Whether you are moving a new business into an existing space that requires renovation work or performing maintenance work in an existing business you will need a commercial renovation permit. New uses can also be established as part of a renovation construction permit.
If any of the following work is being done then you will be required to apply for a commercial renovation permit instead of a Use and Occupancy permit: awnings; attic fans; brickwork; cabinet replacement and new; carpentry replacing any structural element such as joist, rafter, studs, roof, decking; drop ceiling-new or relocating; doors- new or replacement; dry wall- repair or replacement; relocation of electrical or plumbing fixtures; adding light fixtures; exterior rehab work; foundation work; window-change in size or location or glass replacement; kitchen hood- replacement, relocation or addition; replacing gutters or downspouts; new insulation; railing or handrails- installation or replacement; creating outdoor dining space; paving parking lots; adding additional square footage; roofing- new layer or replacing more than 1/3 of the roof; replacement of sinks and countertops; stairs-new or remodeling; ceramic tile replacement; walls- adding, removing, relocation even if not load bearing; replacing wall studs; installing racking; installing conveyor belts; adding additional detached structures to the property; adding additional footprint or height to the primary structure.
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).
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). - Renovation plans or floor plans may be required 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 permit approval. If you are required to submit plans you will do so after obtaining a permit application number.
- See the Fee Schedule for the permit costs associated with Metro Codes.
- 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 any of the above activities that are applicable to project. - 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 or parking survey 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.