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Accessory Structures

Murfreesboro's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Shed & Carport Rules

Detached sheds and accessory structures in Murfreesboro's residential districts must sit at least 5 feet from side and rear lines and well back from the front lot line.

Key details: Side/rear setback: 5 feet minimum. Front setback: 60 ft, or 10 ft behind house. Rear yard cap: 50% of required rear yard. Governs: garages, sheds, storage structures.

Sheds built inside the setback or exceeding the 50% rear-yard coverage cap are zoning violations enforceable by the Building Official through stop-work orders, permit denial, or removal.

ADU Rules

Murfreesboro permits one accessory apartment per single-family lot only through a Board of Zoning Appeals special use permit, capped at 700 square feet, with mandatory owner occupancy and no renting to non-family members.

Key details: Permit needed: BZA special use permit. Size cap: 700 sq ft maximum. Occupancy: Owner must occupy a unit. Rental rule: No non-family renters allowed. Lot limit: One per single-family lot.

Building or renting an accessory apartment without a BZA special use permit, exceeding 700 square feet, or leasing it to a non-family tenant violates § 9(D)(2)(a) and can trigger code enforcement or permit revocation.

Compared to other cities, Murfreesboro takes a harder line on adu rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Murfreesboro's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Murfreesboro is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Murfreesboro's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.