What are the setback requirements in Nashville, TN?
Last researched May 2026
Dimensional standards in Nashville, TN
| RS5 example parcel — minimum rear setback | 20 foot — Described in the city’s zoning guide example for 141 Elmhurst Ave. |
| RS5 example parcel — minimum side setback | 5 foot — Described in the city’s zoning guide example for 141 Elmhurst Ave. |
| single-family and two-family structures generally — street setback on minor-local and local streets | 20 foot setback — Per city zoning guide summary of Section 17.12.030. |
| single-family and two-family structures generally — street setback on all other streets | 40 foot setback — Per city zoning guide summary of Section 17.12.030. |
| accessory buildings / DADUs with a footprint of eight hundred fifty square feet or less and located to the rear of a principal structure — minimum side setback | one-half of that required for the zoning district, but not less than three feet — Official DADU guidance citing Section 17.12.040E.1.a. |
| accessory buildings / DADUs with a footprint of eight hundred fifty square feet or less and located to the rear of a principal structure — minimum rear setback | at least three feet — If garage doors or carport openings face directly to an alley, minimum rear setback shall be ten feet. |
| accessory buildings / DADUs with a footprint of more than eight hundred fifty square feet — setbacks | full setbacks of the zoning district — Official DADU guidance citing Section 17.12.040E.1.a. |
Related questions
What are the setback requirements in Nashville, TN?
Setbacks vary by district. Examples — RS5 example parcel minimum rear setback: 20 foot (conditions apply); RS5 example parcel minimum side setback: 5 foot (conditions apply); single-family and two-family structures generally street setback on minor-local and local streets: 20 foot setback (conditions apply); single-family and two-family structures generally street setback on all other streets: 40 foot setback (conditions apply). Always confirm the exact yard requirements for your district with Nashville, TN.
Full investor analysis
Setbacks vary by district. The full Nashville, TN report compares the dimensional standards and overlays published across the municipality. First town report is free.
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This summary is AI-generated from public municipal sources and is not legal, engineering, or land-use advice. Always verify zoning with Nashville, TN officials before making decisions.
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