ADUs are allowed in ChattanoogaTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Chattanooga, TN
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
68,973
Owner-occupied
58%
Zoning districts
82
Avg Home Value
$327,982
Median Lot Size
0.28 acres
Avg Income
$78,112
Residential Types:
68,973 housing units
Single Family
95%
2-3 Family
1%
Apts (4+ units)
5%
Zoning Districts:
81,328 parcels · 82 districts
RN-1-6
45%(36,395)
RN-1-5
15%(12,341)
RN-2
11%(8,707)
RN-1-7.5
6%(4,592)
Other
24%(19,293)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Chattanooga, TN?
Chattanooga, TN follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: By Right
- –Detached ADU: By Right
Interior / Attached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 800 sq ft for attached or internal ADUs
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum detached ADU size of 800 sq ft
Max Units
- –Single-unit detached principal dwelling (citywide): 1 ADU per lot.
- –Downtown Form-Based Code – General ADU use standard: 1 ADU per lot wherever an ADU is allowed.
- –Cottage Court developments (Downtown FBC): 0 ADUs per lot.
Owner Occupancy
- –No owner-occupancy required; ADU must share ownership.
Parking
- –0 spaces minimum; maximum not specified for ADUs; existing required parking for the principal dwelling must be maintained or replaced on-site if lost due to the ADU
Rental Restrictions
- –STVRs: only one structure on the lot may operate as a STVR; stays limited to 30 consecutive days and cannot be rented for less than 24 hours; annual city STVR certificate required; absentee/non-owner STVRs limited to mixed-use/commercial zones that allow hotels.
What's allowed on your lot?
These are the municipality-wide rules. What's allowed on a specific property also depends on state laws, setbacks, floor area ratio, lot coverage, environmental constraints, topography, and other property-specific factors. Search your address on FutureLot to see what's allowed on your property.
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ADU rules in other Tennessee municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Hamilton County