How Hendersonville Handles Parking Rules: A Practical Guide

Hendersonville maintains 104 local ordinances across all categories, and 10 of those deal specifically with parking rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Hendersonville falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Overnight Parking

Hendersonville does not impose a citywide overnight parking ban on passenger vehicles. The functional limits come from Title 15 (Motor Vehicles, Traffic and Parking) of the Hendersonville Municipal Code (posted no-parking zones, plus Section 15-301 speed limits most recently amended by Ordinance 2024-12), Tennessee Code Annotated 55-8-160 distance restrictions (7.5 to 15 feet of a fire hydrant, intersections, sidewalks, driveways, etc., a Class C misdemeanor), Section 10.4.17 of the Zoning Ordinance for RV/boat/trailer accessory use, and Title 20 (Park and Recreation Regulations) Section 20-503(21), which closes all city parks between 11:00 P.M. and one-half hour before sunrise without permission from the Board of Parks and Recreation.

Key details: Overnight Street Ban: None for passenger vehicles. Park Overnight: Prohibited 11 PM-30 min before sunrise. Hydrant Setback: 7.5 to 15 ft (TCA 55-8-160). RV/Boat Yard Limit: 3 days/month outside driveway. State Penalty: Class C misdemeanor (55-8-160).

Parking overnight in a posted no-parking zone, within 7.5 to 15 feet of a fire hydrant, in an intersection or on a crosswalk, on a sidewalk, in front of a driveway, alongside another parked vehicle (double parking), upon a bridge, in a highway tunnel, within 20 feet of a fire station driveway, in a signed no-stopping zone, or in an unauthorized ADA-reserved space violates Tennessee Code Annotated 55-8-160 and is a Class C misdemeanor enforceable by the Hendersonville Police Department. Remaining in a city park between 11:00 P.M. and one-half hour before sunrise without permission from the Board of Parks and Recreation violates Section 20-503(21). Storing an RV, boat, or trailer overnight in the required front or corner side yard outside the driveway, or beyond the one-vehicle limit between house and street, violates Section 10.4.17 of the Zoning Ordinance and is enforced through the Planning Department's five-step process.

Hendersonville is more permissive than most cities when it comes to overnight parking. That said, there are still limits.

Driveway Rules

Driveway design, dimensions, and surfacing in Hendersonville are governed by Chapter 11.2 (Off-Street Parking and Loading) of the City of Hendersonville Zoning Ordinance, with Figure 4 setting residential driveway widths and Section 11.2.7 setting construction, access, and surfacing standards. Vehicles parked in the front or corner side yard outside the driveway are limited by Section 10.4.17 (Parking) and the city's adopted 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC, effective 7/1/2025, Ord. 2025-03 series). On the street, blocking a sidewalk, driveway, or fire hydrant is enforceable under Tennessee Code Annotated 55-8-160.

Key details: Driveway Design: Ch. 11.2.7 + Figure 4 (residential widths). Front-Yard Parking Authority: Zoning Ord. Sec. 10.4.17. Commercial Vehicle Driveway: Must be paved (Sec. 10.4.17). Adopted Property Maint. Code: 2021 IPMC (eff. 7/1/2025). Blocking Driveway/Hydrant: Class C misd. (TCA 55-8-160).

Constructing or widening a residential driveway without conforming to Chapter 11.2.7 design standards or Figure 4 driveway widths violates the City of Hendersonville Zoning Ordinance and is corrected through the Planning Department's five-step enforcement process (initial inspection, first notice, second notice, citation, Municipal Court). Parking RVs, boats, or trailers in the required front or corner side yard for more than three days per calendar month outside the driveway violates Section 10.4.17. Parking a commercial vehicle or trailer between the street and residence in anything other than a paved driveway also violates Section 10.4.17. An inoperable vehicle on private premises is enforceable under the city-adopted 2021 IPMC. Blocking a driveway, sidewalk, fire hydrant, intersection, or crosswalk on the public street is a Class C misdemeanor under TCA 55-8-160.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Section 10.4.17 of the City of Hendersonville Zoning Ordinance allows residential commercial-vehicle parking only as an accessory use and only within strict size limits: one commercial vehicle not exceeding 22 feet in length or 8 feet in height, OR one commercial vehicle and attached trailer not exceeding 30 feet in length or 8 feet in height, OR one detached trailer not exceeding 18 feet in length or 4 feet in height. These vehicles and trailers shall not be parked between the street or side street and residence except in a paved driveway. Semi-tractor trucks, trailers, dump trucks, and heavy construction equipment (bulldozers, end loaders, backhoes, and similar) are specifically prohibited in residential zones.

Key details: Commercial Vehicle Cap: 22 ft long x 8 ft high (1 max). Vehicle + Trailer Cap: 30 ft x 8 ft (1 max). Detached Trailer Cap: 18 ft x 4 ft (1 max). Prohibited Outright: Semis, dump trucks, heavy construction equip.. Surface Requirement: Paved driveway if visible from street.

Storing a commercial vehicle that exceeds the 22-foot length or 8-foot height residential cap, a commercial-vehicle-plus-trailer combination exceeding 30 feet or 8 feet, or a detached trailer over 18 feet or 4 feet on a residential lot violates Section 10.4.17 of the City of Hendersonville Zoning Ordinance. Parking any such vehicle or trailer between the street (or side street) and the residence outside a paved driveway is a separate violation. Storing a semi-tractor truck, semi-trailer, dump truck, bulldozer, end loader, backhoe, or similar heavy construction equipment in a residential zone is specifically prohibited and citable. Home occupations exceeding one commercial vehicle on the premises or displaying a wrecker violate Section 10.4.12. Enforcement is through the city's five-step process culminating in Municipal Court. On-street commercial-vehicle parking that violates TCA 55-8-160 distance restrictions is a Class C misdemeanor.

Curb Color Rules

Curb markings and colored-curb paint on Hendersonville public streets are installed only by the city under Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards as referenced in Title 15 (Motor Vehicles, Traffic and Parking) of the Hendersonville Municipal Code; residents and adjacent property owners may not paint, alter, or add markings to a public curb. Where paint is faded or unmarked, the state-law distance restrictions in Tennessee Code Annotated 55-8-160 still apply by default - 7.5 to 15 feet from a fire hydrant (the municipality sets the exact distance), no parking in intersections, on crosswalks, on sidewalks, in front of driveways, etc. A violation of 55-8-160 is a Class C misdemeanor.

Key details: Curb Marking Authority: Hendersonville Public Works (MUTCD). Hydrant Setback: 7.5 to 15 ft (TCA 55-8-160). Intersection/Crosswalk: No parking (TCA 55-8-160). Sidewalk/Driveway: No parking (TCA 55-8-160). State Penalty: Class C misdemeanor.

Painting, repainting, or altering a public curb without city authorization is unauthorized work in the public right-of-way and may require restoration at the property owner's expense plus enforcement under Title 15 of the Hendersonville Municipal Code. Parking within 7.5 to 15 feet of a fire hydrant, in an intersection or on a crosswalk, on a sidewalk, in front of a driveway, within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, within 30 feet of a flashing signal or stop sign, alongside another vehicle, on any bridge or in any highway tunnel, within 20 feet of a fire station driveway, or in another TCA 55-8-160 location is a Class C misdemeanor regardless of whether the curb is painted.

RV & Boat Parking

Hendersonville treats RV, camper, travel trailer, motor home, boat and boat trailer parking as a residential accessory use under Section 10.4.17 of the Zoning Ordinance: they may not be parked in the required front or corner side yards for more than three days per calendar month except in the driveway, and not more than one may be parked between the house and the street or any side street even if in a driveway. No recreational vehicle, camper, travel trailer, motor home, or the like may be used for living, sleeping, or housekeeping purposes except for visitors for not more than two weeks per calendar year. Boats may not be stored on park land except by permit at boat launches (Section 20-503(17), Park Regulations).

Key details: Front/Corner Side Yard: 3 days/month max (except driveway). Lot Limit: 1 RV/boat between house and street. Living/Sleeping Use: 2 weeks/year for visitors only. Authority: Zoning Ord. Sec. 10.4.17. Park Boat Storage: Prohibited except at launchings (20-503(17)).

Parking an RV, camper, travel trailer, motor home, boat or boat trailer in the required front or corner side yard for more than three days per calendar month outside the driveway, or parking more than one such vehicle between the house and the street or any side street, violates Section 10.4.17 of the Hendersonville Zoning Ordinance and is enforced through the Planning Department's five-step process (initial inspection, first notice with 7 to 60 days to cure, second notice, citation, Municipal Court). Using a recreational vehicle for living, sleeping, or housekeeping for more than two weeks per calendar year (visitors only) is a separate violation. On-street RV or trailer parking that violates TCA 55-8-160 (within 7.5 to 15 feet of a fire hydrant, in an intersection or crosswalk, on a sidewalk, in front of a driveway, etc.) is a Class C misdemeanor. Leaving a boat or vessel on city park land outside a designated boat launch without a permit violates Park Regulations Section 20-503(17).

Oversized Vehicle Parking

Hendersonville has explicit size caps on residential oversized-vehicle storage. Under Section 10.4.17 of the City of Hendersonville Zoning Ordinance, the only permitted residential accessory commercial vehicle is one not exceeding 22 feet in length or 8 feet in height, or one commercial vehicle and attached trailer not exceeding 30 feet in length or 8 feet in height, or one detached trailer not exceeding 18 feet in length or 4 feet in height. Semi-tractor trucks, trailers, dump trucks, and heavy construction equipment (bulldozers, end loaders, backhoes, and similar) are specifically prohibited in residential zones. Recreational vehicles, campers, travel trailers, motor homes, boats, and boat trailers must follow the separate three-days-per-month-in-required-yards rule with not more than one allowed between house and street.

Key details: Commercial Vehicle Cap: 22 ft x 8 ft (1 max). Vehicle + Trailer Cap: 30 ft x 8 ft (1 max). Detached Trailer Cap: 18 ft x 4 ft (1 max). Prohibited Outright: Semis, dump trucks, heavy construction. RV/Boat Yard Limit: 3 days/month + 1 between house and street.

Parking a residential commercial vehicle exceeding 22 feet in length or 8 feet in height, a vehicle-and-trailer exceeding 30 feet or 8 feet, or a detached trailer exceeding 18 feet or 4 feet violates Section 10.4.17 of the City of Hendersonville Zoning Ordinance. Storing a semi-tractor truck, semi-trailer, dump truck, bulldozer, end loader, backhoe, or similar heavy construction equipment in a residential zone is specifically prohibited and citable. Parking a commercial vehicle or trailer between the street and residence outside a paved driveway is a separate violation. Storing oversized recreational vehicles, campers, travel trailers, motor homes, boats, or boat trailers in the required front or corner side yard for more than three days per calendar month outside the driveway, or beyond the one-vehicle limit between house and street, violates Section 10.4.17. Enforcement is through the city's five-step process culminating in Municipal Court. On-street violations of TCA 55-8-160 distance restrictions are a Class C misdemeanor.

Compared to other cities, Hendersonville takes a harder line on oversized vehicle parking. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Street Parking Limits

Street parking in Hendersonville is governed primarily by Title 15 (Motor Vehicles, Traffic and Parking) of the Hendersonville Municipal Code and by Tennessee Code Annotated 55-8-160, which prohibits stopping, standing, or parking within 7.5 to 15 feet of a fire hydrant (the municipality sets the exact distance), within an intersection, on a crosswalk, on a sidewalk, in front of a public or private driveway, within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, within 30 feet of a flashing signal or stop sign, alongside another vehicle (double parking), upon any bridge, or in any highway tunnel. A violation of 55-8-160 is a Class C misdemeanor. Park lots and roads have separate Title 20 rules including a 20 mph park speed limit.

Key details: Hydrant Setback: 7.5 to 15 ft (TCA 55-8-160). Intersection/Crosswalk: No parking (TCA 55-8-160). Penalty (state): Class C misdemeanor. Park Speed Limit: 20 mph (Sec. 20-503(24)). Park Closing: 11:00 PM - 30 min before sunrise.

Parking within 7.5 to 15 feet of a fire hydrant, in an intersection or on a crosswalk, on a sidewalk, in front of a public or private driveway, within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, within 30 feet of a flashing signal or stop sign, alongside another vehicle, on any bridge or in any highway tunnel, within 20 feet of a fire station driveway entrance, or in an unsigned ADA-reserved space violates Tennessee Code Annotated 55-8-160 and is a Class C misdemeanor. Posted no-parking zones adopted under Title 15 of the Hendersonville Municipal Code are enforceable through Hendersonville Police Department citations. Driving in a city park above 20 mph, off paved roadways, in restricted areas, or remaining in a park between 11:00 P.M. and one-half hour before sunrise without permission violates Title 20 (Park and Recreation Regulations) Sections 20-503(24), (29), and (21).

EV Charging

Hendersonville regulates EV charging equipment under Sections 10.4.9 (EV Charging Equipment, Minor) and 10.4.10 (EV Charging Equipment, Major) of the City of Hendersonville Zoning Ordinance. Minor (six EV charging ports or fewer on a lot) is permitted as an allowable accessory use in commercial zone districts and with institutional uses in residential districts, with charging pedestals capped at 6 feet height and 4 feet width and required setback of at least 80 feet from any street right-of-way. Major (any EV equipment exceeding minor criteria) requires Planning Commission site plan approval, screening with evergreen vegetation or brick screen walls, and similar setback rules. Tennessee has NOT adopted a right-to-charge statute - per Plug In America, only CA, CO, CT, IL, OR, and DC extend right-to-charge protections - so HOAs and condominium associations in Hendersonville may still restrict EV charger installation.

Key details: Minor EV Cap: 6 ports/lot (Sec. 10.4.9). Pedestal Size Cap: 6 ft tall x 4 ft wide. Setback from ROW: 80 ft min (Minor and Major). Major EV Approval: Planning Commission site plan. TN Right-to-Charge: Not adopted (HOAs may restrict).

Installing a Level 2 home charger without the required electrical permit through Hendersonville Building & Codes Department is a code violation and may require after-the-fact permitting and inspection. Installing a Major EV charging equipment installation (more than 6 ports, exceeding pedestal dimensions, or any of the other Minor criteria) without Planning Commission site plan approval violates Section 10.4.10 of the City of Hendersonville Zoning Ordinance. Placing EV charging equipment closer than 80 feet to a street right-of-way or street easement violates Sections 10.4.9(D) and 10.4.10(C). Failing to screen Major equipment with evergreen vegetation or brick screen walls (with minimum 10-foot planting bed width for plant screening) as required by 10.4.10(D) is a separate violation, enforced through the Planning Department's five-step process.

Abandoned Vehicles

Abandoned vehicles in Hendersonville are governed primarily by Tennessee Code Annotated Title 55, Chapter 16 (Unclaimed or Abandoned Vehicles). Under TCA 55-16-105, a police department must notify the last known registered owner and all lien holders by registered mail or overnight delivery within three business days of taking a vehicle into custody; the owner has 10 days from the date of the notice to appeal or reclaim the vehicle on payment of all towing, preservation, and storage charges. Unreclaimed vehicles may be sold at public auction under TCA 55-16-106. On private property, the city's adopted 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (effective July 1, 2025 by Ord. 2025-03 series) and Zoning Enforcement procedures address inoperable vehicles.

Key details: Primary Law: TCA Title 55, Chapter 16. Notice Method: Registered mail/overnight, 3 biz days. Reclaim Window: 10 days from TCA 55-16-105 notice. Private Property Trigger: 48 hrs without consent (TN DOR). Inoperable on Premises: Adopted 2021 IPMC (7/1/2025).

Leaving a vehicle as abandoned, immobile, or unattended on public or private property in Hendersonville exposes the vehicle to being taken into custody by the Hendersonville Police Department under Tennessee Code Annotated 55-16. Once towed, the owner and any lienholder have only 10 days from the date of TCA 55-16-105 notice (sent by registered mail or overnight delivery within three business days of taking custody) to appeal or reclaim the vehicle on payment of all towing, preservation, and storage charges. Unreclaimed vehicles may be sold at public auction under TCA 55-16-106 or disposed to demolishers under TCA 55-16-108. Keeping an inoperable vehicle on private premises violates the city's adopted 2021 International Property Maintenance Code and the Hendersonville Zoning Enforcement process, with a 7-60 day cure period after first notice, escalating through second notice, citation, and Municipal Court.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Hendersonville actively enforces its abandoned vehicles requirements.

Loading Zones

Loading zones in Hendersonville are installed and signed by the city under Title 15 (Motor Vehicles, Traffic and Parking) of the Hendersonville Municipal Code and follow Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards. On the development side, Section 11.2.11 (Required Off-Street Loading Spaces) and Section 11.2.12 (Design of Off-Street Loading Spaces) of the City of Hendersonville Zoning Ordinance require commercial and industrial uses to provide off-street loading spaces with specified design standards. Tennessee Code Annotated 55-8-160 treats active loading and unloading differently from parking but still prohibits stopping in fire hydrant setbacks, intersections, crosswalks, sidewalks, or in front of driveways.

Key details: Loading Authority: Title 15 + MUTCD signage. Required Off-Street Loading: Sec. 11.2.11 (Zoning Ord.). Loading Design Standards: Sec. 11.2.12 (Zoning Ord.). Hydrant Setback: 7.5-15 ft (TCA 55-8-160). Park Commercial Vehicles: Banned except deliveries (Sec. 20-503(25)).

Parking a non-delivery vehicle in a signed loading zone outside the posted active-loading window is a citable parking violation enforceable under Title 15 of the Hendersonville Municipal Code. Failing to provide off-street loading spaces required by Section 11.2.11 of the City of Hendersonville Zoning Ordinance for commercial or industrial uses, or providing loading spaces that do not meet the dimension, surfacing, access, or screening standards in Section 11.2.12, are zoning violations corrected through the Planning Department's five-step enforcement process. Loading vehicles must still comply with Tennessee Code Annotated 55-8-160 distance restrictions, including the 7.5-to-15-foot fire-hydrant setback, the no-parking-on-sidewalk rule, and the no-parking-in-front-of-a-driveway rule (a Class C misdemeanor when violated). In city parks, taking a non-delivery commercial vehicle or merchandise trailer into a park violates Section 20-503(25) of Title 20 (Park and Recreation Regulations).

The Bottom Line

Hendersonville is tougher than many cities when it comes to parking rules. Out of the 10 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Hendersonville, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Hendersonville's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.