Nashville Utility Excavation Permits and Ordinances
Nashville, Tennessee requires permits and specified restoration for excavation of utilities in the public right-of-way. This guide summarizes typical steps to obtain a utility excavation or right-of-way permit, on-site locates and marking, restoration timelines and inspection, plus enforcement and appeal routes. It is focused on work inside Metro Nashville public ways and links to the department that issues permits for excavation and restoration procedures. Read the steps, required actions, and who to contact to reduce risk of stop-work orders or repair obligations.
Permitting overview
Most utility excavations in Nashville that disturb streets, sidewalks, curbs or other public right-of-way require a right-of-way or excavation permit issued by Metro Public Works. Permit review covers traffic control, safety, utility locating, and restoration plans. Permit applications must show proposed limits of work, restoration method, and any traffic control plans.
Right-of-way permit information and application[1]
Typical permit steps and timing
- Prepare application package with site plan, contact, and contractor details.
- Submit application to Metro Public Works and await confirmation of completeness and fees.
- Arrange utility locates (call Tennessee 811 or the designated locate service) and allow required lead time before digging.
- Install traffic control and safety measures per the approved plan before excavation.
- Excavate and perform utility work, following permitted methods and contractor obligations.
- Complete restoration per the permit specifications and request inspection or final approval.
Restoration timelines
Restoration timing depends on surface type and season. Typical targets used in practice are temporary patching within 24 to 72 hours and permanent restoration within 30 to 180 days depending on material and weather, but exact intervals are set by the permit conditions or the City technical standards and may vary per location. If the permit or Metro technical standard does not specify a period on the cited page, that detail is not specified on the cited page and the permit will state the required schedule or inspection milestones.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is handled by Metro Public Works and the department identified on the permit; violations can lead to orders to remedy, stop-work directives, and monetary penalties where authorized. Specific fine amounts and per-day penalties are not specified on the cited permit information page. Where monetary penalties, continuance charges, or recovery of repair costs apply, the controlling ordinance or fee schedule on the municipal code or department rule will set amounts.
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, mandatory remediation, and recovery of repair costs are used where authorized.
- Enforcer and inspection: Metro Public Works issues permits, inspects restoration and initiates enforcement actions.
- Appeals and review routes: appeal procedures and time limits are set by the permitting authority or municipal code and are not specified on the cited permit page.
Applications & Forms
The Metro Public Works right-of-way permit application and instructions are published on the department permits page; a named form number is not provided on that landing page and fee amounts are published with the application or fee schedule where available. See the permit page to download the application and view submission instructions.[1]
Common violations
- Starting excavation without an approved permit.
- Failing to call for utility locates before digging.
- Incomplete or noncompliant restoration of pavement, sidewalk or curb.
- Failure to pay required fees or cost recovery after remediation by the City.
Action steps
- Apply: complete the right-of-way/excavation permit application on the Metro Public Works permits page and submit before work starts.[1]
- Locate: schedule utility locates through the appropriate locate service prior to excavation.
- Restore: follow permit restoration specifications and request inspection to close the permit.
- Appeal: if issued an enforcement action, follow the appeal route described on the enforcement notice or contact the enforcing department for review instructions.
FAQ
- Do I need a permit to excavate near a street or sidewalk?
- Yes. Excavations in the public right-of-way generally require a right-of-way or excavation permit from Metro Public Works. See the department permits page for application steps.[1]
- How soon must I restore a temporary patch to permanent pavement?
- Restoration timing is set by the permit conditions and technical standards; the permit landing page does not list fixed intervals, so check your permit or the City technical standards for exact timelines.
- Who inspects completed restoration?
- Metro Public Works inspects restoration and issues final approval or requires additional work as needed.
How-To
- Prepare: gather site plan, contractor info and schedule; confirm you will work in Metro right-of-way.
- Apply: submit the right-of-way/excavation permit application to Metro Public Works and pay any required fee.[1]
- Locate: schedule utility locates and confirm markings on site before breaking ground.
- Perform work: install traffic control, complete excavation and utility work per permit.
- Restore: complete temporary and permanent restoration as specified and request inspection.
- Close permit: obtain final sign-off from Metro Public Works after successful inspection.
Key Takeaways
- Always get a right-of-way permit before excavating in public streets or sidewalks.
- Restoration schedules are set by permit conditions; confirm deadlines on your permit.
Help and Support / Resources
- Metro Public Works - Right-of-Way Permits
- Metro Water Services
- Metro Nashville Code of Ordinances (Municode)