Can I Build ADU in Nashville, TN? (2026)
Find out if you can build a adu in Nashville, TN. Rules, permit requirements, costs, and next steps.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Nashville, TN. California state law ensures by-right approval.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary housing unit on a residential lot — also called a granny flat, in-law suite, or backyard cottage. In Nashville, TN, ADUs are permitted by right under state law, making them one of the most accessible ways to add housing on your property. ADUs can be detached, attached to the main home, or created by converting an existing garage or accessory structure.
ADU Rules in Nashville
ADU Rules in Nashville: Detached ADU max size: 1000 sq ft. Attached ADU max size: 40% of primary dwelling floor area. Setbacks: 5 ft side, 5 ft rear. Owner-occupancy: Nashville does not require owner-occupancy as a condition of DADU approval. Property owner may rent both the primary dwelling and the DADU..
Costs & Fees
ADU permits in Nashville: Total estimated permit cost: $2,000–$9,000 total fees. Contact the Metro Nashville Department of Codes Administration for current fee schedule.
Timeline
Metro Nashville Codes permit: typically 3-6 weeks for residential projects. Electronic permit review available. Construction typically 4-12 months.
Next Steps
Next steps for building an ADU in Nashville: 1. Review full ADU rules including size limits, setbacks, and parking. 2. Apply for an ADU permit through the Metro Nashville Department of Codes Administration at https://nashvillepermits.nashville.gov/. 3. Hire a licensed contractor familiar with TN ADU requirements.
Metro Nashville Department of Codes Administration
Phone: (615) 862-6500
Website: https://www.nashville.gov/departments/codes
Online Permits: https://nashvillepermits.nashville.gov/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a DADU (backyard cottage) on my Nashville property?
Yes. Nashville allows Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs) on single-family lots in residential zones like RS5, RS7.5, RS10, and RS15. The maximum size is 1,000 sqft. Tennessee has no statewide ADU law, so Nashville's local rules apply. No owner-occupancy requirement. You'll need a Metro Nashville building permit, and water/sewer tap fees apply if the DADU has independent plumbing.
What are Nashville's STR rules?
Nashville requires a Short-Term Rental Permit (STRP) for rentals under 30 days. Type 1 permits are for owner-occupied properties (you live there as your primary residence) and are allowed in any residential zone. Type 2 permits (non-owner-occupied) face zone restrictions and caps. Annual permit fee is approximately $325. Maximum occupancy is 2 guests per bedroom. Nashville has one of the most active STR regulatory programs in the Southeast.
What zoning district is my Nashville property in?
You can look up your Nashville property's zoning at the Metro Nashville GIS portal (maps.nashville.gov). Most single-family neighborhoods are zoned RS7.5, RS10, or RS15. Nashville also has R6 and R8 zones for attached housing, and numerous mixed-use zones. The Metro Nashville Code Title 17 governs all zoning standards.
Does Nashville have special rules for Music Row, East Nashville, or other neighborhoods?
Yes. Nashville has numerous specialized overlay districts that modify base zoning standards. Historic Overlay (H) districts like Germantown and Edgefield require Historic Commission review for exterior changes. Urban Design Overlay (UDO) districts apply in areas like The Gulch and SoBro. Specific Plan (SP) and Planned Unit Development (PUD) overlays exist throughout the city for larger development sites.
Nashville experienced major flooding in 2010 — how do I know if my property is in a flood zone?
Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) for your property's flood zone designation. The May 2010 Nashville flood caused over $2 billion in damage along the Cumberland River and Mill Creek corridors. Many Nashville properties in low-lying areas are in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) requiring flood insurance. Metro Nashville's stormwater management program provides additional resources at nashville.gov.
Source: Metro Nashville Department of Codes Administration — Building Regulations. Last verified April 5, 2026. View source