Accessory Structures in Nashville, TN (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Nashville, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Nashville streamlined DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) rules significantly in 2025. DADUs are permitted by right in most residential zones within the Urban Services District. Size limits were raised, and the alley access requirement was removed.
Nashville ADU / Accessory Dwelling Rules
Few RestrictionsMetro Code 17.16.030G; 17.04.060
DADU Eligibility The Land Use Table must show the parcel’s zoning district permits DADU’s with conditions (PC). The lot area of parcel must comply with the minimum lot area for a parcel’s zoning. See bulk regulation tables located in 17.12. The parcel must meet one of the following: Be in the Urban Services District. Be within a DADU overlay within the General Services Distric...
ADU Permits
Nashville allows Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs) in specified residential districts under Metro Code Title 17 (Zoning Code). DADUs require building permits from Metro Codes and Building Safety and must comply with Section 17.16.250 standards including lot size, setbacks, and height. Some districts require Specific Plan or zoning change approval.
Nashville Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit Permits
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Nashville does not impose a dedicated DADU impact fee. Standard building permit fees through Metro Codes apply based on construction valuation. Metro Water Services may charge tap fees if a new water/sewer connection is required, and Metro Schools impact fees do not apply to single accessory units. Stormwater fees apply based on impervious surface added.
Nashville DADU Impact Fees and Charges
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Nashville Metro Code Section 17.16.250 requires that either the principal dwelling or the DADU be occupied by the property owner as their primary residence. Both units cannot be rented to non-owners simultaneously. Owner-occupancy must be documented and is verified during STR registration and code complaint investigations. Tennessee state law has not preempted this requirement.
Nashville DADU Owner-Occupancy Requirement
Heavy RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Nashville DADUs may be rented for long-term residential use only when the owner occupies the other unit on the property. Short-Term Rentals are regulated under Metro Code Section 6.28, which distinguishes Owner-Occupied (Type 1) from Non-Owner-Occupied (Type 2) STR permits. Only Type 1 STR permits are allowed in residential zones, restricting DADU STR use to owner-occupied properties.
Nashville DADU Rental and Short-Term Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
Sheds and carports 10 ft × 10 ft (100 sq ft) or larger require a building permit in Nashville. Smaller sheds are exempt. Sheds must comply with zoning setbacks and may not be used as living space.
Nashville Shed & Outbuilding Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting an attached garage or detached garage to living space in Nashville requires a building permit. Converting a detached garage to a DADU requires a contractor permit and compliance with all DADU standards.
Nashville Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsMetro Code 17.04.060
By definition (17.04.060) a DADU shall be clearly subordinate in size, height, and purpose to the principal structure, it shall be located on the same lot as the principal structure and is detached from the principal structure. A detached accessory dwelling unit can be an independent structure, it can be a dwelling unit above a garage, or it can be attached to a workshop or other accessory stru...
Carport Rules
Metro Nashville treats carports as accessory structures regulated by Title 17 of the Metro Code, with reduced setbacks for rear-yard carports of 700 sq ft or less, height capped at 16 ft on lots under 40,000 sq ft, and a building permit required from the Department of Codes and Building Safety.
Carport Rules in Nashville
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Metro Nashville allows tiny homes only as Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs) on a permanent foundation, capped at 700 sq ft (or 850 sq ft on lots 10,000+ sf), and only in the Urban Services District, DADU overlays, or qualifying UDO/SP plans. Tiny houses on wheels are not permitted as full-time residences.
Tiny Home Rules in Nashville
Heavy RestrictionsMetro Code 17.16.030G.7.a; 17.12.040E.1.a
(17.16.030G.7.a) The living space of a detached accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed seven hundred (700) square feet for lots less than ten thousand square feet, or eight hundred and fifty (850) square feet for lots ten thousand square feet or greater and shall not exceed the size of the principal structure. DADU Building Setbacks (17.12.040E.1.a) Accessory buildings (DADU) with a footprint...
Looking for Davidson County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Nashville city rules.
Accessory Structures in Davidson County →