Fences, Sheds & Permits: Thompson’s Station Essentials

Planning a fence or shed in Thompson’s Station this year? The rules changed on July 1, 2024, and a few small steps now can save you time, money, and headaches later. Whether you want more privacy, storage, or a tidy backyard upgrade, knowing the local standards and permits makes all the difference. In this guide, you’ll learn what requires a permit, allowed heights and materials, where you can place structures, fees, and how to apply. Let’s dive in.

What changed on July 1, 2024

Thompson’s Station adopted a comprehensive Land Development Ordinance update that set today’s rules for fences, sheds, and other accessory structures. You can review the full details in the town’s Land Development Ordinance update.

The Town also announced that a Fence Permit is now required inside town limits. The permit carries no fee, but you must apply before work begins. See the Town’s notice: Fence Permits Required.

Fence rules at a glance

Permit required and cost

• A Fence Permit is required for residential fences in town limits. Apply through the Town’s online portal. The permit itself is listed as no cost on the Town Fee Schedule, but review and approval are still required.

Height limits

• Front yard (facing a street): maximum 42 inches tall.
• Side and rear yards: maximum 6 feet tall.
• These limits come from the LDO’s fencing standards. See the LDO update.

Materials and appearance

• In most residential areas, chain link and barbed wire are prohibited. Temporary materials are not allowed.
• Wood fences must be painted or stained.
• The finished side should face outward, with support posts on the inside. If you place a fence on a lot line, the entire fence must be within your property. Details are in the LDO update.

Location and visibility

• Fences cannot block required sight lines at corners and driveways. The Town uses sight triangle standards. If a proposed fence would block visibility, the permit will be denied. See standards in the LDO update.

Special cases

• Commercial and industrial sites may be allowed chain link in side or rear areas not visible from the public right of way with Town Planner approval. The LDO update provides specifics.

Sheds and accessory structures

Permit thresholds and fees

• An accessory structure, such as a shed or detached garage, requires a permit if it is over 200 square feet. Smaller prefabricated sheds may not need a building permit, but still must meet placement rules and could need Town review. Confirm with staff through the permit portal.
• Accessory structure permit fees are charged by size. The fee is $0.26 per square foot with a $100 minimum per the Town Fee Schedule.
• If your project includes electrical or plumbing, it may trigger additional permits and inspections under the Town’s use of the 2021 International Residential Code. See the Town’s permit applications page.

Setbacks and placement

• Place accessory structures in the rear or side yard and at least 5 feet behind the front wall plane of your home.
• Keep at least 5 feet from your house and at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines.
• Do not encroach into any platted easement, and do not place paving in an easement either. See placement rules in the LDO update.

Utilities, septic, and safety

• Call 811 before you dig. Always have underground utilities located at least 72 hours before digging for fence posts or footings. Use Tennessee One Call at Tennessee 811.
• If your property uses a septic system, you may need to coordinate with the state or county before disturbing soil. See TDEC’s septic guidance at TDEC Septic System Permits.

How to apply for permits

Use the Town’s online portal for applications, plan review, and inspections on the permit applications page.

1. Create an account and start your fence or accessory structure application.
2. Upload a simple site plan that shows your home, the proposed fence or shed, distances to property lines, and any easements.
3. Add construction details or manufacturer specs. Include electrical or plumbing plans if applicable.
4. Pay applicable fees for accessory structures. Fence permits are listed as no cost but still require submission.
5. After approval, follow inspection steps as directed in the portal.

Avoid common pitfalls

• Confirm property lines and easements. Use a current survey or recorded plat. If your fence is on a boundary, keep the entire fence within your lot per the LDO update.
• Check HOA rules early. Many neighborhoods have separate approval processes for fence materials, heights, and sheds. Start with any HOA requirements, then proceed to the Town.
• Mind corner-lot visibility. Sight triangles at intersections and driveways apply. If the fence blocks visibility, the Town will not approve it. See the LDO update.
• Hire licensed pros when needed. Electrical or plumbing work must be permitted and inspected. Keep records of final approvals for future resale.
• Talk to neighbors. Good communication prevents disputes. Tennessee has statutes that touch on shared fence topics. Review state context here: Tennessee fence statutes.

Why permits matter for resale

Permits and final inspections document that your improvements meet local standards. Buyers and appraisers often ask for these records. Unpermitted work can lead to delays, forced corrections, and even doubled fees. The Town’s current list of fees and penalties is posted on the Town Fee Schedule.

Ready to plan your project?

If you want to add value without surprises at closing, follow the steps above and keep a tidy paper trail of approvals. If you are buying or selling in Thompson’s Station and want guidance on what improvements help your bottom line, we are here to help. Connect with Tennessee Realtors DK - Dave & Kristi for local advice and a smooth, concierge-style experience.

FAQs

Do I need a permit for a small shed in Thompson’s Station?

• Sheds over 200 square feet require a permit; smaller sheds may be exempt but must still meet placement rules, so confirm with the Town via the permit portal and check HOA requirements per the LDO update.

What is the maximum fence height for a backyard in Thompson’s Station?

• The LDO caps side and rear yard fences at 6 feet, while front yard fences facing a street are limited to 42 inches; also follow sight-triangle limits in the LDO update.

Are chain link fences allowed at a Thompson’s Station home?

• Chain link is generally prohibited in residential areas; commercial or industrial sites may request limited use with Town Planner approval per the LDO update.

How close can I place a shed to my house or property lines in Thompson’s Station?

• Place accessory structures in rear or side yards, at least 5 feet from the house and at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines, and keep out of easements per the LDO update.

How do I apply for a fence permit in Thompson’s Station?

• Submit your application through the Town’s GeoCivix portal on the permit applications page; the fence permit is listed as no cost, but approval is still required before work begins.