Accessory Structures in Knoxville, TN (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Knoxville, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Knoxville permits one ADU by right on any single-family lot. ADUs may be internal, attached, or detached, with standards for size, setbacks, owner occupancy, and parking.
Knoxville ADU / Accessory Dwelling Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Knoxville allows one Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) by-right with any single-family dwelling under the Recode Knoxville Zoning Ordinance, Article 10 (Use Standards). ADUs may be internal, attached, or detached. Building permits go through the City of Knoxville Plans Review & Inspections Division. The Recode Knoxville ordinance took effect January 1, 2020 after City Council adoption on August 13, 2019.
Knoxville Accessory Dwelling Unit Permits
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Knoxville does not impose a dedicated ADU impact fee. Standard building permit fees through Plans Review & Inspections apply based on construction valuation, with separate trade permits for plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and gas work. Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) tap fees apply only if a new water, sewer, gas, or electric service is required. Tennessee has no statewide ADU fee-waiver statute.
Knoxville ADU Permit Fees and Utility Charges
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Recode Knoxville Article 10 requires that one of the two units on an ADU property - either the principal dwelling or the ADU - be occupied by the property owner as their primary residence. Both units cannot be rented to non-owners simultaneously. Tennessee has not preempted owner-occupancy requirements, so Knoxville's rule is enforceable. Compliance is verified at permitting and during short-term rental review.
Knoxville ADU Owner-Occupancy Requirement
Heavy RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Knoxville ADUs may be rented long-term only when the owner occupies the other unit on the property. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) require a Short-Term Rental Unit (STRU) permit under Knoxville City Code Chapter 16, Article XV. The ordinance distinguishes Type 1 (Owner-Occupied) from Type 2 (Non-Owner-Occupied) permits, with Type 2 restricted in residential districts. Tennessee's STR Act (TCA 13-7-602) preempts cities from banning pre-2018 STRs.
Knoxville ADU Rental and Short-Term Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
Small sheds under 200 sq ft in Knoxville generally do not require a building permit. All structures must comply with zoning setbacks and height limits.
Knoxville Shed & Outbuilding Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions in Knoxville require building permits and must meet building code standards for habitable rooms. Converting to an ADU requires compliance with ADU regulations.
Knoxville Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Knoxville Zoning Code Article 10.3.G allows carports only over a driveway in the interior side, corner side, or rear yard. They are capped at 22 feet long, must be open on at least two sides, and must use permanent materials. A building permit is required.
Carport Rules in Knoxville
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Knoxville has no separate tiny-home ordinance. A site-built tiny home is regulated as a single-family dwelling or as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) under Article 10.3.B. Detached ADUs require a 5,000 sq ft lot, are capped at 600-1,200 sq ft, and limited to two bedrooms.