Planning staff outline zoning code changes to allow more ‘middle housing,’ DADUs and an attainable-housing incentive

Metro Planning Department staff on Wednesday outlined four proposed zoning-code bills intended to increase “middle housing” options, limit unexpectedly large infill homes and offer an incentive for income-restricted rental units.

Greg (Planning Department presenter) told attendees the four bills under consideration are numbered 1005 through 1008 and are changes to the zoning code, not the zoning map: “These are changes within the zoning code. They are not changes to the zoning map.” The presentation included an overview of detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) rules, new base districts called Residential Neighborhood (RN) and Residential Limited (RL), proposed height limits in single-family zones, and a voluntary attainable-housing incentive proposed for multifamily rental developments.

The Planning Department framed the bills as part of a broader housing and infrastructure study that began with Nashville Next and continued through subsequent city efforts including a council resolution (Resolution 2024-288) that asked Metro agencies to assess whether regulations affect housing supply, affordability and infrastructure capacity. Staff said the bills are intended to create more predictable, house-scale infill and expand options for homeowners and renters while protecting historic character.

Key proposals explained at the meeting: - Height limits in R and RS (one- and…