Accessory Structures in Rutherford County, TN (2026)
7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Rutherford County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
In unincorporated Rutherford County, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is allowed by-right in any residential district on a lot of at least one acre, with only one ADU per single-family lot. The owner must live in either the main house or the ADU.
ADU Rules in Rutherford County, TN: Section 1101 Q
Some RestrictionsRutherford County Zoning Ordinance § 1101 Q
ADUs are permitted in any residential zoning district in connection with any lawfully existing single family dwelling... The property owner must reside in either the principal structure or the ADU. Only one ADU is allowed per lot in conjunction with a single family house.
ADU Impact Fees
Adding an accessory dwelling unit in unincorporated Rutherford County triggers a county development tax under Zoning Ordinance § 1101 Q.1.d, on top of a recorded use covenant and extra off-street parking. The ordinance doesn't set the dollar figure here; applicants pay whatever development tax rate the county has adopted at permitting.
ADU Development Tax and Fees in Rutherford County, TN
Some RestrictionsRutherford County Zoning Ordinance § 1101 Q.1.d
c. An instrument shall be recorded with the register's office covenanting that the structure is being established as an accessory dwelling unit and may only be used under the conditions expressed herein. d. Development tax fees will be required for the ADU. e. Off-street parking, in addition to the off-street parking required for the single-family residence as required in Appendix D, shall be...
ADU Owner Occupancy
In unincorporated Rutherford County, an accessory dwelling unit is not investment property: Zoning Ordinance § 1101 Q.1.a requires the property owner to actually live in either the main house or the ADU itself. Only one ADU is allowed per single-family lot, and duplexes or multi-family properties can't add one at all.
ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule in Rutherford County, TN
Some RestrictionsRutherford County Zoning Ordinance § 1101 Q.1.a
ADUs are permitted in any residential zoning district in connection with any lawfully existing single family dwelling. There are two (2) categories of ADUs: By-right and ADU's requiring Special Exception Permits. 1. General Provisions for ADUs Applications for an ADU must meet certain conditions. In no case, shall an Application for an ADU request an amendment to the following requirements. ...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Rutherford County won't let you rent an accessory dwelling unit to just anyone. Zoning Ordinance § 1101 Q.2.a requires the ADU to be occupied by the owner's family members, as the ordinance defines that term, or their invited guests, meaning open-market tenants are off the table in unincorporated areas.
ADU Rental Restrictions in Rutherford County, TN
Significant RestrictionsRutherford County Zoning Ordinance § 1101 Q.2.a
2. Design and Occupancy Standards a. The second unit must be occupied by family members as defined in Appendix A of this ordinance, or their invited guests.
Shed & Carport Rules
In unincorporated Rutherford County, a shed and other detached accessory structures must sit at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines, stay out of the front yard unless the house is set back over 60 feet, and may not exceed the district height limit (typically 35 feet).
Shed Rules in Rutherford County, TN: 5-Foot Setback
Some RestrictionsRutherford County Zoning Ordinance § 1101 D
Accessory structures must be located inside or rear yards a minimum of 5 feet from the property lines... Accessory structures are only allowed in the front yard if the principal structure is setback more than 60 feet from the front property line.
Garage Conversions
Converting a detached garage or accessory building into living space in unincorporated Rutherford County is treated as creating an accessory dwelling unit. It is allowed only where the structure meets the current adopted residential building code, plus ADU covenant, lot-size, and permit rules under Section 1101 Q.
Garage Conversions in Rutherford County, TN
Some RestrictionsRutherford County Zoning Ordinance § 1101 Q.3.b
Detached ADUs may be established within an existing, legally established accessory structure which meets the current adopted building code for residential structures in Rutherford County.
Tiny Homes
There is no separate tiny-home rule in unincorporated Rutherford County. A permanent tiny dwelling is regulated either as a single-family home or, on a lot with an existing house, as an accessory dwelling unit, and must meet the 300-square-foot minimum and adopted building code.
Tiny Homes in Rutherford County, TN
Some RestrictionsRutherford County Zoning Ordinance § 1101 Q.3.b
An ADU must however, provide the minimum area requirement of 300 square feet as required by the building codes currently in effect for Rutherford County for a dwelling unit.
Accessory Structures by City in Rutherford County
1 cities in Rutherford County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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