The Metro Planning Commission adopted expanded Subdivision Regulations on March 9, 2006. Those regulations were amended in 2006, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2021, and most recently June 2024.
A Subdivision is any land, vacant or improved, which is divided or proposed to be divided into two (2) or more lots or parcels of less than five (5) acres in size. It includes resubdivision which means a change of any approved or recorded subdivision.
The Land Development Division reviews subdivision applications as a technical review against the adopted Subdivision Regulations. The Regulations provide for the division of land under the existing zoning entitlements. Subdivision of land does not alter or increase the allowances that a property owner has under the existing zoning.
Per Tennessee Code Annotated, the Planning Commission is charged with the adoption of Subdivision Regulations to provide for harmonious development. The Community Character Manual identifies the envisioned character of an area. That area, called a transect, includes general patterns of the built environment such as rural, suburban, urban, or downtown. The transect determines which section of the Subdivision Regulations applies to a specific application. Community Character Manual policies are not otherwise referenced during subdivision review.
The Subdivision Regulations apply throughout Nashville and Davidson County, except in the cities of Belle Meade, Berry Hill, Forest Hills, Goodlettsville, and Oak Hill.
Subdivision Documentation
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Flow Chart of the Subdivision Approval Process | A graphic description of the process |
| Subdivision Regulations – Complete Document | Complete Document |
| Introduction | Includes Table of Contents |
| Chapter 1 | General Provisions |
| Chapter 2 | Procedures for Plat Approval |
| Chapter 3 | Requirements for Improvements, Reservations, and Design |
| Chapter 4 | Rural Character Subdivisions |
| Chapter 5 | Walkable Subdivisions |
| Chapter 6 | Assurance for Completion and Maintenance of Improvements |
| Chapter 7 | Definitions |
| Chapter 8 | Adoption of Regulations and Amendments |
| Appendices | Includes Plat Certificates, Critical Lots - Plans and Procedures, and Outline for Construction Process |
| Staff Contacts | Staff Contact List for the Metro Departments reviewing Subdivision Applications |
Applications and Fees
All applications must be submitted 24 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.
The Subdivision Application and Subdivision Checklist covers all requests below, unless otherwise attached.
Planning does not accept paper copies. All submittals are electronic.
Checklist is in the process of being updated to reflect correct requirements.
Please include the Subdivision Application Addendum with all subdivision applications (not including amendments and house moves).
- Concept Plan: $3,000
A preliminary concept of a proposed subdivision of land which may include future construction of public infrastructure. - Final Site Plan: $1,650
Final Plats
- Final Plat: $1,375
A final plan showing exactly how land will be divided, including the location and dimensions of public infrastructure easements and improvements. - Final Plat (Consolidation): $1050
Same as final plat, except consolidating properties anywhere in the county and creating fewer parcels than initially existed.
The Final Plat Recording Checklist applies to mylar submittal.
Subdivision Amendment
Subdivision Amendment: $500
A method to reduce a setback shown on a recorded plat, to remove a reserve status of a parcel shown on a recorded plat, and to delete septic fields shown on a recorded plat which are no longer used since property has connected to public sewer.
Subdivision House Move
Subdivision House Move Application: $1,000
Public Chapter No. 246, amending TCA, Title 13, Chapter 3, requires the Metro Planning Commission to review any single-family home being moved within Davidson County into a developed single-family subdivision.
Critical Lot Plan
Critical Lot Plan Application: $100
A review of a plan for residential properties in the floodplain or with steep topography showing the proposed house (including garage) and grading contours.