Columbia, Tennessee zoning

A plain-language summary of the Columbia zoning ordinance, organized by district and topic. Source: the official ordinance on official PDF, last reviewed July 3, 2026.

Zoning districts

• CD-2Residential

  Rural Character District

  Large-lot semi-rural estates, open spaces, and legacy agricultural operations in low density single-family detached residential areas; 1 density unit per acre max on development parcels.

• CD-3LResidential

  Neighborhood Character District (Large Lot)

  Low density single-family neighborhood district with larger lots and deeper setbacks than CD-3; 2 density units per acre max on development parcels.

• CD-3Residential

  Neighborhood Character District

  Neighborhood district where the House is the predominant building type, with medium to deep front setbacks; 4 density units per acre max on development parcels.

• CD-4Mixed use

  General Urban Character District

  General urban district with a mix of housing types including houses, duplexes, and townhouses on smaller lots with shallow build-to front setbacks; 12 density units per acre max on development parcels.

• CD-4CMixed use

  General Urban Corridor Character District

  Corridor version of the general urban district along major thoroughfares, allowing taller buildings up to 4 stories; 24 density units per acre max on development parcels.

• CD-5Mixed use

  Urban Center Character District

  Urban center district covering downtown-scale mixed use blocks with buildings at or near the frontage, a 2 story minimum, and up to 100 percent impervious coverage.

• CD-5CMixed use

  Urban Center Corridor Character District

  Corridor version of the urban center district with a 2 story minimum and 4 story maximum and near-zero setbacks.

• SD-MHPResidential

  Manufactured Home Park Residential Special District

  Special district for manufactured home parks; 6 density units per acre max, 35 percent max impervious coverage, standards applied per manufactured home site.

• SD-INTCommercial

  Interstate Service Special District

  Special district for highway-serving commercial uses near the interstate interchange; 24 density units per acre max on development parcels.

• SD-LIIndustrial

  Light Industrial Special District

  Special district for light industrial uses; buildings up to 45 feet and 70 percent max impervious coverage.

• SD-HIIndustrial

  Heavy Industrial Special District

  Special district for heavy industrial uses; buildings up to 45 feet and 70 percent max impervious coverage, with conditional review for the most intensive uses.

• PUD-RSpecial purpose

  Planned Unit Development District (Residential)

  Current residential planned unit development district; development follows an approved Master PUD Development Plan plus Table 4.3.1-L standards, including up to 6 attached townhouse principal buildings per building site.

• PUD-MUSpecial purpose

  Planned Unit Development District (Mixed Use)

  Current mixed use planned unit development district; development follows an approved Master PUD Development Plan plus Table 4.3.1-M standards, with near-zero setbacks and up to 100 percent impervious coverage.

• CVSpecial purpose

  Civic District

  District for civic buildings and civic spaces; height may exceed the tallest adjacent character district maximum by up to 20 feet, with standards in Table 4.3.1-O.

Rules by topic

• Permitted usesWhat you can do by right in each zoning district.
• Special land usesUses that need special approval before they are allowed.
• SetbacksHow far buildings must sit from property lines.
• Building heightHeight limits by district, and the exceptions.
• Lot coverageHow much of a lot buildings may cover.
• Lot size and widthMinimum lot area and width requirements.
• ParkingRequired spaces, driveway rules, and surfaces.
• Accessory dwelling unitsWhether a second dwelling unit is allowed.
• Garages, sheds, and accessory structuresSize caps, setbacks, and height limits for detached structures.
• FencesHeight limits, placement, and prohibited materials.
• SignsWhat signs are allowed and where.
• Home occupationsRunning a business from a residence.
• Variances and appealsWho decides, what standard applies, and the sequence.

Common questions

• Can I add an accessory dwelling unit?
• Can I build a fence?
• Can I run a home business here?
• Can I use this property for retail?
• Do I need special approval for my use?
• How do I request a variance?
• How much parking is required?
• How tall can I build?
• What setbacks apply to this property?
• What can I build on this property?