Thompson’s Station Hardscaping | Nashville Outdoor Works

A town of new backyards

Thompson’s Station grew from 2,194 people in 2010 to 7,485 in 2020, more than tripling in ten years, and most of that growth is in subdivisions such as Tollgate Village, Bridgemore Village, Fields of Canterbury, Avenue Downs, Allenwood and Whistle Stop. A new house there usually comes with a bare backyard, which is the best time to plan the patio, the fence, the lighting and any walls together rather than one at a time.

The town’s fence rules

Since July 1, 2024, a fence in Thompson’s Station needs a permit from the town’s Community Development Department. Section 4.12 of the Land Development Ordinance sets the rest. A fence along any yard that faces a street stops at 42 inches; elsewhere the limit is 6 feet. Chain link and barbed wire aren’t allowed. Wood fences have to be painted or stained, the finished face points outward with the posts on your side, and the whole fence, posts included, stays inside your lot. Nothing goes in a sight triangle, and drainage or utility easements need the easement holder’s sign-off.

Retaining walls that need a permit

The town permits any retaining wall 4 feet or taller, measured from the bottom of its footing, so a wall that shows 3 feet above the lawn can still need one. Walls over 48 inches also need a finished face of brick, stone, stamped concrete or segmental block. That’s the same block we use for terraced walls on sloped lots.

Decks, pergolas and driveway pads

A deck, porch or patio is a permitted improvement in the town, and pergolas, pavilions and sheds need an accessory structure permit. They go in the side or rear yard, at least 5 feet behind the front wall of the house and 5 feet from the house and the lot lines. Extending a driveway or adding a parking pad in a subdivision also takes a permit from town staff.

Sources

Town of Thompson’s Station, permits — Community Development Department, decks and minor improvements
Thompson’s Station Land Development Ordinance (updated 12/18/2025) — 2.4.8 permits, 4.12 fencing standards, 3.3 walls, 5.3.1 accessory structures
Thompson’s Station wastewater department — subdivision names
Thompson’s Station, Tennessee (Wikipedia) — 2010 and 2020 Census population

What we build in Thompson’s Station

Everything for a Thompson’s Station yard

Answers

Thompson’s Station questions

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

Yes. The town has required a fence permit from its Community Development Department since July 1, 2024. The fence must follow Section 4.12 of the Land Development Ordinance: 42 inches along any yard facing a street, 6 feet elsewhere, no chain link or barbed wire, and the finished face pointing out.

Can I have a chain link fence in Thompson’s Station?

No. The Land Development Ordinance bans chain link and barbed wire for homes, with exceptions only for things like recreation courts and government sites. Wood fences are allowed but have to be painted or stained, and black aluminum or steel gives the same see-through look chain link would.

When does a retaining wall need a permit in Thompson’s Station?

At 4 feet tall, measured from the bottom of the footing rather than the visible face, so a wall showing about 3 feet can still need one. Walls taller than 48 inches also need a finished face of brick, stone, stamped concrete or segmental block under the town’s ordinance.

Can I extend my driveway in a Thompson’s Station subdivision?

Yes, with a permit. The ordinance requires one for any new driveway cut and for any driveway extension or parking pad in a residential subdivision, issued by town staff. Your HOA may have its own say on materials, so check both before choosing concrete or pavers.

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