If you’re considering a fence, you better know the laws, regulations, and restrictions. This knowledge will help avoid tussles with your immediate neighbors or the local council in case you fail to do it according to their ordinance set. Here are some general rules of thumb to follow when fencing your property.
GENERAL FENCE RESTRICTIONS
The height of your fence should not be above 42 inches for your front yard. It should also be 25 feet from the property line at the front yard. For the rear and side yards of your property, there is no limit in height. This is because you cannot limit vision from the road to the lot. Furthermore, fences are only allowed along property lines in Knoxville. Obviously, you cannot encroach past your property line. As such, when putting up a fence, ensure that the view across the lot is clear from the front yard of your property.
GUIDELINES TO SAVE YOU TROUBLE
Property owners in Knoxville should follow the below guidelines and best practices.
Locate the property line to an exact measure. Make certain that you stake and string the proposed centerline. The center line shows where the fence is to be located once erected. The fence can be located on your property or along the demarcations of your property.
Check for easements along the area where you plan to build your fence. Your utility provider should be in a position to give you this information. The colors to use include yellow for gas, red for electric, blue for water, orange for communication, green for sewer, white for proposed survey, purple for reclaimed water, and pink for a temporary survey.
The fence you erect on your property should not obscure traffic from having a clear view of the driveways or intersection. There should be a sight triangle measuring 25 feet from the intersecting property lines and should be placed on all corners of the property.
A height of 4 feet is permitted for the front yard and 7 feet for the side and rear of your fence. The finished side of privacy fences needs to face the neighboring properties. For industrial and commercial districts, the Planning and Zoning Commission provides the guidelines.
