Murfreesboro Zoning Overview

Murfreesboro is a city of approximately 152,769 residents in Rutherford County, Tennessee. As the county seat and one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, Murfreesboro manages land use through a comprehensive zoning ordinance administered by the city's planning department.

Murfreesboro's zoning framework includes large-lot single-family zones (RS-15, 15,000 sq ft minimum), standard single-family zones (RS-10, 10,000 sq ft minimum), compact single-family zones (RS-6, 6,000 sq ft minimum), multi-family residential (RM), neighborhood commercial (C-1), general commercial (C-2), highway commercial (CH), and industrial (I) districts.

Key Zoning Districts

The RS-15 district requires 15,000 sq ft minimum lots with 30-foot front setbacks, 10-foot side setbacks, and 25-foot rear setbacks. The RS-10 district allows 10,000 sq ft lots with 25-foot front, 8-foot side, and 20-foot rear setbacks. The RS-6 district permits 6,000 sq ft lots with 20-foot front, 5-foot side, and 15-foot rear setbacks. All single-family districts have a 35-foot height limit.

The RM district permits multi-family housing including apartments and townhomes, with dimensional standards that vary based on the specific development.

ADU Regulations

ADU regulations have not been confirmed for Murfreesboro. Tennessee does not have a statewide ADU mandate, so any ADU allowances would be governed by the local zoning ordinance. Property owners interested in building an accessory dwelling unit should contact the Planning Department at (615) 893-6441 for current rules.

Development Process

Development in Murfreesboro generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the city's planning and building departments. The process typically involves:

1. Zoning Verification -- Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
2. Site Plan Review -- For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
3. Building Permit -- Apply for a building permit with construction documents
4. Inspections -- Schedule required inspections during construction
5. Certificate of Occupancy -- Obtain final approval before occupying the structure

For projects that do not conform to existing zoning, property owners may need to seek a variance, special exception, or rezoning through the local board of zoning appeals or planning commission.

Key Considerations

Before starting any development project in Murfreesboro, property owners should:

• Verify the zoning classification of their property
• Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements
• Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
• Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
• Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
• Contact the planning department at (615) 893-6441 for pre-application guidance

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Murfreesboro and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the Murfreesboro Planning Department or municipal code before making development decisions.