their own rules, so flag those to the department separately. Even a permit-free fence still has to respect setbacks and corner sight-line rules, so check placement before you dig post holes.

Do You Need a Permit to Build a Fence in Nashville?

For a typical backyard fence at or under 7 feet, no — you can skip the building permit in Nashville. Go taller and you'll file with the Metro Nashville Codes Administration, with permit fees typically in the $50–$150 range. Two cautions before you skip the paperwork: zoning rules (height caps, setbacks, corner visibility) apply to every fence, permitted or not, and HOA or deed rules stack on top of city code. When your plan sits close to the line, a quick call to the department beats rebuilding a fence later.

How to Get a Fence Permit in Nashville

1

Step 1: Check Exemption

Confirm your fence is under 7 feet to avoid a building permit requirement.

2

Step 2: Survey & Plot Plan

Obtain a property survey and sketch the proposed fence location.

3

Step 3: ePermits Application

Apply for a building permit via epermits.nashville.gov if over height thresholds.

4

Step 4: Fee Payment

Pay the $25 zoning fee plus valuation-based building fees online.

5

Step 5: Inspection

Schedule a final inspection through the ePermits portal once construction is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Only if the fence is 7 feet tall or taller.
For fences over 7 feet, fees start around $50, including the mandatory $25 zoning exam fee.
Rear/side yard fences are typically allowed up to 7–8 feet; front yards are more restricted.