ADUs are allowed in KnoxvilleTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Knoxville, TN
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
57,432
Owner-occupied
66%
Zoning districts
47
Avg Home Value
$251,989
Median Lot Size
0.27 acres
Avg Income
$67,167
Residential Types:
57,432 housing units
Single Family
83%
Apts (4+ units)
3%
Other
14%
Zoning Districts:
75,767 parcels · 47 districts
RN-1
35%(26,734)
RN-2
33%(25,122)
RN-3
8%(5,842)
RN-5
3%(2,307)
Other
21%(15,762)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Knoxville, TN?
Knoxville, 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 40% of the primary dwelling’s floor area
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum detached ADU size is 40% of the primary dwelling’s floor area.
Max Units
- –1 ADU per lot on lots with one single-family dwelling (ADU may be within, attached to, or detached from the primary dwelling)
- –EN districts: 1 ADU per lot (permitted unless prohibited by a new approved EN application)
- –Duplex/two-family, multi-family, or other principal structures: ADUs not permitted
Owner Occupancy
- –One of the dwelling units must be owner-occupied.
Parking
- –1 space/ADU; DK District exempt; reductions up to 30% near transit within 1/4 mile or via approved study; rounding: fractions ≥0.5 round up
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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Is your property eligible for an ADU?
ADU rules in other Tennessee municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Knox County