Accessory Structures in Franklin, TN (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Franklin, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Franklin permits Accessory Dwellings under Zoning Ordinance § 5.2.7 with a 50 percent of principal-building footprint cap, owner-occupancy requirement, parking compliance, and a maximum of one accessory dwelling per lot. Allowed by right in most single-family residential districts (R1, R2, R3, R4, R6, MR, ER) as an accessory use. Tennessee does not preempt local ADU rules.
Franklin Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Franklin Zoning Ordinance § 5.2.4 classifies storage sheds with a footprint of 200 square feet or less as 'Minor Accessory Structures' — permitted in all residential districts. Sheds 200 sq ft or larger are regulated as standard Accessory Structures under § 5.2.3 and must meet the setback and height rules of the underlying zoning district. The Tennessee Residential Code exempts one-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft from a building permit.
Franklin Shed Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a garage into habitable space in Franklin requires a building permit and electrical permit from Building & Neighborhood Services because it is a change of occupancy under the Tennessee Residential Code. If the conversion creates a second dwelling unit, it must comply with the Accessory Dwelling standards in Franklin Zoning Ordinance § 5.2.7 — 50% footprint cap, owner-occupancy of the property, parking compliance, one ADU per lot.
Franklin Garage Conversion
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in Franklin are accessory structures under Franklin Zoning Ordinance § 5.2.3 (or § 5.2.4 Minor Accessory Structure if ≤200 sq ft). Carports must sit behind the front facade of the principal building, meet the underlying zoning district's setback and height standards, and (when 200 sq ft or larger) require a building permit from Building & Neighborhood Services with engineered wind-uplift anchorage.
Franklin Carport Rules
Few RestrictionsTiny Homes
A tiny home on a permanent foundation in Franklin is treated as either a single-family dwelling or an Accessory Dwelling under the Franklin Zoning Ordinance and must meet the Tennessee Residential Code as administered by Building & Neighborhood Services. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs, park-model RVs, travel trailers) are not permitted as residences in residential districts because accessory structures and dwellings must comply with the residential building code.
Franklin Tiny Home Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Williamson County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Franklin city rules.
Accessory Structures in Williamson County →