Call (865) 737-4194. Calls answered 24/7. To request an estimate, use the form on /quote.
Don't worry! Your installation professional can go over these points with you at the estimate. But here are some things to keep in mind to help you plan ahead.
Which fence rules apply in Fountain City?
Fountain City is a community in north Knoxville, not a separate city. Knoxville-Knox County Planning's North City Sector Plan notes that Fountain City was incorporated into the Knoxville city limits in 1962. Most lots therefore sit inside the City of Knoxville. The same sector also includes some unincorporated Knox County land near the sector edge, so a Fountain City or Knoxville mailing address does not always mean city rules. Check the parcel on KGIS before choosing a height or a placement.
If the lot is inside the City of Knoxville, the City zoning ordinance applies. Fences may be built at the boundaries of a lot without setback, except for the required visibility triangle. Privacy fences and walls are limited to 42 inches from five feet behind the front building line forward to the front lot line and in the corner side yard. On a through-lot rear, fences are limited to 42 inches when closer than the front setback for the zoning district, or the average of the blockface for existing principal buildings numerically addressed along the parallel street, whichever is greater. Open fences have no height limit in those locations. Other yards have no height limit under that section (Art. 10, § 10.3.L; https://knoxplanning.org/resources/zoning/ordinances/city/2025-11-25.pdf).
Permanent structures and accessory structures are prohibited within utility and drainage easements. Stormwater facilities, retaining walls, and fences may be installed at the property owner's risk, subject to the approval of the City Department of Engineering (§ 10.1.E). Developments near intersections must provide adequate sight distance as approved by the City of Knoxville Department of Engineering (§ 10.1.F).
A building permit may be required for an accessory structure, per the Building Code (§ 10.3.A.2). Confirm height, easement, and permit rules with the City of Knoxville before you build.
If the lot is in unincorporated Knox County, the Knox County Zoning Ordinance applies, including the front-yard view rule (no fence, wall, hedge or yard ornament may materially impede vision across a required front yard above 3½ feet) and the corner visibility triangle (§ 3.20.04; https://knoxplanning.org/resources/zoning/ordinances/county/2026-02-17.pdf). Knox County Codes Administration can tell you whether a permit is needed (https://www.knoxcounty.org/codes/).
Before you build in Fountain City
- City or county? Confirm the jurisdiction on KGIS first.
- Know your lines. A deed, plat or survey shows where the boundaries and easements are before the posts go in. See the property-line and survey guide.
- HOA and covenants. If the street has a homeowners association or private covenants, those rules can be stricter than city or county zoning. Bring the sheet to the on-site estimate.
- Call 811. Tennessee law requires notice through the one-call service before digging (Tenn. Code Ann. § 65-31-106). Call 811 or 1-800-351-1111 so utility-owned lines can be marked.
Fence types for Fountain City yards
- Wood privacy fence: full privacy for a back lot.
- Vinyl privacy fence: privacy without staining or sealing.
- Chain link: a simple, see-through boundary for pets.
- Aluminum: an open style that works with front-yard view and sight-line rules.
- Gates: walk and drive gates to match the fence.
- Repair: leaning posts, broken panels and sagging gates.
Wondering what goes into the cost? See the fence cost guide. Also nearby: fence installers in Halls and Powell.
Questions
How tall can a fence be in Fountain City?
If the lot is inside the City of Knoxville, privacy fences and walls are limited to 42 inches from five feet behind the front building line forward to the front lot line and in the corner side yard. On a through-lot rear, fences are limited to 42 inches when closer than the front setback for the zoning district, or the average of the blockface for existing principal buildings numerically addressed along the parallel street, whichever is greater. Open fences have no height limit in those locations. Other yards have no height limit under § 10.3.L. Confirm the line on KGIS first.
Can I put a fence in a utility or drainage easement in Fountain City?
Inside the City of Knoxville, permanent structures and accessory structures are prohibited within utility and drainage easements. Fences may be installed at the property owner's risk, subject to the approval of the City Department of Engineering (§ 10.1.E). Confirm any easement on the deed or plat, and see the property-line and survey guide.
Do I need a permit for a fence in Fountain City?
Inside the City of Knoxville, a building permit may be required for an accessory structure, per the Building Code (§ 10.3.A.2). Confirm with the City of Knoxville before you build a fence in Fountain City. If KGIS shows the lot in unincorporated Knox County, ask Knox County Codes Administration instead.
How do I get a price for a fence in Fountain City?
Call (865) 737-4194 or request an estimate. Your local installer measures the line and checks the height, easement and sight-line rules that apply to the Fountain City lot.