Knoxville Zoning & Permits
Zoning rules, permit requirements, and building codes for Knoxville, TN. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Quick Facts
Population
190,740
Total Zone Types
26
Planning Department
Knoxville-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission
Zoning Map
Interactive online map
County
Knox County
Metro Area
Knoxville
Knoxville Zoning System
The Knoxville zoning system includes 26 total zone classifications: 6 residential zones (RN-1, RN-2, RN-3, RN-4, RN-5, and others) and 5 commercial zones (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, and others), as well as 2 mixed-use zones (O-1, O-2) and 3 industrial zones (I-1, I-2, I-3). Knoxville's zoning is governed by the Knoxville Zoning Ordinance, administered by the City of Knoxville Plans Review and Building Inspections Department, in coordination with the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) which serves both Knoxville and Knox County. Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee (UT) Volunteers — the university's presence drives a large student population, significant rental housing demand, and unique housing market dynamics in neighborhoods like the Fort Sanders Historic District adjacent to campus. Knoxville has experienced revitalization downtown since the 1982 World's Fair (World's Fair Park remains) and has a growing tech sector. Tennessee has no statewide ADU law — Knoxville's zoning framework is entirely local. Knox County and Knoxville share planning through the MPC. The city maintains an interactive zoning map for property lookup.
View Knoxville Zoning Map (interactive online map)
Building & Planning Departments
The Knoxville Building Department (Knoxville Plans Review and Building Inspections) handles all building permit applications, inspections, and code enforcement. You can reach them by phone at (865) 215-3800 or apply online through their permit portal. Office hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm. For zoning questions and land use determinations, contact the Knoxville-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission at (865) 215-3820. Zoning information is available online. Always verify current requirements directly with the department before beginning any project, as regulations and fees may have changed since this data was last verified.
Planning Department
Knoxville-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission
(865) 215-3820
Visit WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
How does the University of Tennessee affect Knoxville's housing market?
The University of Tennessee's approximately 30,000+ students create intense rental demand in neighborhoods adjacent to campus — Fort Sanders, Laurel Avenue, and the Old North Knox corridor. This rental pressure has driven up property values in campus-adjacent areas. For ADU investors, these neighborhoods offer strong rental demand. Note that Fort Sanders is a historic district with design review for exterior changes. UT sports (Volunteers) also drive short-term rental demand on game weekends.
Can I build an ADU on my Knoxville property?
Yes. Knoxville allows accessory dwelling units in qualifying RN (Residential Neighborhood) zones. Maximum size is typically 750 sqft for detached ADUs. You'll need a building permit from Plans Review and Building Inspections. Tennessee has no statewide ADU law — Knoxville's local zoning ordinance governs. No owner-occupancy requirement. KUB connection fees apply for independent utilities.
What is the Metropolitan Planning Commission and does it cover Knox County too?
The Knoxville-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) serves both the City of Knoxville and Knox County through a joint planning function. This is relatively unusual — Knoxville city and Knox County maintain separate governments but share planning services through the MPC. For property within Knoxville city limits, you work with Knoxville's Plans Review and Building Inspections for permits. For Knox County unincorporated areas, the county has separate permitting.
Does Knoxville have historic preservation requirements in Fort Sanders?
Yes. Fort Sanders is a National Register Historic District with Victorian architecture adjacent to the UT campus. Properties in Fort Sanders and other historic overlay (H-1) zones may require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Knoxville Historic Zoning Commission for exterior modifications including additions, window replacements, roofing, and visible alterations. Contact Plans Review and Building Inspections to verify your property's historic status before beginning work.
What is KUB and how does it affect solar installation in Knoxville?
KUB (Knoxville Utilities Board) provides electricity, natural gas, water, and wastewater service to Knoxville and surrounding areas. KUB distributes power from TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority). For solar installations, you'll need KUB interconnection approval after receiving your electrical permit. KUB participates in TVA's net metering program. KUB also offers a Green Power Switch program for renewable energy support. Knoxville receives approximately 4.7 peak sun hours/day — viable for solar investment.
Source: Knoxville Zoning Ordinance — Accessory Dwelling Unit provisions. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source