Do you need a permit for a fence in Bowling Green or Clarksville?

A few minutes with the city before the posts go in saves a lot of trouble after.

Fence rules are set by each city, county and, in many neighborhoods, the HOA. Here is what two of the larger cities we serve publish, plus a short checklist for everyone else. Always confirm with the city before work starts, since rules change.

Bowling Green, Kentucky

The City of Bowling Green requires a permit for every fence inside the city limits. Fences of 7 feet and under get a no-fee permit; taller fences need the regular paid permit. A drawing of the fence is part of the application, and any fence used as a pool barrier needs a regular fence permit. Building in a drainage easement is not allowed.

Source: City of Bowling Green fence permit application. Building Division: 270-393-3676.

Clarksville, Tennessee

Clarksville’s published guidance says a permit is required for a fence over 6 feet tall, and that a fence may sit on the property line, subject to setbacks. Pools, in-ground and above-ground, need a permit, and the application has to show the barrier or fence and the gate locations.

Source: City of Clarksville Building and Codes FAQ and permitting pages. One city page summary mentioned 7 feet, so confirm the height limit with Building and Codes.

Everywhere else: a quick checklist

• Call the city or county planning office and ask whether a fence permit is needed at your height.
• Check your deed and HOA rules for height, style and color limits. HOA approval can take a while, so start early.
• Know where your property line is. We confirm the line on site before we dig.
• Utility locates are called in before any digging, so buried lines are marked.

We are happy to give you the material, height and layout details a city or HOA asks for.

Related serviceAluminum & Ornamental Fencing