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Murfreesboro, TN Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

RS districts cap
35 feet maximum
Multi-family cap
45 feet in RM-12/RM-16
Measured from
Grade to roof per Section 2
Source
Appendix A – Zoning, Chart 2

Summary

Murfreesboro caps residential building height at 35 feet across every single-family zoning district, rising to 45 feet only for multi-family and townhouse dwellings in the RM-12 and RM-16 districts.

Chart 2 -- Maximum Height[16] (Ft.): RS-15 DISTRICT 35; RS-12 DISTRICT 35; RS-10 DISTRICT 35; RS-8 DISTRICT 35; RS-6 DISTRICT 35; RS-4 DISTRICT 35. R-D DISTRICT (single/two-family units) 35; item 6 (RM-12/RM-16 multi-family and townhouse dwellings) 45[11].

View 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 18 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Chart 2 of Appendix A – Zoning sets a uniform 35-foot maximum building height in the RS-15, RS-12, RS-10, RS-8, RS-6, and RS-4 single-family districts, as well as for single-family and two-family homes in the R-D, RM-12, and RM-16 districts. Height is measured under the "building height" definition in Section 2: from grade to the highest point of a flat roof, the deck line of a mansard roof, or the mean height between eaves and ridge on gable, hip, and gambrel roofs. The only exception in these residential districts is a 45-foot cap for multiple-family and single-family attached townhouse dwellings permitted in RM-12 and RM-16.

Violations & Fines

Constructing a residence taller than the district's Chart 2 maximum, 35 feet in RS-15 through RS-4 and most R-D/RM-12/RM-16 uses, 45 feet for RM-12/RM-16 multi-family, requires a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can a house be built in Murfreesboro?
Up to 35 feet in every single-family district (RS-15 through RS-4) and in most R-D, RM-12, and RM-16 uses, per Chart 2 of Appendix A – Zoning.
Is there an exception to the 35-foot height cap?
Yes: multiple-family and townhouse dwellings permitted in the RM-12 and RM-16 districts may be built up to 45 feet under Chart 2.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Murfreesboro

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsSetback RulesSome RestrictionsLot Coverage LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All Murfreesboro rules

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