ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated RutherfordTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Rutherford, TN
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
7
Zoning districts
28
Zoning Districts:
46,225 parcels · 28 districts
RM
75%(34,567)
RL
16%(7,238)
PUD
8%(3,705)
CS
0%(141)
Other
1%(574)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Rutherford, TN?
Unincorporated Rutherford, 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 is the greater of 50% of the principal dwelling’s gross floor area or 300 sq ft for attached/internal ADUs.
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum detached ADU size is the lesser of the accessory-structure cap (2,000 sq ft for lots up to 1 acre; otherwise 5% of lot area) and the size of the principal dwelling.
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must reside in either the primary dwelling or ADU
Parking
- –ADU must provide off-street parking in addition to the off-street parking required for the single-family residence; no numeric minimum or maximum stated; a separate driveway for the ADU is not allowed unless lot-specific conditions require it per the Planning Director; the single-family dwelling must have 2 spaces per unit in addition to the ADU.
Rental Restrictions
- –Rental to unrelated tenants not authorized; ADU occupancy limited to family members or their invited guests.
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.
Rutherford County