On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government
Metro publishes a detailed matrix of work that does and does not require permits. In general, permits are required for new construction, additions, many structural alterations, many system replacements, and trade work.
Fences
Pergolas
Painting and wallpapering
Minor brick repair and tuckpointing
Paving driveways and sidewalks
Floor laying and refinishing
Furnace or condenser repair
Temporary signs
Door replacement when the door opening does not change
Interior decorating
Roofing repair (minor roofing work; roofing over more than one-third of the roof is not exempt)
- Exempt Fences
- Exempt Pergolas
- Exempt Painting and wallpapering
- Exempt Minor brick repair and tuckpointing
- Exempt Paving driveways and sidewalks
- Exempt Floor laying and refinishing
- Exempt Furnace or condenser repair
- Exempt Temporary signs
- Exempt Door replacement when the door opening does not change
- Exempt Interior decorating
- Exempt Roofing repair (minor roofing work; roofing over more than one-third of the roof is not exempt)
Note: Full project-specific review should still be done against Metro's published matrix because the exemption list changes by project type and occupancy.
Required documents
- Permit application
- Plans and specifications as required
- Zoning checklist and agency signoffs
- Contractor bond
- Workers compensation proof or exemption
- Davidson County business license or exemption affidavit where applicable
- Tennessee state contractor or home improvement license where applicable
- Building code
- Metro adopted the 2024 IBC, IRC, IEBC, IFGC, IMC, IPC, ISPSC, IECC, the 2023 NEC, and 2017 ICC A117.1, all with local amendments.
- Permit validity
- Metro publishes current activity-based permitting guidance but no simple public summary page for permit expiration. Building permit inactivity rules should be confirmed with permit issuance for the specific permit type.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners cannot create ePermits accounts. Metro's permitting process references self-permit approval through permit issuance, so owner-builders can work with the office directly rather than the contractor portal.
- Contractor requirements
- For permit issuance Metro requires a permit bond, workers compensation proof or exemption, and Tennessee contractor licensing based on project value and type. State home improvement or contractor licensing is required for residential work over $3,000 and state contractor licensing is required at $25,000 and above.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: No fixed turnaround is published; Metro states each reviewing department has its own timeframe.
- 01 Submit permit documents to zoninghelpdesk@nashville.gov, or if you are a registered contractor, apply through ePermits.
- 02 Metro assigns the application to a Zoning Examiner.
- 03 Follow the permit checklist and obtain required signoffs from reviewing agencies such as Water, Stormwater, Health, Fire, Planning, Transportation, Historic, and others as assigned.
- 04 For most commercial permits, submit plans electronically through Metro's ePlans process after receiving a temporary permit application number.
- 05 Once all reviews are approved, contact permitissuance@nashville.gov to add the contractor, complete bond and license review, self-permit approval if applicable, and arrange payment.
- 06 Pay fees and receive the issued permit and inspection checklist.
- 07 Obtain separate electrical, plumbing, gas/mechanical, or low-voltage permits where applicable.
- 08 Complete inspections and then request the final use and occupancy letter.
Typical processing time: No fixed turnaround is published; Metro states each reviewing department has its own timeframe.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$40.39 for commercial and other non-IRC building permits valued at $2,000 or less; residential one-family, two-family, and townhouse building permits are $5.00 per $1,000 of valuation plus the separate zoning examination fee, codes tech fee, and any applicable plan review fee
02
Plan check fee
One-half of the building permit fee up to $275,000 valuation, then graduated above that; one- and two-family dwellings, townhouses, demolition permits, and blasting permits are exempt from plan examination fees.
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based. Total building permit cost includes a $25 zoning examination fee, building valuation fee, a 10 percent codes tech fee on the building valuation fee, and building plan review fee where applicable.
04
Reinspection fee
$50 for building, plumbing, gas/mechanical, and electrical fee sections
05
Penalty (no permit)
Electrical work started before permit issuance is subject to triple permit fees.
Metro states permit payment is arranged through permit issuance after all approvals are complete; ePermits also supports online payment for registered users.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- ePermits portal (online)
- Building: 615-862-6550; Electrical: 615-862-6560; Plumbing: 615-862-6570; Gas/Mechanical: 615-862-6570; Fire Marshal: 615-862-5230 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Typical sequence: Metro states the issued permit includes an inspection checklist. Typical sequence depends on scope, but the final building inspection should not occur until related trade permits are complete.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government, TN? ▸
Metro publishes a detailed matrix of work that does and does not require permits. In general, permits are required for new construction, additions, many structural alterations, many system replacements, and trade work.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government, TN? ▸
Building permit fees in Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government, TN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $40.39 for commercial and other non-IRC building permits valued at $2,000 or less; residential one-family, two-family, and townhouse building permits are $5.00 per $1,000 of valuation plus the separate zoning examination fee, codes tech fee, and any applicable plan review fee. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. Total building permit cost includes a $25 zoning examination fee, building valuation fee, a 10 percent codes tech fee on the building valuation fee, and building plan review fee where applicable.. Plan check fee: One-half of the building permit fee up to $275,000 valuation, then graduated above that; one- and two-family dwellings, townhouses, demolition permits, and blasting permits are exempt from plan examination fees..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government, TN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government, TN, follow these steps: 1. Submit permit documents to zoninghelpdesk@nashville.gov, or if you are a registered contractor, apply through ePermits. 2. Metro assigns the application to a Zoning Examiner. 3. Follow the permit checklist and obtain required signoffs from reviewing agencies such as Water, Stormwater, Health, Fire, Planning, Transportation, Historic, and others as assigned. 4. For most commercial permits, submit plans electronically through Metro's ePlans process after receiving a temporary permit application number. 5. Once all reviews are approved, contact permitissuance@nashville.gov to add the contractor, complete bond and license review, self-permit approval if applicable, and arrange payment. 6. Pay fees and receive the issued permit and inspection checklist. 7. Obtain separate electrical, plumbing, gas/mechanical, or low-voltage permits where applicable. 8. Complete inspections and then request the final use and occupancy letter.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government, TN? ▸
Building permit processing times in Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government, TN typically run No fixed turnaround is published; Metro states each reviewing department has its own timeframe.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government, TN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government, TN. The following work is generally exempt: Fences; Pergolas; Painting and wallpapering; Minor brick repair and tuckpointing; Paving driveways and sidewalks; Floor laying and refinishing; Furnace or condenser repair; Temporary signs; Door replacement when the door opening does not change; Interior decorating; Roofing repair (minor roofing work; roofing over more than one-third of the roof is not exempt). Note: Full project-specific review should still be done against Metro's published matrix because the exemption list changes by project type and occupancy. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government, TN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government, TN via: ePermits portal, Building: 615-862-6550; Electrical: 615-862-6560; Plumbing: 615-862-6570; Gas/Mechanical: 615-862-6570; Fire Marshal: 615-862-5230.
last verified April 2026
source Department of Codes and Building Safety ↗
entry id permits/tennessee/davidson/nashville
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Department of Codes and Building Safety before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.