Knox County, TN Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)
Tiny home rules in Knox County, TN, covering tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and tiny home on foundation builds, determine where they are legal and how they get permitted.
Key Facts
- Tiny-home category
- None defined
- Treated as
- Single-family dwelling
- Per lot
- One house only
- Min lot (sewer)
- 10,000 sq ft
- Building code
- County residential code applies
Summary
The Knox County Zoning Ordinance has no separate tiny-home category. A tiny home is treated as a dwelling, and the ordinance allows only one house per lot in residential zones, so a tiny home cannot be added as a second dwelling. It must also meet minimum lot area and the
Not more than one (1) house shall be permitted on any lot.
Full Breakdown
Knox County does not define tiny homes separately; a permanent tiny house is regulated as a single-family dwelling. Because the ordinance permits not more than one house on any lot, you cannot place a tiny home as an extra dwelling behind an existing house in the unincorporated area. A tiny home used as the sole dwelling must satisfy the zone's minimum lot area (for example 10,000 sq ft with sewer, 20,000 sq ft without) and be built to the county's adopted residential building code, with a permit. Movable RV-style tiny homes are not dwellings and are limited to any applicable RV or camping rules. Verify feasibility with Knoxville-Knox County Planning and county Codes.
Violations & Fines
Placing a tiny home as an unlawful second dwelling is a zoning violation enforced by the county Department of Code Administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a tiny home behind my house?
Are tiny homes built to code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Knox County
Compare Knox County to another location·View the Tennessee accessory structures overview
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