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New Zoning in Nashville: What This Means for New Home Builders

If you’re building or buying a home in Nashville, chances are you’ve noticed the city’s housing landscape is changing fast—and so has Deed Brothers, a rising new home builder committed to meeting local demand with quality and community in mind. 

Nashville is undergoing substantial zoning reforms, sparked by projections that 90,000 to 120,000 new homes will be needed over the next decade, yet current zoning and building trends will only produce around 70,000 homes. That leaves a sizable gap that new home builders in Nashville like Deed Brothers are here to help fill. 

Understanding the Zoning Reforms in Nashville

“Missing Middle” & New Zoning Categories

The Metro Planning Department is introducing two new zoning designations, Residential Neighborhood and Residential Limited, to enable denser, more affordable housing while preserving neighborhood character. These allow for different formats such as flex‑homes, townhomes, cottage courts, and multiplexes in traditional single‑family zones.

The goal: address housing demand without radically altering existing aesthetics by encouraging “middle housing” solutions that fit naturally into communities.

Streamlined Upzoning & Smart Design Features

In The Nations neighborhood, approximately 300 acres have been rezoned to permit up to 40 housing units per acre by right, trimming red tape for builders who previously needed individual rezoning for each parcel. 

Related legislation also simplifies building codes, meaning Nashville now allows single‑stair designs in multifamily buildings up to six stories—reducing construction costs while maintaining fire and safety standards.

Impact on Nashville’s New Home Builders Like Deed Brothers

Nashville’s new zoning reforms are reshaping the way homes will be built across the city, opening doors for greater innovation and opportunity. For local builders, these changes don’t just mean more projects. They mean smarter, faster, and more flexible development that can better meet the needs of today’s homebuyers. 

From streamlined approvals to a wider variety of housing types and stronger community design standards, the impact of these reforms will be felt at every stage of the building process.

Faster, More Flexible Development

Home builders gain greater flexibility and efficiency, especially with by‑right zoning and simplified building codes. Projects that once required lengthy approvals may move forward more swiftly—ideal for Nashville home builders looking to capitalize on demand.

Diverse Housing Types, Broader Reach

With zoning that supports multiplexes, townhomes, and cottage courts, home builders can expand their portfolio beyond traditional single‑family homes—appealing to a broader range of buyers, from young professionals to downsizing empty nesters.

Community-Friendly Builds

The new design overlay and zoning protections mean builders must prioritize thoughtful integration, such as: 

  • maintaining green space
  • respecting height limits
  • using neighborhood‑appropriate materials. 

Meeting Market & Affordability Needs

Although affordability remains a challenge, increased density and streamlined design codes may translate to modest savings, potentially enabling builders to offer homes at more competitive prices without sacrificing quality.

Looking Ahead: What New Home Builders Should Watch

Zoning Maps & Timing: The Planning Commission’s fall rollout will pinpoint where new zoning applies, critical for strategic project planning. 

Design Overlay Compliance: Height, landscaping, and materials standards are evolving. Builders must adapt to avoid delays or pushback.

Affordability Strategies: While zoning enables density, affordability still depends on build cost, materials, and market pricing. Creative solutions may boost access and marketability.

Deed Brothers: Nashville’s Premier New Home Builder 

Deed Brothers stands at the forefront of opportunity in Nashville’s transitioning housing landscape. With new zoning legislation enabling greater density, diversity of housing forms, and streamlined building processes, home builders not only have a clearer path forward, but also a meaningful role in shaping the city’s future. 

By embracing flexibility, design integrity, and community engagement, Deed Brothers can deliver homes that respond to Nashville’s rapid growth while preserving the character people love. It’s an exciting time to build in Nashville—and Deed Brothers is poised to lead the way.

Contact us today and let’s get started on your custom new home