ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit in Franklin, TN
Yes — you need a permit for adu (accessory dwelling unit) work in Franklin.
| Permit needed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | No size threshold in the code |
| Fee | Not in the ordinance — the department quotes it |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | Sec. 12-1001 (IRC 2024 for one- and two-family dwellings adopted); IRC R105.1/R105.2 (new dwelling not among exempt work; accessory-structure exemption deleted by Sec. 12-102) |
| Based on | IRC 2024 as amended |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Franklin building department.
- Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued. Work done before that isn't covered.
- Book each inspection listed on the permit as the job reaches that stage.
If you skip it
Возведение или изменение строения без требуемого разрешения незаконно; штраф установлен в Appendix A (comprehensive fees and penalties), каждый день нарушения — отдельный проступок (Sec. 12-1004).
Nearby cities, same job
Rules stop at the city line. If your lot is near a boundary, or you work across several towns, this is where they differ.
| City | Distance | Permit? | Where the line falls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin | — | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
| Brentwood | 7 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
| Nolensville | 11 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
| La Vergne | 18 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
| Nashville | 18 mi | Yes | Building a detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) is con… |
| Smyrna | 18 mi | Yes | Building an accessory dwelling unit (garage apartment, ca… |
See every Tennessee city on adu (accessory dwelling unit) work
Other work in Franklin
Questions people ask
I already built it without a permit. What now?
Franklin can issue a stop-work order and require you to apply after the fact, sometimes with an extra fee. Work that was covered up may have to be opened for inspection. Full walkthrough here.
Does unpermitted work cause problems when selling the house?
Often, yes. A buyer's inspector or the title company may flag it, and lenders can balk at financing a home with open or missing permits. What to do about it.