Franklin, TN Accessory Structures: ADU Owner Occupancy (2026)
Key Facts
- Max ADUs per lot
- One accessory dwelling unit
- Owner-occupancy
- Owner must permanently occupy lot
- Footprint cap
- 50% of principal building footprint
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Building & Neighborhood Services
Summary
Franklin, Tennessee requires the owner of a single-family lot to permanently occupy the property before an accessory dwelling unit is allowed on that lot under the 2026 zoning ordinance.
On a single-family residential lot, the owner of the lot is a permanent occupant of the premises, as defined under `single-family residential' in Chapter 23, Definitions and Interpretations. 3. The building footprint shall not exceed 50 percent of the building footprint of the principal building. 4. Accessory dwellings shall comply with the principal building type standards for materials, material changes, colors, and roof elements. 5. Accessory dwellings are not required to have exposed foundation cladding. 6. Any dormers shall be set back a minimum of one foot from the exterior wall. 7. Exterior stairs, decks, entry doors, and major windows shall face the principal building, the alley, the street, or the interior of the lot, and away from adjacent properties where possible. 8. Accessory dwellings may be converted from an existing accessory structure, as long as the conversion does not increase any dimensional nonconformity. 9. Parking shall be provided pursuant to Section 10.2, Minimum Parking.
10. Accessory dwellings shall be subject to all applicable building codes.
B. Accessory Structures Serving a Dwelling; or Serving a House Building Form in the HPO An accessory structure serving a dwelling, or serving a house building form in the HPO district, shall comply with the following:
Full Breakdown
Franklin's 2026 Zoning Ordinance permits one accessory dwelling unit per lot citywide, but on a single-family residential lot the principal-lot owner must be a permanent occupant of the premises, per the definition of single-family residential in Chapter 23. The ADU's footprint cannot exceed 50 percent of the principal building's footprint, it must match the principal building's materials, colors, and roof elements, and doors, stairs, and major windows must face the principal building, alley, street, or lot interior rather than neighboring yards. Off-street parking is required under Section 10.2.
Violations & Fines
Violating any zoning ordinance provision, including the ADU owner-occupancy requirement, is a misdemeanor enforced by the Department of Building and Neighborhood Services; each day of continued violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent out my Franklin house and put a tenant-only ADU on it?
How big can a Franklin ADU be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Franklin
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