Chattanooga, TN Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)

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.