Smyrna fence rules and permits

A plain-English guide for Smyrna, Tennessee homeowners. Always confirm with the city before work starts. Rules change.

Do you need a permit?

Depends. Smyrna asks you to send in a fence application with a site plan any time you build, move or replace a fence. A building permit is required for any fence over 7 feet tall. The Town says to wait for written approval before you start, and it usually answers within 10 business days. Ask the Town about fees.

Who to ask: Town of Smyrna Public Works (615-459-9766) and Codes (615-355-5704) (website)

The rules

• A fence cannot sit in the front yard setback. That is the space between the street and the front building line.
• A small decorative fence is allowed in the front yard if it is wood, wrought iron, vinyl or brick and no more than 3 feet tall. It is limited to 10 feet total per parcel, in sections of 5 feet or less.
• Fences can run along the property line in side and rear yards.
• A fence cannot cross a utility or drainage easement without written approval from the Director of Utilities or the Town Engineer.
• Barbed wire, chicken wire, razor wire and similar fencing are not allowed in residential zones.
• A fence cannot enclose a utility meter, ever.
• Fences are not allowed on undeveloped parcels.
• Fences over 7 feet tall need a building permit. All accessory structures must meet building setbacks.

HOAs

Smyrna has more than 100 subdivisions, and many have an HOA. HOA rules can be stricter than the Town on style and height. Check yours before you order.

Call before you dig

Tennessee 811: dial 811. Call at least 3 working days before digging. The call is free.

Local conditions

Middle Tennessee has hot, humid summers and mild winters, with plenty of rain and very little snow. That weather is hard on wood and on poorly drained post holes.

• Frequent rain means posts need good drainage and treated lumber.
• Smyrna sits on the Stones River and Stewarts Creek, and parts of Percy Priest Lake lie in town limits. Low spots near water can flood.
• Wood fences need a seal or stain every few years.
• Check your plat for drainage easements before you pick a fence line.

Good to know

• Smyrna had 53,070 people in the 2020 census, the largest town in Tennessee.
• Smyrna is home to the Nissan Smyrna Assembly Plant.
• The Town has ten parks and seven miles of greenway trails.
• Smyrna's planning office keeps most subdivision plats, with easements and lot dimensions. The Town does not survey property.
• Smyrna usually answers a fence application within 10 business days.
• If you build before getting written approval, the Town can make you tear down or move the fence at your cost.