Applicants wanting to construct an addition to an existing structure, place/construct an accessory structure or build an additional structure must complete the permitting process with the Metro Nashville Department of Codes and Building Safety. Zoning examiners will review the application and plans for use, setback, footprint, and height restrictions based on a parcel’s zoning.
Zoning Requirements
- A new use must be permitted within the zoning district. Uses may be permitted by right or permitted with conditions. See the Land Use Chart. Conditions can be found in 17.16.020 of the Zoning Code.
- A change in use of a parcel you will require the parking requirements to be met for the new use. Parking requirements can be found in Table 17.20.030. There are not any parking requirements if the parcel is located within the Urban Zoning Overlay (UZO).
- Reach out to the Zoning Help Desk should you have questions regarding bulk regulations found in 17.12.20 A-D of the Zoning Code.
- A permit will be required for each structure being added or altered.
Resources
- Use Parcel Viewer to view your zoning, and to determine if there are any overlays on the parcel. The base zoning and additional overlays will be listed under the zoning tab.
- Contact the Planning Department to inquire about further requirements for properties within a Residential PUD overlay, Specific Plan (SP) or the Urban Design Overlay (UDO).
- If the property is located within the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay or the Historic Preservation Overlay contact the Historic Commission to inquire about any relevant regulations.
- Floor plans will be required for review by the Commercial Plan Review team. Review the Commercial Plan Requirements or contact a Commercial Plan Reviewer for building code questions or what will be required for floor plan permit approval.
- See the Fee Schedule for the permit costs associated with Metro Codes. Contact other agencies like Metro Water, Stormwater (grading permit) and Planning (if within a Planning overlay) to inquire about additional fees associated with the permitting process.
- See Commercial FAQs
- For questions about the zoning code, resources, or the permitting process contact the Zoning Help Desk for assistance.
How to Apply for a Permit
Submit the following to the Zoning Help Desk.
- Commercial Permit Application
The Scope of Work section should list the addition and any rehab work taking place within an existing structure. - Site plan or multi-tenant parking survey from landlord if the proposed use is changed from the prior use. If the property is located within the Urban Zoning Overlay (UZO) a site plan is not required. Use Parcel Viewer to determine if a parcel is within the UZO.
- If it’s a single-tenant space, provide a Commercial Parking Site Plan
- If it’s a multi-tenant space, provide a Multiple-tenant parking survey from the landlord listing tenants and number of parking spaces.
The permit application will be assigned to a zoning examiner. Should the zoning examiner have any questions or need additional information they will reach out to you by e-mail or by phone.
Once your application is processed, the zoning examiner will provide a checklist showing other Codes divisions and Metro agencies to contact for approvals before the permit can be issued. It is your responsibility to follow the requirements of the checklist on the building permit application and to make sure all necessary signoffs are received.
Do not seek to determine what reviews and approvals are required on your own. If you fail to complete the steps identified in your permit application your process will be delayed. Allow plenty of time. You can track the progress of the application by address or by using the permit application number on E-Permits.
Once you have all the required signoffs you can pay for the permit and begin construction. It is also the applicant’s responsibility to schedule the necessary inspections with Metro Nashville at the proper time in the building process. Should you have questions about the permitting process contact the Zoning Help Desk.