Nashville allows Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs) in specified residential districts under Metro Code Title 17 (Zoning Code). DADUs require building permits from Metro Codes and Building Safety and must comply with Section 17.16.250 standards including lot size, setbacks, and height. Some districts require Specific Plan or zoning change approval.
Detached Accessory Dwelling Units in Nashville are regulated by Metro Code Title 17 Section 17.16.250. DADUs are permitted as-of-right in R6-A, R8-A, R10-A, R15-A, R20-A, R30-A, R40-A, and RS-A zoning districts (the alternate-allowed residential zones marked with -A). Standard R districts require a Specific Plan (SP) rezoning to allow a DADU. The DADU must be on a lot meeting the underlying district's minimum lot size; maximum DADU floor area is 700 sq ft or 25% of the principal dwelling floor area, whichever is less. Setbacks match accessory structure standards: typically 5 feet from side and rear property lines. Maximum height is 16 feet or the height of the principal structure, whichever is less. Building permits from Metro Codes and Building Safety are required, with separate plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and gas permits. Properties in historic overlay districts (Historic Preservation Zoning) need Metropolitan Historic Zoning Commission review.
Building or occupying a DADU without permits violates Metro Code Title 16 (Building Code) and Title 17, triggering stop-work orders, daily fines, and required demolition or restoration. Unpermitted electrical or plumbing work voids homeowner insurance. Historic district violations carry separate Historic Zoning Commission enforcement.
Nashville, TN
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See how Nashville's adu permits rules stack up against other locations.
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