Metro Council to Review Four Bills submitted by the Planning Department
- 16th United
- Oct 2
- 2 min read
At the H&I + Historic Districts Community Meeting on October 1, 2025, the Planning Department reviewed its first action steps that have emerged from the Housing & Infrastructure Study.
A summary of the 4 bills was provided by Planning.
BL2025-1005: Creates two new residential zoning districts - Residential Neighborhood (RN) and Residential Limited (RL). It does not change anyone's existing zoning and is not being mapped at this time. These districts would simply be added to the zoning code, where it is then up to property owners or Council Members to initiate a rezoning process that will follow the same process expected of rezonings today: public notice, a public hearing at the Planning Commission, and a public hearing and three readings at the Metro Council.
BL2025-1006: Does two things:
It simplifies the rules for building duplexes in one- and two-family (R) districts, while continuing to prohibit them in single-family residential (RS) districts.
It reduces the maximum height of homes to remain compatible with existing homes, which addresses many complaints we've heard about out-of-context "tall and skinny homes" being built in neighborhoods.
BL2025-1007: Does two things:
It allows in-law units, known as detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs), to be built within the Urban Services District (USD) on lots that meet certain conditions. These units must be smaller than the primary home.
It allows General Services District (GSD) neighborhoods to opt in to allowing in-law units.
Planning staff has heard a desire for this use from both residents and councilmembers across the county.
BL2025-1008: Creates a voluntary attainable housing incentive program under the newly passed state law. This incentive is only available for buildings with 5 or more rental units. It is currently included in the proposed RL district in BL1005 and is being considered for incorporation into the Downtown Code's Bonus Height Program.
Summary of Presentation Attached
Recording will be made available on the Engage Nashville Website.
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