Tiny abodes have garnered immense traction over the last couple of decades, and with good reasons at that. Lower utility expenses, lucrative tax benefits, and highly competitive purchase prices are just some of the many reasons that led to its immense popularity. Favorable tax regulations, mind-boggling natural landscapes, and, more importantly, the affordability factor have made Tennessee the go-to place for tiny home enthusiasts. However, it is extremely important to understand the tiny home regulations in this place before you lay your hands on this dream project.
We would like to point out that every local jurisdiction in this state has to adopt and enforce its own code. Thus, every city and county in Tennessee has different codes and regulations concerning tiny homes. Some county governments or local governments may have no building codes in place. Every county and city in this state has individual building codes. Today, we will learn about the various legal requirements that are a must-know for anyone who wants to put up a tiny house in this wonderful state. So, let’s begin.
Is it legal to build tiny homes in Tennessee?
Yes, tiny homes are 100% legal in Tennessee. However, the zoning restrictions and regulations can vary depending on your specific county or city. So, it is of the utmost importance to thoroughly check and abide by the local regulations before erecting or residing in a tiny home in Tennessee.
Is obtaining a permit to put up a tiny home in Tennessee essential?
The building permit regulations in Tennessee are not that stringent, making it a tiny house-friendly state. It must be pointed out here that there are no statewide laws governing tiny houses in Tennessee. However, some counties and cities of the state have laid down their own regulations governing the construction and placement of tiny houses.
Here, we have mentioned the tiny house regulations of the most important cities in Tennessee. Let’s take a look at them.
Tiny home regulations in Knoxville, TN
Knoxville is a city in Tennessee that completely adheres to the IRC, expanded as the International Residential Code for tiny homes. So, if a tiny house is designed in accordance with the requirements specified in the IRC, it should be allowed in Knoxville.
Tiny home regulations in Shelby, TN
Shelby County is another tiny-home-friendly area in Tennessee. Tiny home regulations in this county are a bit different from those in other cities. If you intend to set up a tiny home in Shelby County, make sure that the land where you want to put up the house complies with the local building codes and is as small as 1 acre.
Tiny home regulations in Nashville, TN
Another tiny-home-friendly state in Tennessee is Nashville. The definition of a Nashville tiny home differs from other Tennessee cities. Tiny homes are defined as detached structures in Nashville. So, if you want to put a tiny home on your property, you have to erect it behind an existing structure.
How to obtain a tiny house permit in Tennessee?
Unfortunately, no comprehensive statewide laws specifically address tiny homes in Tennessee. Instead, tiny abodes are classified as a modular building program. This is a framework that draws your attention if you plan to set up a tiny house within the state.
How much would it cost to obtain a tiny house permit in Tennessee?
The permit costs mainly depend on the amount spent on erecting the structure. If construction costs less than $ 5,000, the stipulated fee is $100. The greater the construction cost is, the more the permit fee will be.
How long would it take to obtain a tiny home permit in Tennessee?
If you have obtained a building permit in Tennessee earlier, you can easily obtain a tiny home permit in Tennessee, as the process is more or less the same. You can receive a residential building permit in Tennessee in just around ten days.
Can you permanently reside in a Tennessee tiny house?
Well, the answer to your question is a resounding YES. You can permanently reside in a tiny Tennessee home. However, make sure that your dream abode complies with the city’s relevant building codes and standards where you intend to put up your tiny home.
What is the square feet size for a home to be considered tiny?
The size of tiny homes in Tennessee varies from municipality to municipality or from one county to another, which is completely based on the adoption of the IRC, or International Residential Code. Tiny houses are often under 400 sq. ft., including loft and interior.
What is usually important in tiny home regulations in Tennessee?
There are several requirements that a tiny home must cater to in order to comply with the regulations and building codes in Tennessee. Here are some of the most important criteria:
- Stairs: One can access any elevated space through ship ladders, ladders, and stairs to reach the lofts.
- Windows: No specified number of windows have been mentioned that should be installed. However, emergency exit standards must be fulfilled to ensure top-notch safety. Moreover, one bedroom must have a closet and a window.
- Ceiling Height: The ceiling height of the living area should be at least a minimum of 6’8”. 6’4” clearances are permitted for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Plumbing: A tiny home must have a separate bathroom, something which is paramount for comfy living.
- Bedroom and Space Requirements: A tiny home must have a room of at least 70 square feet, a functional bathroom with a closet and window, and bathrooms and kitchens with a minimum ceiling height of 6’4” to be up to the building codes.
Final Take:
As you can see, Tennessee Tiny Homes has no statewide regulatory code. So, you should always adhere to the local municipality, county, and city regulations when procuring a tiny home in Tennessee. For anyone looking for state-of-the-art tiny houses in Tennessee or in any part of the US and Canada, TinyHouseMe is the place to be in. We have an online directory from where you can connect with multiple licensed tiny home builders like Custom Container Living in the U.S. and Canada. Get in touch with the builders via us, and we will place you in front of the line for the builders.
