5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Sumner County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
Sumner County allows accessory dwelling units in any residential zone in connection with a single-family home, under Zoning Resolution Section 1101(R). By-right ADUs must be owner-occupied, at least 300 square feet, and limited in size; others need a Board of Zoning Appeals special exception.
Sumner County Zoning Resolution, Ch. 11, Sec. 1101(R) (Accessory Dwelling Units)
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.
In unincorporated Sumner County, a storage building over 200 square feet — including portable buildings on skids — needs a zoning permit. The fee is a flat $100 for 200 to 600 square feet, and a one-time site visit confirms setbacks. Smaller sheds are exempt.
Sumner County Building & Codes, Zoning Permits (Required Inspections)
Sumner County does not require structures that have been issued a Zoning Permit to be inspected. A one-time site visit will be made prior to construction to confirm setback compliance.
Converting a garage into living space in unincorporated Sumner County means a building permit under the adopted 2021 residential code. If the conversion creates a second dwelling, it must meet the county's ADU rules in Section 1101(R), including owner-occupancy.
Sumner County Zoning Resolution, Ch. 11, Sec. 1101(R)(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 Sumner County.
A detached carport in unincorporated Sumner County is an accessory structure that needs a permit from Building & Codes. The application requires a site plan showing distances to property lines, and the carport must meet the setbacks of your zoning district.
Sumner County Building Codes, Accessory Structure Permit Application
Site plan; must show size of lot, size of proposed improvement, distance to property lines, location of any other structures on the lot and street the property is accessed from.
A tiny home's status in Sumner County depends on its foundation. On a permanent foundation it is a dwelling under the 2021 residential code; as a second unit it must meet the ADU rules in Section 1101(R). On wheels, it needs a special exception.
Sumner County Zoning Resolution, Ch. 11, Sec. 1101(R)(3)(b)
An ADU must however, provide the minimum area requirement of 300 square feet.
1 cities in Sumner County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Sumner County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Sumner County Ordinance Hub →