ADU Regulations in Tennessee (TN)
Tennessee is rated Moderate for ADU construction with an ADU-friendliness score of 30/100 (Restrictive). Tennessee does not have a statewide ADU law — regulations are set entirely by local jurisdictions. Owner must reside on the property. Additional parking may be required. Tennessee has no statewide ADU law, but Nashville adopted a significant ADU ordinance in 2015 that has been expanded several times. Memphis and Knoxville have some ADU provisions. The state legislature has preempted some local housing regulations but has not addressed ADUs statewide.
Full ADU Regulations Summary for Tennessee
| ADUs Allowed | Yes |
| Statewide ADU Law | No |
| Maximum ADU Size | Set locally |
| Owner Occupancy Required | Yes |
| Parking Required | Yes |
| Minimum Setback | Set locally |
| Permitting Timeline | Varies by jurisdiction |
| Impact Fees | Varies by jurisdiction |
| Long-Term Rental Allowed | Yes |
| Short-Term Rental (Airbnb) Allowed | Yes |
| Ease of Building | Moderate |
ADU Regulations by City in Tennessee
ADU rules can vary by city even within the same state. Without a statewide ADU law, Tennessee cities set their own rules, and policies can differ significantly. Below are ADU details for 4 cities in Tennessee.
Nashville
ADUs (called 'Detached Accessory Dwelling Units' or DADUs) allowed in most residential zones since 2015. Maximum 700 sq ft. Owner occupancy required.
Memphis
ADUs permitted in some residential zones. Memphis has limited but growing ADU provisions.
Knoxville
ADUs allowed in certain zones with conditional use approval. Knoxville expanded ADU provisions in 2023.
Chattanooga
ADUs permitted in some residential zones. Chattanooga adopted ADU-friendly amendments in 2022.
How Tennessee Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Tennessee with five states that have similar ADU-friendliness scores. This comparison helps illustrate where Tennessee stands nationally.
| State | Score | Statewide Law | Parking Req? | Owner Occ? | Ease |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (TN) | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | Moderate |
| Alabama (AL) | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | Difficult |
| Arkansas (AR) | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | Difficult |
| Delaware (DE) | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | Moderate |
| Georgia (GA) | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | Moderate |
| Idaho (ID) | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | Moderate |
Frequently Asked Questions About ADUs in Tennessee
Can I build an ADU in Tennessee?
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Tennessee. However, Tennessee does not have a statewide ADU law, so the specific rules depend on your city or county's zoning code. Some cities are more permissive than others. The ease of building is rated "Moderate" with a friendliness score of 30/100.
Do I need to live on the property to have an ADU in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee generally requires owner occupancy — the property owner must live either in the main house or the ADU. This means you cannot rent out both units simultaneously. Note: individual cities may have their own owner-occupancy rules, so check your local zoning.
How big can an ADU be in Tennessee?
Tennessee does not set a statewide maximum ADU size — this is determined by your local jurisdiction. Common local limits range from 600 to 1,200 square feet. Check your city's zoning code for the specific maximum.
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Tennessee?
Tennessee may require additional off-street parking for ADUs. The specific number of spaces depends on your local jurisdiction. This can be a significant barrier if your lot has limited space for parking.
Can I rent out my ADU in Tennessee?
Yes, long-term rentals of ADUs are allowed in Tennessee. Short-term rentals (like Airbnb) are also generally permitted, though your city may have separate short-term rental regulations.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Tennessee?
The permitting timeline in Tennessee is: Varies by jurisdiction. Without a statewide mandate, permitting timelines depend entirely on your local jurisdiction's review process. Actual timelines can be affected by plan review backlogs, inspection scheduling, and the complexity of your project. Pre-approved ADU plans, where available, can significantly speed up the process.
Check ADU Rules for Your City
Use our ADU regulations lookup tool to find the specific rules for your city in Tennessee, or browse all 50 states to compare ADU regulations across the country. Remember that local rules may be more specific than state-level regulations.