Building Setbacks & Zoning in Sullivan County, TN (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Sullivan County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
Sullivan County sets a 30-foot front setback in nearly every agricultural and residential district under Table 3-103B, with side setbacks tightening to as little as 10 feet in R-2/R-2A and rear/corner setbacks ranging from 20 to 30 feet. Agricultural buildings and structures are exempt entirely.
Sullivan County Yard Setback Minimums
Some RestrictionsSullivan County Zoning Resolution § 3-103.6(1); Table 3-103B
3-103.6 Yard Regulations 1. Minimum Width or Depth - Yards having the minimum width or depth set forth for the various districts in TABLE 3-103B, shall be provided on all lots ... VI. Minimum Yard Setbacks (In Feet) 1. Front (08/10/2023) 30 30 30 30 30 30** 30** 2. Side 30 12 12 12 10 20** 30** 3. Rear 30 30 30 30 20 30** 30** 4. Corner Side (additional road frontage) 30 30 30 30 20 30** 30** ....
Structure Height Limits
Sullivan County caps residential buildings at 3 stories or 50 feet across every agricultural and residential district on Table 3-103B, unless the local fire department approves greater height. Non-occupied features like spires, towers, chimneys and water tanks, plus unoccupied farm buildings, are exempt from the limit entirely.
Sullivan County Residential Height Limit
Some RestrictionsSullivan County Zoning Resolution § 3-103.5; Table 3-103B
3-103.5 Height Regulations 1. Basic Requirements - The maximum permitted height for buildings shall not, except as provided in Subpart 2, of this section, exceed that set forth for the various districts in TABLE 3-103B. 2. General Exception to Height Regulations - The height limitation contained in the district regulations does not apply to spires, belfries, cupolas, radio towers, telecommunica...
Lot Coverage Limits
Sullivan County dropped its lot-coverage cap on houses in 2005, but accessory structures still face two limits: Table 3-103B caps any single accessory building at 10% of the lot in every agricultural and residential district, and a 2024 amendment separately caps all accessory structures combined at 5% of the total parcel acreage.
Sullivan County Max Accessory Lot Coverage
Some RestrictionsSullivan County Zoning Resolution § 3-103.3(4); Table 3-103B; § 3-103.6(2)(c)(iv)
4. Maximum Permitted Lot Coverage - The maximum zone lot coverage by all buildings, principal and accessory in these residential districts, shall not, except OSRD planned developments as provided in Subsection 3-104.3, exceed the percentage of the total area of the zone lot indicated in TABLE 3-103B. (Amended August 15, 2005 - no lot coverage required for principal dwelling structures). ... IV....
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