Nashville Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Contact

Metro Nashville’s Department of Codes and Building Safety is the permitting authority for Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County. Because Nashville and Davidson County operate as a consolidated government, applicants should verify the parcel and zoning information through Metro tools before filing. Separate municipal permitting rules can apply in neighboring jurisdictions outside the metropolitan government.

Nashville building permits and ePermits

Metro Codes describes itself as the hub for building and trade permits and the related agency approvals. Registered contractors can use the Metro ePermits system to submit eligible applications, pay fees, and review permit or inspection information. Residential and commercial applicants should first confirm zoning, site-plan, utility, fire, stormwater, historic, or transportation reviews required for the project.

Metro’s building permit process assigns a zoning examiner and a project-specific approval checklist. Submit the requested plans and supporting documents, complete agency approvals, add the contractor and license information, pay the applicable fees, and wait for permit issuance before beginning work. Use Metro’s current page for permit types and submission instructions because online availability varies by application.

Nashville inspections and use and occupancy

After a permit is issued, Metro provides an inspection checklist identifying the required building and trade inspections. Building, electrical, plumbing, and gas/mechanical work can require separate permits and inspections. The building process is complete only after the required inspections pass and Metro’s Use and Occupancy Division issues the final Use and Occupancy Letter.

For inspection questions, Metro lists the Building Division at (615) 862-6550, electrical at (615) 862-6560, and plumbing or gas/mechanical at (615) 862-6570. Report property-standard or code concerns through Metro’s official service channels and do not rely on unofficial permit-payment messages.

Nashville zoning and plan review

Metro Codes says zoning is the first step in the permit process. Check the parcel’s zoning classification and permitted use through Metro’s zoning information and parcel-viewer resources before preparing a residential or commercial plan set. The zoning examiner identifies required reviews and signoffs; applicants should follow that project checklist rather than assuming every project has the same agencies.

Official contact information

Metro Codes and Building Safety is located at 800 President Ronald Reagan Way, 1st Floor, Nashville, TN 37210. The general department number is (615) 862-6500. The official department page lists current hours, division contacts, ePermits guidance, zoning resources, and use-and-occupancy information.