Beta — site is under development, information may contain errors. Read disclaimer
Zoning Guide

Smyrna Zoning & Land Use Guide

Last updated: Verified:

Key Zoning Facts

Planning Department
Town of Smyrna Planning & Zoning(615) 459-2553
Building Code Edition
TN State Building Code (IBC/IRC based)
ADUs Allowed
Yes
Primary District
RS-15 — Single-Family Residential (15,000 sq ft)
Max Height
35 ft

Smyrna Zoning Overview

Smyrna is a town of approximately 55,000 residents located in Rutherford County, Tennessee, southeast of Nashville. The town manages land use and development through its local zoning ordinance, which divides the municipality into districts regulating permitted uses, building heights, lot sizes, setbacks, and density.

Primary Zoning Districts

Smyrna's zoning code includes several key residential districts. The RS-15 district requires a minimum lot size of 15,000 square feet with setbacks of 30 feet (front), 10 feet (side), and 25 feet (rear), and a maximum building height of 35 feet. The RS-10 district allows smaller lots at 10,000 square feet with setbacks of 25 feet (front), 8 feet (side), and 20 feet (rear), also with a 35-foot height limit.

The RM (Multi-Family Residential) district accommodates higher-density housing including apartments and townhouses. Commercial activity is served by the C-1 and C-2 districts, while the I district provides for industrial and warehousing uses.

ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules

ADU regulations have not been confirmed for Smyrna. Tennessee does not have a statewide ADU mandate. Contact the Town of Smyrna Planning Department to determine whether accessory dwelling units are permitted in your zoning district and under what conditions.

Development Process

Development in Smyrna generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the town'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 Smyrna, property owners should:

  • Verify the zoning classification of their property
  • Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for their specific district
  • 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) 459-2553 for pre-application guidance

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

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Smyrna

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 Building Code (IBC/IRC based)
View Tennessee zoning overview

County — Rutherford County

  • Role: County-level property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning

City / Municipal

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

Overlay Districts

No overlay districts identified.

Private Restrictions

  • HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
  • Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.

Primary Zoning Districts

RS-15Single-Family Residential (15,000 sq ft)
Min Lot
15,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
30 ft
Side Setback
10 ft
Rear Setback
25 ft
RS-10Single-Family Residential (10,000 sq ft)
Min Lot
10,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
25 ft
Side Setback
8 ft
Rear Setback
20 ft
RMMulti-Family Residential
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
C-1Commercial District 1
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
C-2Commercial District 2
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
IIndustrial
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies

ADU Rules in Smyrna

ADUs:Allowed

Permit Costs & Timelines

Permit Costs & Timelines

Specific permit fee schedules for Smyrna are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.

Check Smyrna permit fees →

Official Sources

Town of Smyrnatownofsmyrna.orgOfficial sourceSmyrna Municipal Codelibrary.municode.comOfficial source

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the zoning for my property in Smyrna?
Contact the Town of Smyrna Planning Department at (615) 459-2553 or visit the town's website at townofsmyrna.org. You can also review the municipal code on Municode for zoning district descriptions and permitted uses.
What building code does Smyrna follow?
Smyrna follows the Tennessee State Building Code, which is based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). Contact the local building department for specific requirements.
Do I need a permit for home improvements in Smyrna?
Most structural modifications, additions, and changes of use require a building permit. Contact the Smyrna building department at (615) 459-2553 for specific requirements.
Can I build an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) in Smyrna?
ADU allowances have not been confirmed for Smyrna. Contact the Planning Department to verify whether accessory dwelling units are permitted in your zoning district.