Setback Requirements in Nashville, TN (2026)
Front, side, and rear setback requirements by zoning district for Nashville, TN. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Setbacks by Zoning District
| Zone | Front | Side | Rear | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS5 | 20 feet | 5 feet | 20 feet | Metro Nashville Code Title 17 — RS5 (Single-Family Residential 5,000 sqft minimum lot). Common in infill development areas. |
| RS7.5 | 20 feet | 7 feet | 20 feet | Metro Nashville Code Title 17 — RS7.5 (Single-Family 7,500 sqft minimum lot). Most common residential zone. |
| RS10 | 25 feet | 8 feet | 25 feet | Metro Nashville Code Title 17 — RS10 (Single-Family 10,000 sqft minimum lot). |
| RS15 | 30 feet | 10 feet | 30 feet | Metro Nashville Code Title 17 — RS15 (Single-Family 15,000 sqft minimum lot). |
| RM2 | 15 feet | 5 feet | 15 feet | Metro Nashville Code Title 17 — RM2 low-density multifamily. |
All setbacks measured from property line. Verify with Metro Nashville Department of Codes Administration before submitting permit applications.
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 Zoning Code — Setback Requirements. Last verified April 5, 2026. View source