ADU Laws in Tennessee (2026)
Tennessee state ADU law details, key provisions, preemption status, and recent legislative changes for accessory dwelling units.
Law Name
State ADU Law
Preempts Local Ordinances
No — local rules may be stricter
Has State Law
Yes
Key Provisions
Tennessee has no statewide ADU law as of 2026
ADU regulation is entirely local — each municipality sets its own rules
Nashville (Metro Nashville-Davidson County) has a DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) ordinance
Chattanooga and Knoxville also have local ADU frameworks
Tennessee state legislature has not passed ADU reform legislation despite housing supply challenges
Tennessee is a local-control state for land use — zoning authority delegated to municipalities and counties
Legislative History
2023 — Tennessee SB 0664 / HB 0543 (considered, not enacted as comprehensive ADU mandate)
Tennessee legislature considered housing supply legislation related to zoning reform but did not enact a comprehensive statewide ADU mandate. Local municipalities retain authority to permit or restrict ADUs under local zoning ordinances.
Official Sources
Source: Tennessee State ADU Law. Last verified April 5, 2026. View source