Nashville Building Permit Checklist for Contractors
Start here if you are a contractor preparing projects in Nashville, Tennessee: this checklist helps you confirm zoning, required drawings, permit types, fees, inspections and appeals before you apply to Metro permitting authorities.
Pre-application Checklist
Before filing, gather documents, confirm site rules and check whether your work needs additional approvals such as zoning variances, historic review, or stormwater controls.
- Completed permit application and contractor license information.
- Stamped construction drawings and specifications from design professionals.
- Project schedule and proposed inspection dates.
- Fee estimate and proof of payment method; check fee schedule with the permitting office.
- Detailed scope of work, means/methods and any temporary traffic or safety plans.
- Evidence of code compliance or previously issued permits; documentation for variances or waivers if applicable.
- Primary contact for the project and the licensed trades who will sign inspections.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement for building, construction and zoning violations in Nashville is handled through Metro Codes & Building Safety and the Planning Department; the applicable ordinance text and enforcement procedures are available in the municipal code and department pages. [2][3]
Fine amounts and escalation for permit-related offences are not consistently listed with specific sums on the cited pages; where the municipal code or department pages specify amounts they will be cited below, otherwise the text indicates "not specified on the cited page." [3]
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, administrative orders to correct, civil penalties, and referral to court for injunctions or abatement.
- Inspection and complaint pathways: file complaints or request inspections through the Codes & Building Safety contact channels or the Planning Department intake. [2]
- Appeals and review: appeals routes (boards or hearings) are administered per department rules; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages. [2]
Applications & Forms
The official building permit application, permit types, submittal requirements and fee information are published by Metro Codes & Building Safety; see the permits and forms page for downloadable applications and online submission instructions. Metro Codes & Building Safety - Permits[1]
If a specific named form or fee schedule is required for your project, the permits page links the current forms and the fee schedule; if a named form or fee appears absent, it is not specified on the cited page.
FAQ
- Do I need a permit for small repairs or maintenance?
- Minor repairs that do not alter structure, fire protection, accessibility or major systems may be exempt, but always confirm with Codes & Building Safety before starting work.
- How long does permit review usually take?
- Review times vary by project complexity and plan backlog; check the permitting portal or contact the department for current averages.
- What happens if I start work without a permit?
- You may receive stop-work orders, fines or be required to submit retroactive permits and corrective work; enforcement actions depend on the violation and the department's findings.
How-To
- Confirm zoning and use compliance with Planning before finalizing drawings.
- Assemble stamped plans, contractor license, and the completed permit application.
- Estimate fees, pay required application fees and submit via the department's portal or accepted submittal method.
- Respond to plan review comments promptly and schedule required inspections after permit issuance.
- If denied or cited, follow the department's appeal process within posted time limits or request an administrative review.
Key Takeaways
- Confirm zoning and obtain all required sketches before application.
- Fees and specific fines may not be listed on summary pages; verify the current fee schedule with the permitting office.