Nashville now requires permits for most new permanent fences, and it has unusually specific rules about solid fences near the street, corner lots and fire hydrants.
About the prices on this page: they are ballpark estimates from QuoteFence's starting price sheet, which sits inside national 2026 ranges published by HomeGuide. We do not have Nashville-specific price data, so the same starting prices are used for every city. What changes from city to city is the rules, and the rules change what you build. Use the fence cost calculator for your own yard.
Example fence costs in Nashville
| Example job | Ballpark installed (good to best) | Each neighbor if split 50/50 |
|---|---|---|
| 8 ft cedar privacy, back yard, 150 ft, 1 walk gate | $6,750 to $11,800 | $3,400 to $5,900 |
| 6 ft cedar privacy, back yard, 150 ft, 1 walk gate | $5,300 to $9,200 | $2,650 to $4,600 |
| 4 ft ornamental aluminum, front yard, 80 ft, 1 walk gate | $3,150 to $5,650 | $1,600 to $2,850 |
Gate widths come off the footage and each gate is priced on its own. No tear-out, permit fees or stain included. Real quotes from Nashville contractors can land above or below these ranges.
Nashville fence rules that affect cost
- Under ordinance BL2025-1115 (final action February 3, 2026), new permanent fences in Nashville-Davidson County need a permit, except in the AR, AG, R80 and RS80 zoning districts. Existing fences are exempt.[1]
- A solid fence taller than 30 inches must be at least 10 feet from the right-of-way. Open fences up to 6 feet are allowed in that area. The front-yard maximum is 6 feet, and side and rear fences can be up to 8 feet.[2]
- A wood fence counts as open when the gaps are at least as wide as the boards.[2]
- Corner lots have a 35-foot visibility zone, nothing can be built within 6 feet of a fire hydrant, and cross bracing must face inward.[2]
- Call Tennessee 811 at least three working days before digging. Properties in historic overlays need a Preservation Permit.[2]
Rules change. Check the official pages listed under Sources, and ask your HOA, before you build.
What this means for your Nashville fence
- An 8-foot back yard privacy fence is allowed in Nashville, which is taller than many cities allow.
- Near the street, choose an open style, or keep solid fences 10 feet back from the right-of-way.
- Ask whether the quote includes the new fence permit, since most new fences now need one.
National price ranges for comparison
HomeGuide's 2026 national ranges for installed fencing, per linear foot: wood $20 to $50, vinyl $30 to $60, chain link $9 to $30, aluminum $25 to $75.[3] Split rail runs about $15 to $35.[4]
Price your own Nashville fence
Find your home on the satellite map, tap the corners of your fence, and see a good, better and best range plus the neighbor split.
Nashville fence contractor? Put an instant quote on your website
QuoteFence gives your website the same kind of calculator, loaded with your prices, your styles and your gates. Homeowners draw their fence on a satellite map and see your good, better and best prices. You get the lead with the footage already measured.
Starter is $49 a month, Pro is $99 a month ($39 and $79 billed yearly). 30-day free trial, no card, $0 setup.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for a fence in Nashville?
For most new permanent fences, yes, under BL2025-1115. Lots zoned AR, AG, R80 and RS80 are exempt, and so are existing fences.
How tall can a backyard fence be in Nashville?
Up to 8 feet in side and rear yards.
How much does a fence cost in Nashville?
Using QuoteFence's starting prices, 150 feet of 6-foot cedar privacy fence with one walk gate comes to about $5,300 to $9,200 installed, across good, better and best grades. These are ballpark figures, not Nashville-specific quotes. Local contractors set their own prices.
More cities
Sources
- Metro Nashville Council, BL2025-1115: https://nashville.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?FullText=1&GUID=631CAF22-289A-4042-B08C-B6928C20D5D1&ID=7717955&Options=&Search=
- Metro Nashville Codes, Fence permits (updated Oct 15, 2026): https://www.nashville.gov/departments/codes/construction-and-permits/building-permits-central/fence
- HomeGuide, Fence installation cost (2026): https://homeguide.com/costs/fence-installation-cost
- HomeGuide, Split rail fence cost: https://homeguide.com/costs/split-rail-fence-cost
Official pages read October 27, 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.