A Master Permit allows for Metro Agencies and departments to review an entire site to ensure the entire project meets Metro Nashville local ordinances and guidelines. A Master Permit is required for multi-family (3 or more units) and mixed-use projects:
- If multiple buildings on one parcel.
- If residential units are stacked and individually owned.
- If there are both residential and commercial spaces within one building.
- If there will be 3 or more attached townhomes.
- If 3 or more detached single-family homes on one parcel.
The Master permit will allow for the zoning, site, and Fire Life Safety reviews to be reviewed at one time. A Master Permit is not at a construction permit. Individual building permits can be applied for after the Master permit is issued.
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.
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). - Site plans will 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.
- 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 (Master permits cannot be applied for through e-permits):
Indicate in the scope of work that you are applying for a master permit.
The permit application will then be assigned to a zoning examiner. You will be provided a date for which you should be given a permit application number and instructions on how to upload electronic plans. Should the Zoning Examiner have any questions or need additional information from you they will reach out to you by e-mail or by phone.
Once you have received feedback on the Master permit from the various departments you can apply for the building permits.
A Commercial Permit Application should be submitted (always reference the master permit number):
For each individual building:
- In addition, each individually owned unit (condos) and commercial space will need a tenant finish out permit (commercial application).
- If the units are all common ownership (apartments) then only one permit will be required for each building.
If townhomes are 4 stories or more, you will need a permit for each unit (commercial application)
To submit for residential child permits for townhomes (3 stories or fewer) or 3 or more single family homes, submit the following to the Zoning Help Desk:
Residential Permit Application
- The master permit number must be listed in the scope of work.
- List all units in the scope of work.
Excel spread sheet must show the following:
- Unit addresses and parcel numbers
- Square footage of each unit
- Square footage of garages
- Square footage of decks
Townhomes 4 stories or more must be applied for using the Commercial Permit Application and cannot be applied for through the e-permits system.
The permit application will then be assigned to a zoning examiner. You will be provided a date for which you should be given a permit application numbers. Note: Depending on the number of units it may take the Zoning Examiner 2-3 business days to complete all the permits. Should the Zoning Examiner have any questions or need additional information from you they will reach out to you by e-mail or by phone.
Should you have questions about the permitting process contact the Zoning Help Desk.