Tiny home rules in Chattanooga, TN β covering tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and tiny home on foundation builds β determine where they are legal and how they get permitted.
Chattanooga's accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance, adopted by City Council on May 31, 2022 and effective June 14, 2022, allows site-built ADUs up to 700 square feet on residential lots citywide. Tiny homes on wheels are explicitly excluded from the ADU definition. Tennessee has adopted the 2018 International Residential Code, which contains Appendix Q (Tiny Houses) defining a tiny house as a dwelling 400 square feet or less excluding lofts.
Chattanooga City Council adopted a citywide ADU ordinance on May 31, 2022 (effective June 14, 2022) amending Chapter 38 (Zoning) to allow accessory dwelling units in residential districts. The ordinance permits site-built ADUs of up to 700 square feet, located either to the side or behind the principal dwelling or attached above a garage. Tiny homes built on a permanent foundation that meet the ADU size cap and zoning requirements may be permitted as ADUs, but tiny homes on wheels are explicitly excluded from the ADU definition and may not serve as a primary or accessory dwelling. Tennessee's statewide residential building code (Tennessee Residential Code, based on the 2018 IRC) includes Appendix Q (Tiny Houses), which defines a tiny house as a dwelling 400 square feet or less excluding lofts and provides relaxed standards for ceiling heights, lofts, and emergency escape openings. Adoption of Appendix Q by the City of Chattanooga should be confirmed with the Land Development Office at (423) 643-5891. Tennessee classifies tiny homes on wheels as recreational vehicles unless placed on a permanent foundation, and RVs may not be used as permanent dwellings on residential lots in Chattanooga.
Placing a tiny home on wheels as a primary or accessory residence, exceeding the 700 sq ft ADU cap, or building without permits violates Chapter 38 and Chapter 10. Code Enforcement can issue stop-work orders, require removal, and refer cases to City Court for civil penalties.
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See how Chattanooga's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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