During a recent government meeting, officials addressed the growing interest in tiny homes and the associated zoning regulations in Davidson County. A key discussion point was the lack of a clear definition for \"tiny homes\" within the current zoning code, which has led to confusion among residents and potential builders.
One participant raised concerns about the zoning department's communication, stating that they would not have pursued the project had they known a tiny home could not be placed in the desired location. Officials clarified that the zoning issue at hand is not about the permissibility of tiny homes but rather about compliance with setback requirements.
It was noted that while there is no specific definition for tiny homes in the zoning code, state statutes do provide guidelines for their construction and use as residential dwellings. The county's building and fire codes allow for the construction of tiny homes, provided they meet certain standards, similar to those for manufactured homes.
Additionally, officials emphasized that the concept of a \"detached accessory dwelling unit\" (DADU) is distinct from tiny homes. While DADUs can be permitted in some zoning districts, they are not classified as tiny homes. The meeting underscored the need for better education on these definitions and regulations to assist residents in navigating the complexities of zoning laws related to tiny homes.