Knoxville, Tennessee is the most tiny home-friendly city in the state, but it’s possible to go tiny in other parts of the state if you follow local regulations.

Written by Natalie Todoroff

Reviewed by Melanie Reiff

Updated on Dec 14, 2023

Table of Contents

Are tiny houses legal in Tennessee?
What kinds of tiny houses are permitted in Tennessee?
Where can I build or park my tiny house in Tennessee?
How to build a tiny house in Tennessee
Go tiny on your home, not your insurance coverage
FAQ

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Tennessee has no state-wide laws regarding tiny houses. Only the city of Knoxville has fully adopted the International Residence Code

Appendix Q

, which lays out specific guidelines for tiny homes. For tiny homes in other Tennessee cities, it gets a little more complicated.

Don’t let their miniature size fool you—tiny homes are in giant demand. Ever since the International Residence Code (IRC) added Appendix Q in 2018, which laid out the regulations and standards unique to tiny homes, an increasing number of Americans are making the switch to tiny.

With warm summers and mild winters, the state of Tennessee makes tiny living a breeze. Or, if the outdoors aren’t your thing, Tennessee has over 250 museums—and enough honky tonks to break in those new cowboy boots you got.

If you’re considering building or purchasing a tiny home in Tennessee, let this article from

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Are tiny houses legal in Tennessee?

Tennessee does not have any state-wide laws pertaining to tiny homes, so whether or not you can build really depends on where you’re looking to live. Like many other states, the regulations surrounding tiny homes vary across different cities.

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to want to convert their sheds, or other additional dwelling units (ADUs), into tiny homes. But, this goes against

Tennessee state law on ready removeables.

This law states that you are only allowed to have electricity in a shed to operate tools and machinery—not to a power potential home.

Plus, it is illegal to sleep in a shed in Tennessee. So, while a shed may be a tiny space, you’re not exactly allowed to turn it into a tiny home.

Tennessee cities that allow tiny houses

Of 346 municipalities across the state of Tennessee, Knoxville is the only one that has fully adopted IRC Appendix Q. This means that as long as your tiny home complies with the standards laid out in the appendix, you’re free to go tiny!

Tiny homes are also allowed in Nashville, but with much heavier restrictions. They are only allowed in zones behind an existing structure. If you have a lot of yard space and want to build a tiny home on your lot, you can do so in Nashville—a popular choice for those looking to make some extra cash with an AirBNB or guest home situation in the country music capital.

Key takeaway Check in with your local Tennessee authorities and local zoning codes to make sure you’re complying with all regulations.

What kinds of tiny houses are permitted in Tennessee?

If you pore over Tennessee state laws, you won’t find the word “tiny home.” This doesn’t mean that they’re not allowed or illegal. All it means is that the state of Tennessee has left it up to each city to decide how they want to handle tiny living.

But, Tennessee does have statewide regulations for modular homes under the

Tennessee Modular Building Program

. These laws are intended to regulate any modular homes, or homes that are built offsite and transported to a final location—something not uncommon in the world of tiny homes.

Not all tiny homes are considered modular homes. If you’re building your tiny dream house yourself or contracting someone else to do it for you, you’ll have to get your building plans inspected and the building itself approved by your local state authority.

What does a tiny house need to be up to Tennessee building code?

If you’re building a tiny home in Knoxville, your tiny home needs to meet the standards laid out in the 2018 IRC Appendix Q. Your tiny home must:

Have a minimum of 120 square feet

Have ceilings at least 6’4” tall for kitchens and bathrooms

Have ceilings at least 6’8” bedrooms and hallways (an exception is made of lofted spaces)

Be built on a minimum of 320 square feet of land

Have at least one bedroom with a window and closet space

Have a room that is not intended for sleeping that measures at least 70 square feet

The bottom line? When mapping out your tiny home, you’ll need to have a tape measure on hand to meet the dimension requirements!

Key takeaway Head down to your local library and brush up on your zoning and building laws to be certain you’re following all legal requirements.

What about tiny houses on wheels?

Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are regulated differently than those built on a foundation. In Tennessee, they’re technically considered mobile homes and must follow the codes and regulations laid out for them—not for standard houses or tiny homes.

Tiny homes on wheels cannot just be parked anywhere in Tennessee. In Knoxville, for example, they can only be parked in an RV or mobile home park. Memphis is even trickier—tiny homes on wheels are not allowed within city limits, but can be in the larger county as long as they’re on at least one acre of land.

Where can I build or park my tiny house in Tennessee?

Because there are no state-wide laws regarding tiny homes in Tennessee, it really comes down to what’s written in your local building and zoning codes. Some municipalities are much more liberal with where you can build a tiny home, while others have more rules and regulations.

If you’re considering where to park your tiny home on wheels, remember that they’re technically considered mobile homes. When researching where you can park, be sure that you’re looking at the laws pertaining to mobile homes, not homes!

How to build a tiny house in Tennessee

Ready to go fully tiny in Tennessee? Here are the big first steps you’ll need to take on your road to tiny:

Know your local zoning and building laws. We can’t stress it enough—do your research beforehand! Websites like

Municode Tennessee

can provide you intel on every county in Tennessee and their rules about tiny home building.

Choose the right place for your tiny home. Tiny home communities are popping up all across the state of Tennessee, like

Retreat Deer Lick Falls

. Or, if you’d rather fly solo on your tiny adventure, you’ll have to think about whether you’d like to be closer to a city or if you want to be more in touch with nature.

Insure your tiny home. It may not be a state requirement, but it’s certainly a good idea! Although a tiny home will cost you less than a standard one-family one, it’s still something you’ve put money into and you’ll want to protect your investment.

MORE:

The 16 perils of home insurance

Go tiny on your home, not your insurance coverage

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