Nashville’s Department of Codes and Building Safety serves as the central hub for most building-permit applications across Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County. Codes issues building and trade permits, performs inspections, and coordinates reviews from other Metro departments. Registered contractors can use the ePermits system to apply for eligible permits, pay fees, schedule inspections, and track project status.
Zoning review is an early part of the process. Codes’ Zoning Division checks proposed projects for compliance with the Metropolitan Zoning Code, including permitted uses, setbacks, height limits, and applicable overlay districts. Properties within Historic Preservation, Neighborhood Conservation, Urban Design, or other overlays can face additional requirements beyond their base zoning, while Specific Plan districts have property-specific development standards.
Tree and landscape review is also integrated into Nashville permitting. The Urban Forestry Division reviews required landscape plans, enforces tree and buffering standards, and issues Tree Removal Permits. For development other than single-family or duplex residential projects, an approved landscape plan is generally required before the building permit can be issued.
Historic-overlay properties follow a separate preservation process through the Metro Historic Zoning Commission, and many projects need both a Preservation Permit and a Codes building permit. Work affecting streets, sidewalks, excavation areas, or other Metro right-of-way is handled separately by NDOT, with right-of-way applications submitted through ePermits. Applicants can start with the Metro Codes construction and permits resources to identify the reviews required for a project.