An Urban Design Overlay (UDO) is a zoning tool that requires specific design standards for development in a designated area. An overlay can protect the character of the area or create a character above and beyond that in the base zoning. They do not affect the uses allowed or prohibited on a property.
An overlay can be used to translate a small area plan from policy into zoning code with regulatory power. Metro Planning prioritizes Urban Design Overlays that are linked to Local Planning Studies and advance goals of NashvilleNext.
Metro Planning Commission, Council Member(s), or Property owners can request a Urban Design Overlay. Since it is a zone change, an overlay request follows the zone change process. We encourage applicants to meet with Planning Staff early in the process prior to requesting one.
Development Standards
Each overlay is unique, and uses different development standards to achieve its goal. It cannot address building uses or stormwater standards. For example, it might address:
- Building placement, size and height
- Density - number of residential units allowed
- Floor area (mixed use and non-residential uses) - amount of square footage that can be built
- Impervious surface - area with paving and building
- Architectural Features
- Building materials
- Streetscape elements like sidewalks, planting strips, or street furniture
- Bikeway facilities and design
- Mass transit facilities
- Parking and loading
- Landscaping and buffering
- Signage
Permit Review Process
Overlays contain regulating plans and design standards that have the same force and effect as the standards of the base zoning district. Planning staff review any final development plans for adherence to the development standards in the overlay.
Applications and Fees
Planning does not accept paper copies. All submittals are electronic.
Checklist is in the process of being updated to reflect correct requirements.
Urban Design Overlay-New, Amendment, or Cancellation Application and Checklist: $2,800
Urban Design Overlay Modification Application and Checklist: $4,300
A review of a major, proposed site-specific change of greater than 20% (minor = 20% or less) to any numerical standard, proposed changes to non-numerical standards, or proposed changes to sign-related standards.
Urban Design Overlay Final Site Plan Application and Checklist: $4,350
Developers must submit final site plans within the boundary of an overlay, which consist of a set of development plans that fully demonstrate compliance with the overlay. Drawings shall specifically describe the nature and scope of development to serve as the basis for the issuance of permits by all applicable Metro departments.
Zoning Letter: $500
Contact the Planning Department Front Counter 615-862-7190 to request a letter certifying Urban Design Overlay zoning.
Building Permit Review: $1,050
Administered by the Department of Codes and Building Safety
Existing Urban Design Overlays and Staff Contacts
UDO Staff Contacts are responsible for reviewing development proposals in each of the existing overlays listed below.
- 31st Avenue / Long Boulevard
- Beaman Automotive – Midtown
- Bedford Avenue
- Bellwood
- Brentwood Town Center
- Carothers Crossing
- Clarksville Pike at Fairview Center
- Clayton Avenue
- Dickerson Pike Sign Standards
- Downtown Donelson
- Gateway
- Gallatin Pike
- Green Hills
- Hamilton Hills
- Harding Town Center
- Hillsboro Village
- Lenox Village
- Moss Spring Drive / Edge-O-Lake Estates
- Murfreesboro Pike
- Murfreesboro Pike at Una Antioch
- Music Row
- Payne Road Residential
- Primrose
- Ridgeview
- River North
- River-Trace
- Riverwood
- Wedgewood-Houston Chestnut Hill
- Whites Creek at Lloyd Road
River North Text Amendments and Urban Zoning Overlay (UZO) Expansion
Recently, Planning Staff has engaged with stakeholders in the River North UDO area regarding an expansion of the Urban Zoning Overlay and updates to the urban design standards for structured parking and building materials.