Knox County, TN Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- RA main building max
- 3 stories or 35 feet
- RA accessory building max
- 18 feet
- Basement/attic
- Counts as a story
- Exempt structures
- Barns, chimneys, spires, towers
- Governing sections
- 5.11.11 and 3.20.03
Summary
In the RA Low Density Residential Zone, no main building may exceed 3 stories or 35 feet, and accessory buildings are capped at 18 feet. Farm buildings, chimneys, spires, flagpoles, and similar projections are exempt from the height limits.
No main building shall exceed three (3) stories or thirty-five (35) feet in height. Accessory buildings shall not exceed eighteen (18) feet in height; provided, however, the eighteen (18) feet height limitation may be exceeded to conform the pitch of the accessory building roof to the pitch of the roof of the principal use.
Full Breakdown
Maximum building height is set per district. In the RA Low Density Residential Zone, Section 5.11.11 states no main building shall exceed three stories or 35 feet in height, and accessory buildings shall not exceed 18 feet; the 18-foot cap may be exceeded only to match the pitch of the principal building's roof. Section 3.20.03 exempts certain structures from district height limits entirely, including agricultural buildings, barns, silos, windmills, chimneys, smokestacks, spires, flagpoles, ventilators, and radio, television, and communication towers. A habitable basement or attic counts as a story. Height limits differ in the RB and commercial districts, so check the applicable zone.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the height limit violates the Zoning Ordinance, carrying a $10-$500 civil penalty under Section 6.20.02, each day a separate offense; compliance may also be enforced by injunction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a house be in the RA residential zone?
Do chimneys count toward the height limit?
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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