ADU Rules in Nashville, TN (2026)
ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Nashville, TN. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Nashville, TN.
Nashville, TN permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residential properties. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. State and local law governs the approval process. In Nashville, the local building department handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Nashville.
ADU Size Limits
ADU Size Limits in Nashville: Detached ADU: size varies by zoning — see official source (max height: varies — see official source). Attached ADU: size varies by zoning — see official source.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | See official source | See official source |
| Attached ADU | See official source | See official source |
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Nashville: Plan check fee: Varies. Building permit fee: Varies. Impact fees: None. School fees: None or N/A. Total estimated permit cost: Varies.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plan Check | $200–$1,200 |
| Building Permit | Based on construction value — typically $800–$3,500 |
| Impact Fees | Metro Nashville charges development fees — water and wastewater tap fees apply for new connections |
| School Fees | None |
| Total Estimate | See official source |
Permit Timeline
Nashville ADU Permit Timeline: Permit timeline has not been confirmed — contact the department for current processing times. Apply through the local building department online permit portal. Phone: (615) 862-6500.
Setback Requirements
ADU Setback Requirements in Nashville: Front setback: follows zone standard. Side setback: no minimum. Rear setback: no minimum.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: Parking requirements have not been confirmed — see official source.
Restrictions & Requirements
- DADU must be on same lot as primary single-family dwelling
- Maximum 1 DADU per single-family lot
- Maximum size: 1,000 sqft
- Must comply with RS zone setback and lot coverage standards
- DADU cannot be separately sold or conveyed
- Access easement or alley access preferred for rear-yard DADUs
How Many ADUs Are Allowed?
Number of ADUs Allowed in Nashville: Single-family lots: not confirmed — see official source. Multifamily properties: not confirmed — see official source.
- Single-Family Lots
- 1 DADU per single-family lot
- Multifamily Properties
- Not typically allowed as separate accessory units in RM zones
Statewide Preemption
ADU Preemption
We could not confirm a statewide ADU preemption statute for Tennessee.
View Tennessee preemption detailsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Nashville?
Yes. Nashville, TN allows accessory dwelling units. On a single-family lot you can build 1 DADU per single-family lot.
How big can an ADU be in Nashville?
The maximum size for a detached ADU in Nashville is 1,000 square feet.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Nashville?
The typical ADU permit timeline in Nashville is Metro Nashville Codes permit: typically 3-6 weeks for residential projects. Electronic permit review available. Construction typically 4-12 months.. Total estimated permit fees are $2,000–$9,000 total fees.
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Nashville?
Nashville parking rules for ADUs: 1 parking space required per DADU. Nashville does not have a public transit system equivalent to BART or CapMetro that would justify significant parking waivers.
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Nashville?
Owner-occupancy requirement in Nashville: The single-family residence must be owner-occupied; the accessory unit must be occupied by a family member of the owner (grandmother, grandfather, mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, aunt or uncle)
Source: Metro Nashville Code Title 17 — Zoning; DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) provisions. Last verified April 5, 2026. View source