Sweeping new zoning targets Nashville housing affordability

"Nashville, one of the fastest-growing Sun Belt cities over the past decade, has been working to address the housing affordability issues that accompanied its massive economic development. Confronted with a shortage of nearly 90,000 homes, the Nashville Metro Council made its most significant move since 2018 to shape the city's future. It passed two groundbreaking and controversial zoning measures, overcoming strong opposition to clear their final hurdle and become law. With the adoption of these laws, Nashville joins a growing list of cities and states working to eliminate decades of restrictive zoning covenants and regulations."

"This move opens the door for more missing middle housing and increases density near urban transit corridors. The votes capped months of heated debate over how the city should manage rapid growth while preserving affordability and neighborhood character. Rhetoric from opponents reached a fever pitch. They challenged housing shortage estimates and questioned how infrastructure could handle more density. Supporters of the two initiatives built a coalition of business and civic leaders to push the legislation over the finish line in the 40-member city council."

"One ordinance establishes two new baseline zoning districtsResidential Neighborhood and Residential Limited. Both districts permit a wider variety of housing types, including townhomes, triplexes, and quadplexes, in areas that are currently dominated by single-family homes. Individual council members would request such zoning for their respective districts. A second ordinance expands the ability to build detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs), increasing the housing suppl"

Nashville faced a shortage of nearly 90,000 homes amid rapid Sun Belt growth. The Metro Council approved two controversial zoning measures to expand housing options and address affordability. One ordinance creates new baseline districts—Residential Neighborhood and Residential Limited—that allow townhomes, triplexes, and quadplexes in areas now dominated by single-family homes, with individual council members requesting such zoning. A second ordinance expands detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs). The votes followed months of heated debate, with opponents questioning shortage estimates and infrastructure capacity while supporters formed a business and civic coalition to secure passage.

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