Knox County, TN Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Knox 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.
Key Facts
- Front yard
- No accessory intrusion
- Side yard
- 8 ft (5 ft deep lots)
- Rear setback
- At least 5 feet
- Max height
- 18 feet
- Attached carport
- Follows house setbacks
Summary
A carport in unincorporated Knox County is an accessory structure. It cannot extend into the front yard, must keep an 8-foot side yard (5 feet on deep lots) and at least 5 feet from the rear line, and cannot exceed 18 feet in height. Attached carports follow the main-house setbacks.
For unattached buildings of accessory use there shall be a side yard of not less than eight (8) feet; provided, however, that unattached one-story buildings of accessory use shall not be required to set back more than five (5) feet from an interior side lot line.
Full Breakdown
The Knox County Zoning Ordinance regulates a carport as an accessory building or, if attached, as part of the principal dwelling. An unattached accessory building must set back at least 8 feet from an interior side lot line, reducible to 5 feet for a one-story accessory building located more than 90 feet behind the front property line, and no closer than 5 feet to any rear lot line; in no case may an accessory building extend into the front yard. Accessory-building height is capped at 18 feet. A permit generally applies for a permanent carport; a detached one-story structure under 120 sq ft is permit-exempt but must still meet these zoning standards. Confirm your zone's yard figures with Planning.
Violations & Fines
Placement or height violations are enforced by the county Department of Code Administration; correction, relocation, or removal may be ordered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a carport go in my front yard?
How close to my neighbor can a detached carport be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Knox County
How Knox County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Knox County to another location·View the Tennessee accessory structures overview
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