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Nashville, TN Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

AG, RS80 zones (largest lots)
20 ft rear, 20 ft side
RS10, R10 zones
20 ft rear, 5 ft side
RS3.75 zone (smallest lots)
20 ft rear, 3 ft side
Front/street setback
Set separately, Table 17.12.030A
Satellite cities excluded
Belle Meade, Berry Hill, 4 others

Summary

Rear and side yard setbacks for single- and two-family homes in Metro Nashville run from 20 feet in the largest AG and RS80 zones down to 3 feet in the densest RS3.75 zone, per the Metro Zoning Code's District Bulk Table 17.12.020A.

Table 17.12.020A SINGLE-FAMILY AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS [...] Zoning District | Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.) | Maximum Building Coverage | Minimum Rear Setback (in ft.) | Minimum Side Setback (in ft.) | Maximum Height [...] RS20, R20 20,000 0.35 20 10 2.5 stories [...] RS10, R10 10,000 0.40 20 5 2.5 stories [...] RS3.75, RS3.75-A 3,750 0.60 20 3 2.5 stories

Source: Metro Code Title 17 — ZoningView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).

Full Breakdown

Metro's District Bulk Table 17.12.020A sets minimum rear and side yard setbacks for one- and two-family dwellings by zoning district, ranging from 20 feet rear/20 feet side in the AG and RS80 largest-lot districts down to 20 feet rear/3 feet side in the compact RS3.75 district. Front (street) setbacks are set separately by Table 17.12.030A, generally 20 to 40 feet depending on zone and street classification. These standards apply countywide under the Metro Zoning Code, except within the six satellite cities (Belle Meade, Berry Hill, Forest Hills, Goodlettsville, Oak Hill, Ridgetop), which enforce their own zoning codes.

Violations & Fines

Building without the required rear or side setback is a zoning code violation; Metro Codes can issue a stop-work order and require the encroaching structure to be moved or removed at the owner's expense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this setback table apply in Belle Meade or Goodlettsville?
No. Belle Meade, Berry Hill, Forest Hills, Goodlettsville, Oak Hill and Ridgetop are satellite cities with their own zoning codes, separate from Metro's.
What's the minimum side setback in Nashville's densest residential zones?
In RS3.75 and RS3.75-A lots, only 3 feet is required on each side; the rear setback stays at 20 feet in every single-family zone.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Nashville

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsStructure Height LimitsSome RestrictionsLot Coverage LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Nashville rules

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