YOUR LAND. YOUR QUESTIONS. A CLEARER START.

What does your
zoning mean?

RS7.5. RM20. SP. The letters matter.
So does the land-use policy behind them.

Find your district, understand what it describes and learn which questions come next. If your vision needs a zoning change, rezoning and entitlements are a core Smart Girl service.

THE NASHVILLE ZONING DIRECTORY

Read the letters.
Understand the possibilities.

119 documented district codes and variants. Open a row for its meaning and official sources. These summaries do not establish a parcel’s development rights.

119 of 119 district codes shown.

AGAgricultural

Rural uses, including agricultural activity and residential uses listed in the land-use table.

Baseline to understand
5-acre minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

AR2aAgricultural / residential

Rural uses, including agricultural activity and residential uses listed in the land-use table.

Baseline to understand
2-acre minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RS80Single-family residential

Single-family residential district. Accessory dwelling eligibility requires a separate check of current use conditions, overlays and site standards.

Baseline to understand
80,000 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RS40Single-family residential

Single-family residential district. Accessory dwelling eligibility requires a separate check of current use conditions, overlays and site standards.

Baseline to understand
40,000 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RS30Single-family residential

Single-family residential district. Accessory dwelling eligibility requires a separate check of current use conditions, overlays and site standards.

Baseline to understand
30,000 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RS20Single-family residential

Single-family residential district. Accessory dwelling eligibility requires a separate check of current use conditions, overlays and site standards.

Baseline to understand
20,000 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RS15Single-family residential

Single-family residential district. Accessory dwelling eligibility requires a separate check of current use conditions, overlays and site standards.

Baseline to understand
15,000 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RS10Single-family residential

Single-family residential district. Accessory dwelling eligibility requires a separate check of current use conditions, overlays and site standards.

Baseline to understand
10,000 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RS7.5Single-family residential

Single-family residential district. Accessory dwelling eligibility requires a separate check of current use conditions, overlays and site standards.

Baseline to understand
7,500 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RS7.5-ASingle-family residential — alternative

Single-family residential district. Accessory dwelling eligibility requires a separate check of current use conditions, overlays and site standards. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
7,500 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RS5Single-family residential

Single-family residential district. Accessory dwelling eligibility requires a separate check of current use conditions, overlays and site standards.

Baseline to understand
5,000 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RS5-ASingle-family residential — alternative

Single-family residential district. Accessory dwelling eligibility requires a separate check of current use conditions, overlays and site standards. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
5,000 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RS3.75Single-family residential

Single-family residential district. Accessory dwelling eligibility requires a separate check of current use conditions, overlays and site standards.

Baseline to understand
3,750 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RS3.75-ASingle-family residential — alternative

Single-family residential district. Accessory dwelling eligibility requires a separate check of current use conditions, overlays and site standards. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
3,750 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

R80One- and two-family residential

Residential district intended for single- and two-family dwellings. Two-family and accessory uses remain subject to applicable conditions and site standards.

Baseline to understand
80,000 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

R40One- and two-family residential

Residential district intended for single- and two-family dwellings. Two-family and accessory uses remain subject to applicable conditions and site standards.

Baseline to understand
40,000 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

R30One- and two-family residential

Residential district intended for single- and two-family dwellings. Two-family and accessory uses remain subject to applicable conditions and site standards.

Baseline to understand
30,000 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

R20One- and two-family residential

Residential district intended for single- and two-family dwellings. Two-family and accessory uses remain subject to applicable conditions and site standards.

Baseline to understand
20,000 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

R15One- and two-family residential

Residential district intended for single- and two-family dwellings. Two-family and accessory uses remain subject to applicable conditions and site standards.

Baseline to understand
15,000 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

R10One- and two-family residential

Residential district intended for single- and two-family dwellings. Two-family and accessory uses remain subject to applicable conditions and site standards.

Baseline to understand
10,000 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

R8One- and two-family residential

Residential district intended for single- and two-family dwellings. Two-family and accessory uses remain subject to applicable conditions and site standards.

Baseline to understand
8,000 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

R8-AOne- and two-family residential — alternative

Residential district intended for single- and two-family dwellings. Two-family and accessory uses remain subject to applicable conditions and site standards. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
8,000 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

R6One- and two-family residential

Residential district intended for single- and two-family dwellings. Two-family and accessory uses remain subject to applicable conditions and site standards.

Baseline to understand
6,000 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

R6-AOne- and two-family residential — alternative

Residential district intended for single- and two-family dwellings. Two-family and accessory uses remain subject to applicable conditions and site standards. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
6,000 sq ft minimum lot area

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM2Multifamily residential

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 2 dwelling units per acre.

Baseline to understand
2 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM2-NSMultifamily residential — no STRP

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 2 dwelling units per acre. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
2 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM4Multifamily residential

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 4 dwelling units per acre.

Baseline to understand
4 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM4-NSMultifamily residential — no STRP

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 4 dwelling units per acre. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
4 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM6Multifamily residential

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 6 dwelling units per acre.

Baseline to understand
6 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM6-NSMultifamily residential — no STRP

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 6 dwelling units per acre. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
6 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM9Multifamily residential

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 9 dwelling units per acre.

Baseline to understand
9 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM9-AMultifamily residential — alternative

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 9 dwelling units per acre. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
9 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM9-NSMultifamily residential — no STRP

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 9 dwelling units per acre. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
9 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM9-A-NSMultifamily residential — alternative — no STRP

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 9 dwelling units per acre. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
9 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM15Multifamily residential

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 15 dwelling units per acre.

Baseline to understand
15 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM15-AMultifamily residential — alternative

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 15 dwelling units per acre. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
15 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM15-NSMultifamily residential — no STRP

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 15 dwelling units per acre. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
15 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM15-A-NSMultifamily residential — alternative — no STRP

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 15 dwelling units per acre. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
15 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM20Multifamily residential

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 20 dwelling units per acre.

Baseline to understand
20 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM20-AMultifamily residential — alternative

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 20 dwelling units per acre. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
20 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM20-NSMultifamily residential — no STRP

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 20 dwelling units per acre. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
20 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM20-A-NSMultifamily residential — alternative — no STRP

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 20 dwelling units per acre. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
20 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM40Multifamily residential

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 40 dwelling units per acre.

Baseline to understand
40 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM40-AMultifamily residential — alternative

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 40 dwelling units per acre. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
40 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM40-NSMultifamily residential — no STRP

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 40 dwelling units per acre. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
40 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM40-A-NSMultifamily residential — alternative — no STRP

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 40 dwelling units per acre. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
40 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM60Multifamily residential

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 60 dwelling units per acre.

Baseline to understand
60 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM60-AMultifamily residential — alternative

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 60 dwelling units per acre. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
60 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM60-NSMultifamily residential — no STRP

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 60 dwelling units per acre. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
60 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM60-A-NSMultifamily residential — alternative — no STRP

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 60 dwelling units per acre. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
60 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM80-AMultifamily residential — alternative

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 80 dwelling units per acre. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
80 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM80-A-NSMultifamily residential — alternative — no STRP

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 80 dwelling units per acre. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
80 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM100-AMultifamily residential — alternative

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 100 dwelling units per acre. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
100 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RM100-A-NSMultifamily residential — alternative — no STRP

Multifamily residential district with a stated density of 100 dwelling units per acre. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
100 dwelling units per acre; site constraints and other regulations still apply

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RN1Residential Neighborhood 1

Design-based residential district for a suburban context. Building types include single-family, two-family, townhouses, house courts, townhouse courts and plex houses. Manor houses are limited to RN2.

Baseline to understand
Baseline: 2.5 stories and 40% building coverage maximum. Building-type rules may further limit height; check Chapter 17.38.

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RN2Residential Neighborhood 2

Design-based residential district for a urban context. Building types include single-family, two-family, townhouses, house courts, townhouse courts and plex houses. Manor houses are also included in RN2.

Baseline to understand
Baseline: 3 stories and 50% building coverage maximum. Building-type rules may further limit height; check Chapter 17.38.

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RL1Residential Limited 1

Design-based residential district for a suburban context. Building types include houses, townhouses, courts, plex and manor houses, multiplexes and low-rise courtyard flats. Low-rise flats are limited to RL3.

Baseline to understand
Baseline: 2.5 stories and 60% building coverage maximum. Building-type rules may further limit height; check Chapter 17.38; eligible RL housing incentives may modify base standards.

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RL2Residential Limited 2

Design-based residential district for a urban context. Building types include houses, townhouses, courts, plex and manor houses, multiplexes and low-rise courtyard flats. Low-rise flats are limited to RL3.

Baseline to understand
Baseline: 3 stories and 60% building coverage maximum. Building-type rules may further limit height; check Chapter 17.38; eligible RL housing incentives may modify base standards.

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

RL3Residential Limited 3

Design-based residential district for a center context. Building types include houses, townhouses, courts, plex and manor houses, multiplexes and low-rise courtyard flats. Low-rise flats are also included in RL3.

Baseline to understand
Baseline: 4 stories and 60% building coverage maximum. Building-type rules may further limit height; check Chapter 17.38; eligible RL housing incentives may modify base standards.

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

MHPMobile Home Park

District for mobile home parks.

Baseline to understand
2-acre minimum lot area; 9 dwelling units per acre

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

SPSpecific Plan

Site-specific zoning whose adopted ordinance, plans and conditions define uses and development standards.

Baseline to understand
Read the enacted SP and amendments; no universal density

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

MUNMixed Use Neighborhood

A lower-intensity mix of residential, retail and office uses.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

MUN-AMixed Use Neighborhood — alternative

A lower-intensity mix of residential, retail and office uses. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

MUN-NSMixed Use Neighborhood — no STRP

A lower-intensity mix of residential, retail and office uses. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

MUN-A-NSMixed Use Neighborhood — alternative — no STRP

A lower-intensity mix of residential, retail and office uses. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

MULMixed Use Limited

A moderate-intensity mix of residential, retail and office uses.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

MUL-AMixed Use Limited — alternative

A moderate-intensity mix of residential, retail and office uses. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

MUL-NSMixed Use Limited — no STRP

A moderate-intensity mix of residential, retail and office uses. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

MUL-A-NSMixed Use Limited — alternative — no STRP

A moderate-intensity mix of residential, retail and office uses. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

MUGMixed Use General

A moderately high-intensity mix of residential, retail and office uses.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

MUG-AMixed Use General — alternative

A moderately high-intensity mix of residential, retail and office uses. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

MUG-NSMixed Use General — no STRP

A moderately high-intensity mix of residential, retail and office uses. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

MUG-A-NSMixed Use General — alternative — no STRP

A moderately high-intensity mix of residential, retail and office uses. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

MUIMixed Use Intensive

A high-intensity mix of residential, retail and office uses.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

MUI-AMixed Use Intensive — alternative

A high-intensity mix of residential, retail and office uses. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

MUI-NSMixed Use Intensive — no STRP

A high-intensity mix of residential, retail and office uses. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

MUI-A-NSMixed Use Intensive — alternative — no STRP

A high-intensity mix of residential, retail and office uses. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

OR20Office / Residential

Office and multifamily residential uses, with residential density up to 20 dwelling units per acre.

Baseline to understand
20 dwelling units per acre; applicable bulk standards also govern

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

OR20-AOffice / Residential — alternative

Office and multifamily residential uses, with residential density up to 20 dwelling units per acre. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
20 dwelling units per acre; applicable bulk standards also govern

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

OR20-NSOffice / Residential — no STRP

Office and multifamily residential uses, with residential density up to 20 dwelling units per acre. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
20 dwelling units per acre; applicable bulk standards also govern

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

OR20-A-NSOffice / Residential — alternative — no STRP

Office and multifamily residential uses, with residential density up to 20 dwelling units per acre. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
20 dwelling units per acre; applicable bulk standards also govern

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

OR40Office / Residential

Office and multifamily residential uses, with residential density up to 40 dwelling units per acre.

Baseline to understand
40 dwelling units per acre; applicable bulk standards also govern

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

OR40-AOffice / Residential — alternative

Office and multifamily residential uses, with residential density up to 40 dwelling units per acre. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
40 dwelling units per acre; applicable bulk standards also govern

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

OR40-NSOffice / Residential — no STRP

Office and multifamily residential uses, with residential density up to 40 dwelling units per acre. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
40 dwelling units per acre; applicable bulk standards also govern

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

OR40-A-NSOffice / Residential — alternative — no STRP

Office and multifamily residential uses, with residential density up to 40 dwelling units per acre. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
40 dwelling units per acre; applicable bulk standards also govern

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

ONOffice Neighborhood

Office uses at lower intensity.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

OLOffice Limited

Office uses at moderate intensity.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

OGOffice General

Office uses at moderately high intensity.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

OG-NSOffice General — no STRP

Office uses at moderately high intensity. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

ORIOffice / Residential Intensive

High-intensity office and multifamily residential uses with limited retail.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

ORI-AOffice / Residential Intensive — alternative

High-intensity office and multifamily residential uses with limited retail. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

ORI-NSOffice / Residential Intensive — no STRP

High-intensity office and multifamily residential uses with limited retail. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

ORI-A-NSOffice / Residential Intensive — alternative — no STRP

High-intensity office and multifamily residential uses with limited retail. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

CNCommercial Neighborhood

Neighborhood-scale retail, office and consumer services addressing recurring local shopping needs.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

CN-ACommercial Neighborhood — alternative

Neighborhood-scale retail, office and consumer services addressing recurring local shopping needs. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

CN-NSCommercial Neighborhood — no STRP

Neighborhood-scale retail, office and consumer services addressing recurring local shopping needs. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

CN-A-NSCommercial Neighborhood — alternative — no STRP

Neighborhood-scale retail, office and consumer services addressing recurring local shopping needs. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

CLCommercial Limited

Retail, consumer services, financial services, restaurants and offices.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

CL-ACommercial Limited — alternative

Retail, consumer services, financial services, restaurants and offices. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

CL-NSCommercial Limited — no STRP

Retail, consumer services, financial services, restaurants and offices. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

CL-A-NSCommercial Limited — alternative — no STRP

Retail, consumer services, financial services, restaurants and offices. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

CSCommercial Service

A broad range of commercial services, including certain lower-intensity manufacturing and storage uses.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

CS-ACommercial Service — alternative

A broad range of commercial services, including certain lower-intensity manufacturing and storage uses. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

CS-NSCommercial Service — no STRP

A broad range of commercial services, including certain lower-intensity manufacturing and storage uses. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

CS-A-NSCommercial Service — alternative — no STRP

A broad range of commercial services, including certain lower-intensity manufacturing and storage uses. Alternative building-placement and bulk standards support a walkable form. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

CACommercial Attraction

Amusement, recreation and supporting retail uses associated with visitor-oriented activity.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

CA-NSCommercial Attraction — no STRP

Amusement, recreation and supporting retail uses associated with visitor-oriented activity. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

CFCommercial Core Frame

Parking and commercial support uses serving the central business district.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

CF-NSCommercial Core Frame — no STRP

Parking and commercial support uses serving the central business district. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

DTCDowntown Code

Downtown-specific zoning for residential and nonresidential activity with an urban-design framework.

Baseline to understand
Read Chapter 17.37, the applicable subdistrict and any adopted modifications

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

SCNShopping Center Neighborhood

Limited retail, offices and consumer services serving nearby neighborhoods.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

SCN-NSShopping Center Neighborhood — no STRP

Limited retail, offices and consumer services serving nearby neighborhoods. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

SCCShopping Center Community

Moderate-intensity retail, office and consumer services serving a wider market area.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

SCC-NSShopping Center Community — no STRP

Moderate-intensity retail, office and consumer services serving a wider market area. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

SCRShopping Center Regional

High-intensity retail, office and consumer services serving a regional market.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

SCR-NSShopping Center Regional — no STRP

High-intensity retail, office and consumer services serving a regional market. This district variant prohibits short-term rental property uses; also check any applicable overlay and current permit rules.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

IWDIndustrial Warehousing / Distribution

Warehousing, wholesaling and bulk distribution uses.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

IRIndustrial Restrictive

Light manufacturing at moderate intensities within enclosed structures.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

IGIndustrial General

A broad range of intensive manufacturing uses.

Baseline to understand
Use, bulk and site standards apply; read the applicable tables

A district label is the starting point. Confirm the current ordinance, use table, overlays, site conditions and any exceptions before designing or buying.

Need a different use or scale? Let’s review the property’s policy, zoning and approval path together.

Discuss my zoning with Jessica ↗

THREE DIFFERENT QUESTIONS

Know what guides the land.
Then plan what comes next.

01 / LAND-USE POLICY

What future does the plan envision?

Community plans and the Community Character Manual guide the area’s future character and zoning decisions. A policy designation does not, by itself, change your zoning or issue a building permit.

Metro’s community plans ↗
02 / CURRENT ZONING

What rules apply to the property today?

Your zoning district, overlays and applicable ordinances govern permitted uses and development standards. Read the actual district and its conditions before assuming what you can build.

Find out what your zoning means ↗
03 / ENTITLEMENTS

Which approvals does the proposal need?

Entitlements are the land-use approvals a project requires. Depending on the site, the path may involve rezoning, an SP, subdivision, BZA or historic review, followed by separate permits.

Get rezoning & entitlement help ↗

READ THE NUMBER IN CONTEXT

Similar letters.
Different rules.

RS7.5 and RS5

RS identifies a single-family residential district. These numbers refer to minimum lot areas of 7,500 and 5,000 square feet. They are not unit counts. Accessory dwelling eligibility and existing-lot exceptions need a separate check.

R6 and R8

R identifies a one- and two-family residential district. R6 and R8 have 6,000- and 8,000-square-foot minimum lot-area baselines. Conditions and site standards still govern the proposal.

RM20 and RM20-A

RM identifies multifamily residential zoning. The number describes dwelling units per acre. The -A suffix applies alternative form standards; it is not an extra density allowance.

RN and RL

Residential Neighborhood and Residential Limited are design-based districts added through BL2025-1005. Their numbers distinguish standards, not units per acre. Check Chapter 17.38 for building types and dimensions.

SP and DTC

For an SP, read the site’s adopted ordinance, approved plans and amendments. For Downtown Code, check the applicable subdistrict and rules. Neither has one universal parcel capacity.

Rental permissions

-NS identifies a district with short-term-rental restrictions. A district without -NS is not automatic permission to operate a short-term rental. Use conditions, overlays and permit rules still apply.

THE DISTRICT IS ONE LAYER

Look above—and beyond—the base zoning.

Check for urban design or contextual overlays, historic or conservation districts, a PUD, UZO standards and other applicable overlays. Also review adopted SP conditions, easements, flood and stormwater constraints, access and utilities.

A new zoning classification does not erase private restrictions or guarantee infrastructure capacity. An HPR is an ownership structure, not a rezoning or an independent right to add homes.

Metro’s overlay resources ↗Start with the parcel record ↗

Sources and scope

Reviewed October 28, 2026. This directory assembles 119 documented base district codes and variants from Metro’s classification guide, adopted amendments and current code references. It includes RN1, RN2, RL1, RL2 and RL3, effective April 1, 2026. Overlays, individual SP plans and DTC subdistricts are separate layers.

This is an independently maintained guide, not a live ordinance feed or a property-specific determination. Consult the current code and Metro staff before relying on a district summary. Some satellite municipalities have their own zoning authority.

MAKE A PLAN FOR YOUR PROPERTY

From “What does this mean?”
to “What is our next step?”

Bring the address and your goal. Jessica can help identify what deserves a closer look and scope the work with you.

Request rezoning & entitlement help ↗