The Specific Plan (SP) District is a zoning district which provides additional flexibility to create developments that meet the goals and objectives of NashvilleNext and are sensitive to the surrounding context.
The SP District is not subject to the traditional zoning districts’ land use and design standards. Instead, permitted uses and design elements like height, size, setbacks, buffers, signage and materials, are determined for the specific development. The design elements are written into the zone change ordinance, which becomes law.
Developers who use SP zoning must still follow historic and redevelopment guidelines, and subdivision and stormwater regulations.
SP Districts may be appropriate on large sites being developed in a unified manner or on sites that have significant areas of sensitive environmental features, are located near historic features, or require new public infrastructure to support development.
The developer proposes the details of the development plan, then the Planning Department and other applicable Metro Departments review the plan. Prior to filing an application for a Specific Plan, we encourage applicants to talk to the Metropolitan Council member(s) and neighbors to introduce the project and identify key issues.
Existing Specific Plan Districts
The SP Viewer includes records of every Council-approved SP.
Applications and Fees
All applications must be submitted 23 hours prior to the fee deadline. Documents, plans, applications, checklists, etc. must be in the portal 24 hours prior to the submittal deadline. Only payments will be received on the submittal deadline. Payments must be received by noon.
Pre-application Inquiry Request Form
The Specific Plan Application and Specific Plan Checklist is used for each tier, described below.
Planning does not accept paper copies. All submittals are electronic.
Checklist is in the process of being updated to reflect correct requirements.
- Tier 1: $2,900
Project is 0-5 residential units and/or less than 10,000 square feet of non-residential uses - Tier 2: $4,500
Project is 6-25 residential units and/or 10,000 - 25,000 square feet of non-residential uses - Tier 3: $6,100
Project is 26 or more residential units and/or greater than 25,000 square feet of non-residential uses
Building Permit Review: $850
Zoning Letter: $500
Contact the Planning Department Front Counter 615-862-7190 to request a letter certifying Specific Plan District zoning.
Sign and Tenant Finish-Out Permits: No fee
A review of a building permit for interior space improvements or review of a sign permit for an individual tenant space or entire property. No signs reviewed if not visible from public rights-of way.