Knox County, TN Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- RA front yard
- 35 feet
- RA side (single-story)
- 8 feet
- RA side (over one story)
- 12 feet
- RA rear yard
- 25 feet
- Accessory rear/side
- 5 feet minimum
Summary
In the RA Low Density Residential Zone, Knox County requires a 35-foot front yard, side yards of 8 feet for single-story and 12 feet for taller dwellings, and a 25-foot rear yard. Detached accessory buildings may sit as close as 5 feet to side and rear lot lines.
For dwellings the minimum depth of the front yard shall be thirty-five (35) feet... For single-story dwellings, located on interior lots, side yards shall be not less than eight (8) feet in width... For main buildings, other than garage apartments, there shall be a rear yard of not less than twenty-five (25) feet.
Full Breakdown
Setbacks vary by zoning district. In the RA Low Density Residential Zone, the most common single-family district, Section 5.11.05 sets a minimum front yard of 35 feet for dwellings. Section 5.11.06 requires side yards of at least 8 feet for single-story dwellings on interior lots and 12 feet for dwellings of more than one story; detached accessory buildings need an 8-foot side yard, reduced to 5 feet when set more than 90 feet behind the front line. Section 5.11.07 requires a 25-foot rear yard for main buildings, and detached accessory buildings must sit at least 5 feet from any rear lot line. Other districts differ.
Violations & Fines
Building inside a required setback violates the Zoning Ordinance and carries a $10-$500 civil penalty assessed by Code Administration and Enforcement (Sec. 6.20.02), with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the front setback in the RA residential zone?
How close can a detached shed be to the property line?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Knox County
Compare Knox County to another location·View the Tennessee building setbacks & zoning overview
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