Accessory Structures in Knoxville, TN (2026)
3 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 allows one accessory dwelling unit per single-family lot of at least 5,000 square feet, capped at 40% of the primary home's floor area and two bedrooms, under the zoning code.
Knoxville Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules
Some RestrictionsKnoxville City Code, Appendix B (Zoning Code), Art. 10, § 10.3.B
B. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) 1. The design and size of the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) must conform to all applicable building codes. 2. An ADU may be located only on a lot with one single-family dwelling. [...] One of the dwelling units must be occupied by the owner of the property. 3. A lot must have a minimum area of 5,000 square feet to qualify for an ADU. 4. Only one ADU is permitted...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Knoxville's zoning code requires the property owner to occupy one of the two dwelling units whenever an accessory dwelling unit is added to a single-family lot, tying ADU approval to owner residency.
Knoxville ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Some RestrictionsKnoxville City Code, Appendix B (Zoning Code), Art. 10, § 10.3.B.2 (Ord. No. O-61-2020, § 1, 4-21-20)
An ADU may be located only on a lot with one single-family dwelling. However, in EN districts, ADUs shall be permitted unless the neighborhood prohibits them in a new approved EN application. One of the dwelling units must be occupied by the owner of the property.3.A lot must have a minimum area of 5,000 square feet to qualify for an ADU.4.Only one ADU is permitted per lot.5.The ADU may be with...
Shed & Carport Rules
Detached accessory structures like sheds in Knoxville are capped at 18 feet tall, need a 5-foot setback from every lot line, and face a lot-size-based coverage cap under the zoning code.
Knoxville Accessory Structure Size Limits
Some RestrictionsKnoxville City Code, Appendix B (Zoning Code), Art. 10, § 10.3.A
A. General Regulations for Accessory Structures. [...] 4. The maximum height of any detached accessory structure is 18 feet, unless otherwise permitted or restricted by this Code. An accessory structure cannot exceed the height of the principal structure. [...] 5. Detached accessory structures, including those listed in this section and Section 10.4, must be setback five feet from any lot line,...
Looking for Knox County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Knoxville city rules.
Accessory Structures in Knox County →