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Murfreesboro, TN Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Significant Restrictions

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

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

Key Facts

Permit needed: BZA special use permit
Size cap: 700 sq ft maximum
Occupancy: Owner must occupy a unit
Rental rule: No non-family renters allowed
Lot limit: One per single-family lot

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 Murfreesboro, TN rules below cover local size, height, and setback requirements.

Summary

Murfreesboro permits one accessory apartment per single-family lot only through a Board of Zoning Appeals special use permit, capped at 700 square feet, with mandatory owner occupancy and no renting to non-family members.

[1] only one accessory apartment shall be allowed upon a lot zoned for single family purposes; [2] except for bona fide temporary absences, the owner(s) of the residence or lot upon or in which the accessory unit is created shall occupy at least one of the dwelling units on the premises and members of the family or their invited guests shall occupy the other dwelling unit. In no event shall either of the units be used as a rental unit to non-family members; [3] the accessory apartment shall be designed so that to the degree reasonably feasible, the appearance of the building remains that of a one-family residence. In general, any new entrances in an existing structure shall be located on the side or in the rear of the building; [4] if attached to or located within the principal structure, the accessory apartment shall be designed and constructed to allow it to be part of the principal structure at such time as the use of the accessory apartment discontinues or approval of the special permit lapses; [5] the design and size of the accessory apartment shall conform to all applicable standards in the health, building, and other codes; [6] the accessory apartment shall not exceed seven hundred square feet of floor area; [7] the BZA may condition approval upon the special use permit lapsing at such time as the ownership of the property is transferred; and,

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 18 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Appendix A – Zoning § 9(D)(2)(a) treats an accessory apartment as a special permit use: the Board of Zoning Appeals must approve it, and only one is allowed per single-family lot. The property owner has to occupy one of the two units, except for bona fide temporary absences, while family or invited guests occupy the other; renting to a non-family tenant is barred outright. The unit is capped at 700 square feet, new entrances should sit on the side or rear so the house still reads as single-family, and the BZA can write the permit to lapse when the property changes hands.

Violations & Fines

Building or renting an accessory apartment without a BZA special use permit, exceeding 700 square feet, or leasing it to a non-family tenant violates § 9(D)(2)(a) and can trigger code enforcement or permit revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Murfreesboro accessory apartment be rented out?

No. Section 9(D)(2)(a) requires the owner or family members to occupy both units on the lot; renting the accessory apartment to a non-family tenant is not allowed.

How large can an accessory apartment be in Murfreesboro?

Up to 700 square feet of floor area, and only one accessory apartment may be built on a single-family lot under the special use permit standards.

Sources & Official References

[1]Murfreesboro, TN Code of Ordinances, Appendix A – Zoning (Municode)

Other rules in Murfreesboro

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome Restrictions Shed & Carport RulesSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingLight Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All Murfreesboro rules

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

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