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Hendersonville, TN Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

ADU rules in Hendersonville, TN, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.

Key Facts

Min. lot size (detached ADU): 30,000 sq ft, no variance
Detached ADU setback: 20 ft side/rear, no variance
Attached apartment size cap: 40% of combined floor area
Off-street parking required: 4 spaces; garage doesn't count
Detached ADU approval: Conditional Use Permit, BZA
Recording requirement: Covenant w/ Sumner Co. Register
Violation fine: $50/day, misdemeanor (§4.13)

ADU Eligibility Quick-Check

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent living unit on the same lot as a single-family home: converted garages, detached cottages, basement or attic conversions, and attached additions all qualify. Most states have streamlined ADU permitting since 2020, but local rules still control size, height, and setback.

Is your lot zoned single-family or multi-family residential?
Does your lot have at least 1,200 sq ft of buildable space?
Is your existing home owner-occupied (in most states this is not required, but some require it for ADU permits)?
Will the ADU stay under your state's size cap (commonly 850-1,200 sq ft for detached)?
Can you provide one off-street parking space (waived in many states within 0.5 mi of transit)?

If you answered 'yes' to most of these, you likely qualify in Tennessee under recent ADU streamlining laws. The Hendersonville, TN rules below cover local size, height, and setback requirements.

Summary

Hendersonville allows one accessory apartment or detached accessory dwelling on a single-family lot under Zoning Ordinance Section 10.4.2.1, but only under tight conditions. The lot, principal dwelling, and accessory unit must stay under single ownership, share one water meter, one gas meter, and one driveway, and the owner must record a covenant with the Sumner County Register of Deeds binding every future owner to the same terms.

A. The lot, dwelling, and accessory apartment (attached to or within) or accessory dwelling (detached) shall be under single ownership and shall remain under single ownership. [...] Neither the principal dwelling nor the accessory apartment (attached to or within) or accessory dwelling (detached) may be conveyed to a separate owner (e.g., as a condominium or by any other means of conveyance). F. At least four off-street parking spaces must be provided. Garage or carport spaces do not count toward meeting this requirement. H. A Zoning Permit shall be secured for an accessory apartment or accessory dwelling prior to construction and/or occupancy of the accessory apartment or accessory dwelling. K. Only one attached accessory apartment or one detached accessory dwelling may be allowed per lot. Both are not permitted to exist on a single lot at the same time. [10.4.2.3] C. The lot shall contain a minimum of 30,000 square feet [...]. I. The Accessory Dwelling shall be a minimum of 20 feet from the side and rear property lines. No variance is allowed to this standard. F. A Conditional Use Permit by the Board of Zoning Appeals is required.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Hendersonville's Zoning Ordinance splits accessory dwellings into two tracks. 2). C). F). 1 requires the lot and both dwellings to remain under single ownership with no separate conveyance or subdivision, only one water and one gas meter for the pair, one driveway, at least four off-street parking spaces beyond any garage or carport, one mailbox and address, and verification from the wastewater utility or the Sumner County Environmental Office that the septic system or sewer connection can handle the added load. A Zoning Permit from the Planning Department is required before construction or occupancy, and a covenant recorded with the Sumner County Register of Deeds must bind future owners. Only one attached apartment or one detached dwelling is allowed per lot, never both at once.

Violations & Fines

Building or occupying an accessory apartment or dwelling without the required Zoning Permit, or breaking the ownership, parking, meter, or covenant conditions of Section 10.4.2.1, is a zoning violation. Under Zoning Ordinance Section 4.13, any violation of the Ordinance is a misdemeanor punishable by a $50.00 fine, with additional daily penalties allowed by law and each day of continued violation treated as a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell or subdivide my accessory apartment separately from the house?

No. Section 10.4.2.1.A requires the lot, the principal dwelling, and the accessory apartment or dwelling to stay under single ownership permanently. The lot cannot be subdivided except through the Subdivision Regulations, and neither unit may be conveyed to a separate owner, whether as a condominium or by any other transfer method.

Is there a minimum lot size for an accessory dwelling unit in Hendersonville?

No. A detached accessory dwelling needs a minimum 30,000 square foot lot under Section 10.4.2.3.C, and the ordinance states no lot of 29,999 square feet or smaller may build one, with no variance available. An attached accessory apartment within the house has no separate lot-size floor, but it is capped at 40 percent of combined floor area.

Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Hendersonville?

Yes, for both. Section 10.4.2.1.H requires a Zoning Permit before construction or occupancy of either an attached accessory apartment or a detached accessory dwelling. A detached dwelling also needs a Conditional Use Permit approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals under Section 10.4.2.3.F before the permit can issue.

Can I build a separate driveway for my accessory dwelling?

No. Section 10.4.2.1.F requires at least four off-street parking spaces to serve the principal dwelling and the accessory unit together, and it specifically excludes garage or carport spaces from counting toward that total. The lot is also limited to one driveway serving both dwellings under Section 10.4.2.1.E.

Sources & Official References

[1]City of Hendersonville Zoning Ordinance 2025-19 (rev. 4 Feb 2026), § 10.4.2

Other rules in Hendersonville

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome Restrictions Shed & Carport RulesSome Restrictions ADU Owner OccupancySome Restrictions ADU Rental RestrictionsHeavy Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Hendersonville rules

How Hendersonville compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·Compare Hendersonville to another location·View the Tennessee accessory structures overview

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