Building Permits in Nashville

Nashville requires a building permit for most construction, alteration, and repair work that affects structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. Permits are issued by the Metro Nashville Department of Codes and Building Safety, which administers permit applications, plan review, field inspections, and contractor licensing across Nashville-Davidson County.

Metro Government: One Permit Authority for the Whole County

Nashville operates under a consolidated city-county government — the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, established in 1963. This means there is a single permitting authority for almost the entire county. Whether your property is in the urban core, a suburban neighborhood, or an unincorporated part of Davidson County, building permits generally come from the same Metro Codes Department. A small number of municipalities within Davidson County (Belle Meade, Forest Hills, and others) maintain separate permit offices; confirm jurisdiction if your property lies outside the main metro area.

Adopted Building Codes

Nashville adopted the 2024 International Codes (2024 IBC, IRC, IMC, IPC, IFC, IECC, and related I-Codes) effective July 16, 2025, following unanimous Metropolitan Council approval (BL2025-898). Projects with preliminary designs already submitted under the 2018 IBC received a 180-day grace period. The inspection division enforces Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Model Energy, and Gas/Mechanical Codes during construction.

When You Need a Permit

You generally need a Nashville building permit for:

• New residential or commercial construction and additions
• Accessory structures — garages, sheds, decks, and similar outbuildings
• Roofing and siding replacement
• Swimming pools
• Mobile home placement on a lot
• Conversion of non-habitable space (e.g., garage) to habitable use
• Structural alterations, load-bearing wall changes, and foundation work
• Electrical, plumbing, gas, and mechanical (HVAC) changes (separate trade permits required)
• Demolition of any structure

Minor cosmetic work such as painting, floor coverings, and cabinetry without plumbing or electrical changes is typically exempt. When in doubt, contact Metro Codes before starting work.

ePermits and ePlans — The Online Systems

Metro Codes operates two complementary online systems:

ePermits (epermits.nashville.gov) is the primary permit portal. Registered contractors use it to apply for building and trade permits, pay fees, check inspection status, and renew licenses. Property owners self-permitting their own single-family residence submit application materials by email to [email protected] or in person.

ePlans is the newer electronic plans submission system, launched September 8, 2025, powered by GeoCivix. It is used primarily for commercial projects. Applicants upload one set of plans that are reviewed concurrently by all permitting departments — Metro Codes, Metro Fire Marshal's Office, and additional development-service departments. ePlans also serves as the communication portal for correction comments and final stamped-plan delivery.

Permit Costs

Metro Codes publishes an official fee schedule. Key rates from the 2025 schedule:

• Residential building permit fee — $5.00 per $1,000 of project valuation
• Commercial building permit fee — valuation-based (see current fee schedule)
• Trade permit fees — separate fees for electrical, plumbing (minimum $75), gas/mechanical, and low-voltage work; individual line items (e.g., sewer connection, water service connection) carry their own unit fees
• Other fees — plan check, use-and-occupancy, sign, solar, and other permit types have separate rates

Always check the current Metro Codes Fee Schedule linked in the sources above for exact amounts; rates are updated periodically.

Typical Timeline

Each reviewing department operates on its own timeline. Nashville acknowledges ongoing growth pressure on permit processing. Check ePermits or contact Metro Codes directly for current turnaround estimates.

The Process

Residential (Owner or Licensed Contractor)

1. Pre-submittal: Confirm zoning district and verify the proposed use is permitted; check for overlay zones, FEMA flood zone status, and historic district requirements
2. Prepare documents: Site plan showing property lines, existing structures, and easements; floor plans and elevation renderings for additions; engineering/architectural stamps where required
3. Submit: Licensed contractors submit via ePermits; owners self-permitting submit application, site plan, and notarized affidavits to [email protected]
4. Zoning review: A zoning examiner reviews the application for compliance with district standards
5. Agency approvals: Depending on scope, approvals may be required from Metro Water and Sewer, Stormwater, Metro Public Health, Nashville Fire Marshal, Metro Planning, Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT), and Historic Zoning Commission
6. Payment and issuance: Pay permit fees; permit is issued
7. Trade permits: Obtain separate permits for electrical, plumbing, gas/mechanical, and low-voltage work
8. Inspections: Schedule required inspections at each phase of construction
9. Final: Pass final inspections; obtain a Use and Occupancy letter from the Use and Occupancy Division if required

Commercial

Commercial projects follow the same general flow but require electronic plan submission via ePlans (GeoCivix). Paper plans are not accepted for commercial permits. Submit a Commercial Permit Application first, then upload plans in ePlans for concurrent review.

Inspections

The Metro Codes inspection division field-checks for compliance with Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Energy, and Gas/Mechanical Codes. Typical inspection stages for residential projects include:

• Foundation / footings
• Underground plumbing and electrical
• Framing
• Rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical
• Insulation and energy compliance
• Drywall
• Final building and trade inspections

Schedule inspections through the ePermits portal or by contacting the Inspections Division:

• Building: (615) 862-6550
• Electrical: (615) 862-6560
• Plumbing / Gas: (615) 862-6570
• Email: [email protected]

Common Reasons for Denial or Corrections

• Plans do not comply with the adopted 2024 International Codes or local Metro amendments
• Missing structural calculations, engineering stamps, or energy compliance documentation
• Zoning conflicts — setbacks, height limits, lot coverage, or use not permitted in the district
• Missing agency clearances — water and sewer, stormwater, fire, transportation
• Historic Zoning Commission or Urban Design Overlay review not completed
• Self-permit affidavits not notarized or incomplete
• Commercial plans submitted on paper rather than through ePlans

Contact Metro Codes

Metro Nashville Department of Codes and Building Safety 800 President Ronald Reagan Way, 1st Floor, Nashville, TN 37210 Phone: (615) 862-6500 | Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

• Zoning: [email protected] | (615) 862-6510
• Permitting: [email protected]
• Inspections: [email protected]

Official Sources

See the sources listed in the frontmatter for direct links to the Metro Codes Department, residential permit procedures, the building permit process, the 2025 fee schedule, the 2024 code adoption notice, and the Metro Nashville Code of Ordinances (Chapter 16.28).

Disclaimer: This guide summarizes publicly available information from official Metro Nashville sources and is provided for general orientation only. It does not constitute legal or engineering advice. Building code requirements, fee schedules, and permitting procedures change — always confirm current rules with the Metro Nashville Department of Codes and Building Safety before submitting plans or starting construction.