Fence or deck costs in Nashville

Nashville's fence rules start at the street. Metro Codes says a solid fence taller than 30 inches has to sit at least 10 feet back from the right-of-way. Inside that 10-foot strip, you can still have an open fence up to six feet, or a solid one 30 inches or shorter. Past the strip, a front-yard fence can be six feet tall, and side and back fences can reach eight. On a slope, height is measured from the side of the fence that shows the most fence.

Corner lots lose more ground. Fences aren't allowed in the 35-foot visibility zone at the corner, unless the lot is in the Urban Zoning Overlay. A historic or landmark overlay adds a Preservation Permit. If the fence crosses a drainage ditch, a flood overlay or a stream buffer, Metro Stormwater has to approve it.

Decks are permit work in Nashville, whether new or a replacement. A smaller fix can need one too. Replacing more than 100 square feet of deck boards takes a permit, and so does replacing any footings or framing. If you live in the house, you can pull the deck permit yourself. An uncovered deck gets a break on the rear setback, down to 10 feet, but a covered deck has to meet the full rear and side setbacks.