Zoning Guide

Hendersonville Zoning & Land Use Guide

Last updated: Verified:

Official references and local checks

Use the official references below to identify the rules that apply to your address, then confirm parcel-specific requirements with the local authority before filing an application.

Official references

Population:
58,000
County:
Sumner County
State building code:
TN State Fire Marshal enforces code in some areas (based on 2018 IBC/IRC)(statewide default)
State ADU law:
No statewide override; local rules apply
FEMA flood map:
Search flood zones
Planning department:
City of Hendersonville Planning Department
Municipal code:
View code online
Zoning map:
View local zoning map

Before you apply

  • Call the City of Hendersonville Planning Department: (615) 822-1000
  • Search the municipal code for the chapter that covers your zoning district and proposed use.
  • Use the local zoning map to look up your parcel's zoning designation before applying for a permit.
  • Check FEMA flood zone for your parcel — flood-zone status changes setbacks, foundation requirements, and insurance.
  • Check your HOA CC&Rs and recorded deed restrictions — they are common in Hendersonville and frequently restrict ADUs, fences, and exterior changes beyond what zoning allows.

Key Zoning Facts

Local Zoning / Building Office
City of Hendersonville Planning Department(615) 822-1000
Building Code Edition
TN State Building Code (IBC/IRC based)
ADU / Accessory Apartment
Verify by district

Hendersonville regulates land use through its current Zoning Ordinance. Because district standards and accessory-use rules have been updated, parcel-specific design should start with the current zoning map and ordinance rather than older generic R-10/R-15 summaries.

Accessory Apartments and Detached Accessory Dwellings

The current Zoning Ordinance distinguishes between an accessory apartment within or attached to the principal dwelling and a detached accessory dwelling.

For an attached/internal accessory apartment, the ordinance limits the apartment's heated area to 40% of the combined heated area of the principal dwelling and apartment and includes additional design requirements.

Detached accessory dwellings have a different approval path. Under the current ordinance:

  • they are not permitted on lots of 29,999 sq ft or smaller;
  • they must be located behind the rear plane of the principal dwelling;
  • they require a conditional use permit;
  • the current rule requires 20 ft from side and rear property lines;
  • other district, design, building-code, utility, and site requirements still apply.

These rules replace the previous page statement that Hendersonville ADU regulations were simply “not confirmed.”

Development Process

  1. Confirm the parcel's current zoning district.
  2. Determine whether the proposal is an attached/internal accessory apartment or a detached accessory dwelling.
  3. Review the specific use standards and the underlying district dimensions.
  4. Obtain any required conditional-use or other zoning approval.
  5. Apply for building permits and complete inspections.

Official Source

Use the current City of Hendersonville Zoning Ordinance and Planning Department resources for the controlling requirements.

Disclaimer: This guide is a summary. Confirm the current ordinance text and parcel-specific conditions with Hendersonville Planning before design or construction.

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Hendersonville

Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.

Federal

State — Tennessee

  • Building Code: TN State Fire Marshal codes (IBC/IRC based)
View Tennessee zoning overview

County — Sumner County

    City / Municipal

    The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.

    Overlay Districts

    No overlay districts identified.

    Private Restrictions

    • Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
    • Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.

    Statewide Context (Tennessee)

    Local data for Hendersonville is limited. The following state-level facts apply across Tennessee and are inherited by this page until city-specific details are verified.

    State Building Code
    TN State Fire Marshal enforces code in some areas (based on 2018 IBC/IRC)
    State ADU Preemption
    No statewide override
    Coastal Zone
    No
    Wildfire Zones
    No

    ADU Rules in Hendersonville

    ADUs:Verify locally
    Max Size
    Attached accessory apartment: heated area may not exceed 40% of the combined heated area of the principal dwelling and apartment; detached accessory dwellings have separate local standards
    Max Height
    Verify the applicable district and accessory-structure standards
    Rear Setback
    Detached accessory dwelling: 20 ft from side and rear property lines under current local standards
    Side Setback
    Detached accessory dwelling: 20 ft from side and rear property lines under current local standards
    Parking
    Verify current zoning ordinance and permit review
    Owner Occupancy
    Verify current zoning ordinance
    Permit Timeline
    Varies

    Permit Costs & Timelines

    Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines

    Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.

    Check current Hendersonville permit information →

    Official Sources

    City-specific

    City of Hendersonvillehvilletn.orgOfficial sourceHendersonville Municipal Codelibrary.municode.comOfficial source