Can I Build Garage in Nashville, TN? (2026)
Find out if you can build a garage in Nashville, TN. Rules, permit requirements, costs, and next steps.
Building a detached garage in Nashville, TN requires a building permit. Setback requirements and lot coverage limits apply.
Building a detached or attached garage in Nashville, TN typically requires a building permit through the local building department. Garages are governed by the same structural permit requirements as room additions, plus setback requirements that vary by zone. Detached garages must comply with accessory structure setbacks in Nashville, and total lot coverage (all covered structures combined) must not exceed zone limits.
Garage Rules in Nashville
Garage Construction Rules in Nashville: Permit required: Conditional depending on size. RS5 zone setbacks (typical): Front varies ft, Side varies ft, Rear varies ft. Check your zone's lot coverage limits — adding a garage may push total coverage over the maximum.
Costs & Fees
Contact the local building department at (615) 862-6500 for current permit fee information.
Next Steps
Next steps for building a garage in Nashville: 1. Verify your zone setback requirements and lot coverage limits. 2. Prepare site plan showing garage location relative to property lines. 3. Submit a building permit application to the local building department. 4. Once approved, begin construction with required inspections at foundation, framing, and final.
Metro Nashville Department of Codes Administration
Phone: (615) 862-6500 · Verified July 6, 2026 · Source
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