5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Davidson County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
DADUs are permitted by right in most Davidson County residential areas within the Urban Services District under BL2025-1007. The alley requirement was removed, size limits raised to 700–850 sq ft, and the process streamlined.
Nashville.gov Codes – DADU (Metro Code 17.16.030G)
A Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) involves building a small, single-unit residence on a property with an existing single-family residence. This is not to be confused with a duplex that can be sold separately and has different development requirements. Applicants wanting to add a DADU to a property must complete the permitting process with the Metro Codes and Building Safety. Zoning exam...
Sheds and accessory structures 100 sq ft or larger require a building permit throughout Davidson County. Smaller structures are exempt from the permit but must still comply with setbacks. No living space is permitted in sheds.
Converting a garage to living space in Davidson County requires a building permit. Converting to a DADU requires a contractor permit (no self-permitting). The space must meet all IRC habitability requirements.
Nashville.gov Codes – DADU (Metro Code 17.16.030G & 17.16.060G)
DADU Footprint Controls The footprint of a DADU must not exceed the footprint of the primary structure. Additionally, no other accessory structure shall exceed two hundred square feet when there is a detached accessory dwelling on the lot. These footprint controls are meant to encourage the living space of a DADU, and additional accessory structure uses to fall under one roof. DADU Height Contr...
Metro Nashville requires a building permit for any carport regardless of size. Attached carports must meet primary structure setbacks; detached treated as accessory per Metro §17.16.070.
Metro Nashville adopted IRC Appendix Q allowing tiny homes under 400 sq ft on foundations. DADUs (Detached Accessory Dwelling Units) permitted in most R-zones per §17.16.250. THOW (wheels) treated as RVs and restricted in residential zones.
1 cities in Davidson County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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