Tiny homes have been an affordable alternative for housing in recent years. They provide an option for avoiding increasing rents, while providing a type of home ownership.
Yet prospective tiny home builders looking to build in Tenn. may need to familiarize themselves with legal concerns. Some local events provide some information for prospective builders.
“Tenn. has no state-wide laws regarding tiny houses,” says https://getjerry.com/home-insurance/tennessee-tiny-house-laws#are-tiny-houses-legal-in-tennessee
“Tenn. 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 Tenn. 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 Tenn. So, while a shed may be a tiny space, you’re not exactly allowed to turn it into a tiny home.”
“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. ”
While not a top spot for tiny home trends, Tiny home festivals have been coming to Tenn. including the Tenn. Tiny Home Music Festival and the Hippie Living Fair Nashville. Such festivals offer stylistic examples as well as information on building and legal concerns when building tiny. Smaller local festivals like the Clarksville Artsville Fest often include tiny home features.
Shows like Tiny House Nation explore the popularity of liveable structures that are typically less than 400 square feet. Tiny house communities have appeared in some places in the United States.
Clarksville Artsville Fest 2022. All rights reserved.
Clarksville Artsville Fest 2022. All rights reserved.
Tenn’s bordering state N.C. is the 8th most popular U.S. state for living in a tiny home, according to Business Insider. https://www-businessinsider-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.businessinsider.com/tiny-home-most-popular-us-states-2020-6?amp_js_v=a6&_gsa=1&&usqp=mq331AQKKAFQArABIIACAw%3D%3D#aoh=16605963015860&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=From%20%251%24s&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.businessinsider.com%2Ftiny-home-most-popular-us-states-2020-6
Tenn. laws for tiny construction are mostly related to what’s defined as “ready-removable” structures.
“What’s a ready-removable? The term “ready-removable” refers to a structure without any foundation, footings, or other support mechanisms that allow a structure to be easily relocated, but which may include electrical wiring.” says https://www.tn.gov/commerce/news/2016/8/17/state-fire-marshal-learn-the-laws-about-ready-removables-before-buying.html
“According to Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-126-303, ready-removable structures include, but are not limited to, stadium press boxes, guard shelters, or structures that contain only electrical, electronic, or mechanical equipment that are solely occupied for service or maintenance of such equipment.”
“It is against state law to modify ready-removable structures for use as residential, recreational, or emergency housing in Tennessee.”
““Building codes are necessary life-safety measures, and ready–removable structures do not pass the code for sleeping spaces,” said Commerce & Insurance Deputy Commissioner Gary West. “The State Fire Marshal’s Office cannot issue certificates for electrical power to ready-removables that are used as housing.”
“Ready-removables with electrical wiring can be used for work spaces or storage, but must still meet applicable state and local electrical permitting requirements, local building permitting requirements, and have hardwired smoke alarms installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Ready-removables cannot have plumbing systems.”
Tiny builders may want to consider whether they are committed to tiny living for a long period of time. They may also not want to simply DIY a space without being aware of legalities.
Traveling in movable tiny homes, Recreational Vehicles (RVs) and trailers became more popular during quarantine. As populations increase due to people moving to states with lower costs of living, housing costs in those states increase. With this backdrop, tiny living can offer less debt than traditional housing and a place of one’s own as an alternative to shifting housing costs.
Clarksville Artsville Fest 2022. All rights reserved.
Tenn. Populations between 2018 and 2021
According to the United States Census Bureau, Tenn. had a population of 6.651 million in 2018. This increased to 6.709 million in 2019 and 6.772 million in 2020. The estimated population in 2021 was 6.975 million.
According to the United States Census Bureau, Nashville, Tenn. had a population of 692,587 in 2018. According to the Census of 2020, the Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government area had a population of 689,447. The estimated population for the Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government area was 678,851 in 2021.
Image provided by Google. Nashville Population by Year. All rights reserved.
According to the United States Census Bureau, Montgomery County, Tenn. had a population of 196,387 in 2018. This increased to 200,180 in 2019 and 204,992 in 2020.
Image provided by Google. Clarksville Population by Year. All rights reserved.
According to the United States Census Bureau, Clarksville, Tenn. had a population of 150,602 in 2018. This increased to 152,934 in 2019 and 156,092 in 2020.