1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Rutherford County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
Rutherford County permits Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in residential zoning districts in connection with a lawfully existing single-family dwelling under Section 1101.Q of the Rutherford County Zoning Resolution. ADUs are allowed by-right when standards are met, otherwise a Special Exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals is required. Tennessee has no statewide ADU mandate; counties exercise zoning authority under Tenn. Code Ann. §13-7-101 et seq. Inside Murfreesboro city limits, the City's Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A, 2025) governs and uses the term 'accessory apartment' for a secondary dwelling on a single-family lot.
Rutherford County Zoning Ordinance Section 1101 Q, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) (Rutherford County Regional Planning Commission, ADU Application Packet)
ADUs are permitted in any residential zoning district in connection with any lawfully existing single family dwelling... a. The property owner must reside in either the principal structure or the ADU. b. Only one ADU is allowed per lot in conjunction with a single family house. ADUs are not allowed in conjunction with duplex or multi-family dwelling units... 3. Particular Standards for By-right...
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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