ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit in Nashville (2026)
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit requirements, fees, and process for Nashville, TN. Find out if you need a permit and how to apply.
Yes, a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit is required in Nashville, TN.
A ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit is required in Nashville, TN. The Metro Nashville Department of Codes Administration handles permit applications for Nashville. Below you will find the current thresholds, fees, and process for obtaining a adu (accessory dwelling unit) permit in Nashville.
When Is a Permit Required?
When a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit Is Required in Nashville: All DADU construction
Permit Fees
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit Fees in Nashville: $2,000–$9,000. Estimated timeline: 3-6 weeks.
Estimated timeline: 3-6 weeks
How to Get a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit in Nashville
Verify whether your project meets the permit threshold in Nashville: All DADU construction.
Prepare your permit application and plans. Contact the Metro Nashville Department of Codes Administration at https://www.nashville.gov/departments/codes for required documentation.
Submit your application online at https://nashvillepermits.nashville.gov/ or in person at the Metro Nashville Department of Codes Administration.
Pay the permit fee: $2,000–$9,000.
Wait for plan check approval. Estimated timeline: 3-6 weeks.
Schedule required inspections through https://nashvillepermits.nashville.gov/. All inspections must pass before project is finalized.
Important: Metro Nashville Codes permit required. Water and wastewater tap fees apply for new connections.
Metro Nashville Department of Codes Administration
Phone: (615) 862-6500
Website: https://www.nashville.gov/departments/codes
Online Permits: https://nashvillepermits.nashville.gov/
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:00pm
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: Nashville Building Code — ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Requirements. Last verified April 5, 2026. View source