Accessory Structures in Franklin, TN (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Franklin, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Detached accessory dwelling units in Franklin may proceed to building-permit stage, but the owner must sign a parkland impact fee contract and pay the fee once it's executed.
Franklin Detached ADU Permit Fee
Some RestrictionsFranklin Municipal Code, title 25, ch. 4, § 25-406
The developer shall enter into a contract with the city which contains terms and conditions relative to the parkland impact fees required to be paid by the developer and/or any offsets granted for parkland dedication and/or construction of park improvements as may be requested by the developer. Such contract shall be finalized concurrently with the approval of a development plan or site plan wh...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Franklin, Tennessee requires the owner of a single-family lot to permanently occupy the property before an accessory dwelling unit is allowed on that lot under the 2026 zoning ordinance.
Franklin ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Some RestrictionsFranklin Zoning Ordinance § 5.2.7.A.2 (adopted & effective Jan. 13, 2026)
On a single-family residential lot, the owner of the lot is a permanent occupant of the premises, as defined under `single-family residential' in Chapter 23, Definitions and Interpretations. 3. The building footprint shall not exceed 50 percent of the building footprint of the principal building. 4. Accessory dwellings shall comply with the principal building type standards for materials, mater...
Shed & Carport Rules
Franklin caps a shed, workshop or greenhouse at 200 square feet as a "minor accessory structure" under Zoning Ordinance § 5.2.4; go over that and it must match the house's exterior materials, roof elements and colors under § 5.2.7.B. Every accessory structure is capped at 50 percent of the principal building's footprint and must sit outside recorded easements.
Franklin, TN Accessory Structure and Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsFranklin Zoning Ordinance §§ 5.2.3, 5.2.4, 5.2.7.B (adopted & effective Jan. 13, 2026); Franklin Municipal Code, title 12, ch. 10, § 12-1002(1)
5.2.3 Accessory Structures: Accessory structures shall: A. Comply with the maximum number, setback, and height requirements in the applicable zoning district, except those structures subject to Paragraph 5.1.4.Y, Telecommunication Towers and Antenna; B. Not be located within platted or recorded easements or over underground utilities; C. Be subordinate in area and size to the principal building...
Garage Conversions
Franklin, Tennessee lets homeowners convert an existing garage or other accessory structure into an accessory dwelling unit, as long as the conversion doesn't worsen any dimensional nonconformity on the lot.
Franklin Garage-to-ADU Conversion Rule
Some RestrictionsFranklin Zoning Ordinance § 5.2.7.A.8 (adopted & effective Jan. 13, 2026)
Accessory dwellings may be converted from an existing accessory structure, as long as the conversion does not increase any dimensional nonconformity. 9. Parking shall be provided pursuant to Section 10.2, Minimum Parking. 10. Accessory dwellings shall be subject to all applicable building codes. B. Accessory Structures Serving a Dwelling; or Serving a House Building Form in the HPO An acce...
Looking for Williamson County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Franklin city rules.
Accessory Structures in Williamson County →