

ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated ShelbyTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Shelby, TN
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
38,325
Owner-occupied
72%
Zoning districts
29
Avg Home Value
$343,101
Median Lot Size
0.24 acres
Avg Income
$96,485
Residential Types:
38,325 housing units
Single Family
99%
Apts (4+ units)
1%
Zoning Districts:
43,947 parcels · 29 districts
CA
48%(21,183)
R-8
16%(7,121)
R-6
13%(5,516)
R-10
12%(5,100)
Other
11%(5,027)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Shelby, TN?
Unincorporated Shelby, 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
- –Internal or attached ADUs are prohibited; maximum size is 0 sq ft
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum detached ADU living area based on lot size: 0 sq ft on lots under 7,000 sq ft; otherwise the smaller of 700 sq ft or one-third of the principal dwelling’s gross floor area on lots under 1.5 acres, or 50% of gross floor area on lots 1.5 acres or more; in all cases not exceeding the principal dwelling’s living area.
- –With administrative deviation, the maximum detached ADU size above may be increased by up to 10%, but never beyond the principal dwelling’s living area.
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner-occupancy not required
Parking
- –0 spaces per ADU; 1 additional space is required only if ADU would reduce existing parking below underlying zoning; the extra space must be on the same premises and located in the side or rear yard or on the ground floor of the ADU.
Rental Restrictions
- –Short-term rentals (<30 days) prohibited
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.
Check my propertyHow can we help you?
Get matched with trusted local builders
Understand what's allowed on your property
Learn the key rules and size limits for ADUs
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.
Shelby County