Metro Nashville Zoning Code Title 17 sets setbacks by district. R6 requires 20 ft front, 5 ft side, 20 ft rear. RS5 requires 20/5/20. Urban Zoning Overlay reduces front setbacks to contextual averages.
Metro Nashville Zoning Code Title 17, §17.12 establishes setbacks by base zoning district. Typical single-family: RS5 (20 ft front, 5 ft side, 20 ft rear), R6 (20/5/20), R8 (20/5/20), R10 (30/10/20). The Urban Zoning Overlay (UZO) covering the urban core uses contextual front setbacks — averaged from adjacent properties rather than a fixed number, common in East Nashville, Germantown, 12South. Accessory structures can be 3 ft from side/rear lot lines. Corner lots have street side setbacks. DADUs (detached accessory dwelling units) allowed by right in most residential districts with specific setback rules. Variances go to Metro Board of Zoning Appeals.
Building in setback: stop-work order from Metro Codes. Daily fines up to $50 per day per TN §6-54-308. Required removal of encroachment. Variance application: $500 to $1,500 BZA fee.
See how Davidson County's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
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