Housing - As introduced, provides for the regulation of accessory dwelling units. - Amends TCA Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 13; Title 66 and Title 68.

HB 2031 standardizes regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - secondary housing units like backyard cottages - across Tennessee. It directly affects homeowners in single-family or duplex zones and local governments, by prohibiting municipalities from imposing stricter rules on ADUs than on primary homes (e.g., requiring smaller sizes, banning ADUs on eligible lots, or mandating excessive parking). Key provisions include setting a minimum 850-square-foot size for ADUs, banning restrictions on ADU leasing or occupancy, and requiring local governments to approve ADU permits within 60 days without discretionary review. The bill also mandates that ADU regulations align with those for primary homes, such as setbacks and height limits, while allowing local governments to adopt more permissive standards.