Nashville Zoning & Permits
Zoning rules, permit requirements, and building codes for Nashville, TN. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Quick Facts
Population
689,447
Total Zone Types
42
Planning Department
Metro Nashville Planning Department
Zoning Map
Interactive online map
County
Davidson County
Metro Area
Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin
Nashville Zoning System
The Nashville zoning system includes 42 total zone classifications: 19 residential zones (RS5, RS7.5, RS10, RS15, RS20, and others) and 5 commercial zones (CN, CL, CS, CA, and others), as well as 3 mixed-use zones (MUL, MUG, MUI) and 3 industrial zones (IWD, IR, IG). Nashville's zoning is governed by Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (consolidated city-county government), administered by the Metropolitan Department of Codes Administration and the Metro Nashville Planning Department. Nashville operates as a consolidated city-county government (Metro Nashville-Davidson County), making it the largest city in Tennessee by geographic area. The zoning code includes both residential (RS for single-family, R for attached/small multifamily, RM for multifamily) and commercial designations. Tennessee has no statewide ADU law, so Nashville's ADU regulations are purely local. Nashville has seen significant growth from migration and has been actively updating its zoning code to accommodate infill development and housing supply needs. The city maintains an interactive zoning map for property lookup.
View Nashville Zoning Map (interactive online map)
Building & Planning Departments
The Nashville Building Department (Metro Nashville Department of Codes Administration) handles all building permit applications, inspections, and code enforcement. You can reach them by phone at (615) 862-6500 or apply online through their permit portal. Office hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:00pm. For zoning questions and land use determinations, contact the Metro Nashville Planning Department at (615) 862-7190. Zoning information is available online. Always verify current requirements directly with the department before beginning any project, as regulations and fees may have changed since this data was last verified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a DADU (backyard cottage) on my Nashville property?
Yes. Nashville allows Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs) on single-family lots in residential zones like RS5, RS7.5, RS10, and RS15. The maximum size is 1,000 sqft. Tennessee has no statewide ADU law, so Nashville's local rules apply. No owner-occupancy requirement. You'll need a Metro Nashville building permit, and water/sewer tap fees apply if the DADU has independent plumbing.
What are Nashville's STR rules?
Nashville requires a Short-Term Rental Permit (STRP) for rentals under 30 days. Type 1 permits are for owner-occupied properties (you live there as your primary residence) and are allowed in any residential zone. Type 2 permits (non-owner-occupied) face zone restrictions and caps. Annual permit fee is approximately $325. Maximum occupancy is 2 guests per bedroom. Nashville has one of the most active STR regulatory programs in the Southeast.
What zoning district is my Nashville property in?
You can look up your Nashville property's zoning at the Metro Nashville GIS portal (maps.nashville.gov). Most single-family neighborhoods are zoned RS7.5, RS10, or RS15. Nashville also has R6 and R8 zones for attached housing, and numerous mixed-use zones. The Metro Nashville Code Title 17 governs all zoning standards.
Does Nashville have special rules for Music Row, East Nashville, or other neighborhoods?
Yes. Nashville has numerous specialized overlay districts that modify base zoning standards. Historic Overlay (H) districts like Germantown and Edgefield require Historic Commission review for exterior changes. Urban Design Overlay (UDO) districts apply in areas like The Gulch and SoBro. Specific Plan (SP) and Planned Unit Development (PUD) overlays exist throughout the city for larger development sites.
Nashville experienced major flooding in 2010 — how do I know if my property is in a flood zone?
Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) for your property's flood zone designation. The May 2010 Nashville flood caused over $2 billion in damage along the Cumberland River and Mill Creek corridors. Many Nashville properties in low-lying areas are in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) requiring flood insurance. Metro Nashville's stormwater management program provides additional resources at nashville.gov.
Source: Metro Nashville Code Title 17 — Zoning; DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) provisions. Last verified April 5, 2026. View source