Tiny home rules in Davidson County, 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.
Metro Nashville adopted IRC Appendix Q allowing tiny homes under 400 sq ft on foundations. DADUs (Detached Accessory Dwelling Units) permitted in most R-zones per Β§17.16.250. THOW (wheels) treated as RVs and restricted in residential zones.
Metro Nashville permits foundation-built tiny homes under two paths. Path 1: IRC Appendix Q (adopted by Metro) allows dwellings 400 sq ft or less with relaxed ceiling height, stair, and loft requirements. Path 2: Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) per Metro Zoning Β§17.16.250, allowed by right in most residential zones as an accessory to the primary dwelling, with maximum floor area generally the lesser of 700 sq ft or 25% of the primary dwelling, and height capped at 16-25 feet depending on base district. Owner-occupancy was required for DADUs but the requirement was modified by Metro ordinance in recent cycles; confirm current rules. Tiny homes on wheels (THOW) are classified as RVs under Metro Zoning and cannot be used as permanent dwellings in residential zones; they may be stored on private property subject to RV parking rules in Β§17.16.210 (screened, not in front yard). Utility connections, septic/sewer, water, and a permanent foundation are required for dwelling certification. Historic overlays and specific plan districts may impose additional restrictions.
THOW used as dwelling in R-zone: Metro zoning citation, cease occupancy order, $50/day penalty. Unpermitted dwellings: removal or retroactive permitting. Illegal occupancy: certificate of occupancy withheld.
Davidson County, TN
Davidson County and Metro Nashville have no leaf blower-specific equipment or fuel type restrictions. Gas-powered blowers remain legal. General noise ordinan...
Davidson County, TN
Metro Code Β§12.40.120 allows removal of vehicles parked on public streets over 72 hours. Inoperable vehicles on private property must be enclosed or screened...
Davidson County, TN
Metro Nashville requires 48-inch minimum pool barriers per IRC Appendix G as adopted. Self-closing, self-latching gates with latch 54 inches above grade. Ins...
Davidson County, TN
Metro Nashville requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, or any height with surcharge. Engi...
Davidson County, TN
Metro Nashville allows backyard hens in most residential zones without a specific permit cap, but prohibits roosters under the general noise/nuisance ordinan...
Davidson County, TN
Davidson County has no designated wildfire hazard zones or defensible space requirements. TN Division of Forestry manages statewide wildfire response. Outdoo...
See how Davidson County's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.