Shed permit rules in Davidson County, TN — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Sheds and accessory structures 100 sq ft or larger require a building permit throughout Davidson County. Smaller structures are exempt from the permit but must still comply with setbacks. No living space is permitted in sheds.
Metro Nashville requires a residential building permit for any detached accessory structure (shed, carport, workshop) that is 100 sq ft (10' × 10') or larger. Smaller sheds do not require a permit but must comply with zoning setback requirements. Minimum rear setback: 3 feet (10 feet if the garage door opens to an alley). No kitchens, bedrooms, or habitable living space are permitted in sheds. Portable storage buildings of 100 sq ft or more are subject to the same permit and setback requirements. Any electrical work to an accessory structure requires a separate electrical permit regardless of structure size.
Building without permit (100+ sq ft): stop-work order + retroactive permit required.
Davidson County, TN
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See how Davidson County's shed rules rules stack up against other locations.
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