Accessory Structures in Chattanooga, TN (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Chattanooga, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Chattanooga's zoning code addresses accessory dwelling units. ADUs may be permitted in certain residential zones with conditions including size limits.
Chattanooga ADU / Accessory Dwelling Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Chattanooga allows Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in specified residential zoning districts under the Chattanooga Zoning Ordinance (City Code Part II, Chapter 38). ADUs require building permits from the Department of Economic and Community Development (Land Development Office) and must meet lot size, setback, and height standards. The 2024 form-based code adoption created additional ADU pathways in downtown/midtown form districts.
Chattanooga Accessory Dwelling Unit Permits
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Chattanooga does not impose a dedicated ADU impact fee. Standard building permit fees through the Land Development Office apply based on construction valuation. Tennessee American Water Company (water) and Chattanooga Wastewater (sewer) charge tap or capacity fees only if a new connection is required. Hamilton County does not levy school impact fees; sales tax-funded school construction applies generally.
Chattanooga ADU Impact Fees and Charges
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
The Chattanooga Zoning Ordinance generally requires the principal dwelling on a lot with an ADU to be owner-occupied, treating the ADU as a subordinate accessory use. Both units cannot be rented to non-owners simultaneously without losing accessory use status. Tennessee has no statewide ADU-by-right preemption, leaving the requirement enforceable under Dillon Rule home rule authority.
Chattanooga ADU Owner-Occupancy Requirements
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Chattanooga ADUs may be rented for long-term residential use only when the owner occupies the other unit on the property. Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs) are regulated under the Chattanooga Zoning Ordinance with Absentee and Homestay categories; only Homestay (owner-occupied) STVRs are allowed by-right in most residential R districts, restricting STVR use of ADUs to owner-occupied properties. Absentee STVR overlay districts apply elsewhere.
Chattanooga ADU Rental and Short-Term Restrictions
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Chattanooga allows storage sheds as accessory structures in residential zones. Sheds must comply with setback requirements and larger sheds need building permits.
Chattanooga Shed & Outbuilding Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a garage to living space in Chattanooga requires a building permit. The space must meet habitability standards and parking requirements.
Chattanooga Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Chattanooga regulates carports as accessory structures under Chapter 38 (Zoning) of the City Code, with building permits administered under Chapter 10 (Buildings). The Land Development Office requires zoning clearance plus a building permit for both attached and detached carports. Setbacks are determined by the underlying residence district (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4) and the structure type. Confirm specific dimensions with the Land Development Office at (423) 643-5891.
Carport Rules in Chattanooga
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Chattanooga's accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance, adopted by City Council on May 31, 2022 and effective June 14, 2022, allows site-built ADUs up to 700 square feet on residential lots citywide. Tiny homes on wheels are explicitly excluded from the ADU definition. Tennessee has adopted the 2018 International Residential Code, which contains Appendix Q (Tiny Houses) defining a tiny house as a dwelling 400 square feet or less excluding lofts.