Accessory Structures in Murfreesboro, TN (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Murfreesboro, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Murfreesboro regulates accessory dwelling units through zoning. Tennessee has no statewide ADU mandate. Rules vary by city. Nashville has active ADU development.
Murfreesboro ADU / Accessory Dwelling Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Murfreesboro regulates accessory dwelling units under the Murfreesboro Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A) as 'accessory apartments,' defined as a secondary dwelling unit either within or added to an existing single-family detached dwelling, or in a separate accessory structure on the same lot. A zoning compliance review and building permit through the Building and Codes Department on the 2nd floor of City Hall (111 W. Vine St.) are required. TCA § 13-7-602 enables Tennessee localities to regulate ADUs locally without state preemption analogous to California's.
Murfreesboro ADU Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Murfreesboro charges standard building permit fees based on construction valuation through the Building and Codes Department, plus Murfreesboro Water Resources Department tap and capacity fees for new water/sewer connections. Tennessee has no statewide ADU impact-fee waiver. Accessory apartments sharing the principal dwelling's water/sewer service avoid most utility tap fees. Murfreesboro Electric Department charges separate service-extension fees.
Murfreesboro ADU Impact and Utility Fees
Some RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Murfreesboro's Zoning Ordinance defines an accessory apartment as 'accessory to the main dwelling,' implying the main dwelling remains a single-family residence in fact and use. The Planning Department typically applies owner-occupancy expectations to prevent de facto duplex use in single-family districts. Rutherford County's Zoning Ordinance § 1101.Q expressly requires owner-occupancy of one unit for unincorporated parcels. Tennessee has not preempted local owner-occupancy rules.
Murfreesboro ADU Owner-Occupancy Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Murfreesboro accessory apartments can be rented for long-term residential use but face additional restrictions for short-term (under 30 days) use. The Tennessee Short-Term Rental Unit Act, TCA §§ 13-7-601 through 13-7-606, permits local STR regulation 'by the least restrictive means' for public health and safety. Murfreesboro requires STR registration and limits non-owner-occupied STRs in residential districts. MTSU-adjacent neighborhoods face heightened enforcement.
Murfreesboro ADU Rental Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
Murfreesboro allows small sheds without permits (typically under 120 to 200 sq ft). Larger structures need building permits. Setback requirements apply.
Murfreesboro Shed & Outbuilding Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Murfreesboro may allow garage conversions with permits. Tennessee has no statewide mandate. Replacement parking typically required.
Murfreesboro Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Murfreesboro requires permits for carport construction. Setback requirements, height limits, and lot coverage maximums apply.
Murfreesboro Carport Construction Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Murfreesboro regulates tiny homes differently based on whether they are on a permanent foundation or on wheels. Zoning and minimum square footage requirements apply.
Murfreesboro Tiny Home & Small Dwelling Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Rutherford County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Murfreesboro city rules.
Accessory Structures in Rutherford County →